39 YEARS OF RECOVERY: A JOURNEY OF GRATITUDE, GROWTH AND GRACE This year marks an incredible milestone in my life—39 years of recovery. It feels almost unreal to say that. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the life I’ve built and for what the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) has done for me. It hasn’t been an easy ride. I was just 17 years old when I found NA, and every single day since, I’ve made a choice: to stay clean, no matter what. “No matter what” meant facing life on life’s terms—the things I couldn’t control, the storms I couldn’t avoid. For years, I tried to control everything, only to find myself in pain and misery. It wasn’t until I learned to surrender and place my faith in a Higher Power—a God of my understanding—that I discovered peace. For anyone who struggles with religion or spirituality, the concept of a Higher Power can be an approachable lifeline. It was for me. The program taught me to look honestly at myself, confront my past mistakes, and recognize my character defects. But the real challenge was learning to see the good in myself, to love myself unconditionally, and to embrace my humanity. As blessings started to flow into my life—my beautiful children, loving relationships, and most recently, a business that aligns with my life’s purpose—I realized that recovery wasn’t just about staying clean. It was about building a life worth living. This year has been a roller coaster of emotions, filled with immense challenges and profound lessons. In May, my mom fell critically ill. Over the summer, I cared for her as she fought to regain her strength. Watching her transform from barely able to walk to now moving freely without assistance has been nothing short of a miracle. But amidst the joy of my mom’s recovery, I also faced significant loss. I lost two beloved aunts in the span of just two months—one of whom was like a second mother to me. She battled Parkinson’s during her final years, and I am deeply grateful for the time I was able to spend with her, helping care for her. The grief is heavy, and sadness often feels like an unwelcome companion. Yet, life moves forward, and so must I. If there’s one principle that has carried me through the highs and lows, it’s gratitude. It’s not just a feeling for me—it’s an action, a daily choice that has completely transformed my perspective and my life. Gratitude is an energy, a vibration that elevates my spirit, even on the toughest days. When life feels overwhelming, I turn to gratitude. I sit down and make a gratitude list. Writing down just five things of what I’m grateful for each day is a simple yet powerful practice that I encourage everyone to try for 30 days. It’s a game changer. Gratitude shifts my focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, from scarcity to abundance. It’s not always easy to get there, especially in difficult moments, but choosing gratitude has taught me to see the glass as half full—and these days, my cup truly runneth over. Gratitude has also deepened my connection to others. Whether it’s through supporting my mom, honoring the memory of my aunts, or working with my clients and community, I’ve found that the more gratitude I express, the more love and light I feel. Today, I stand in awe of what recovery has made possible. At one time, I couldn’t see beyond my pain and struggles. Now, I am many things: a mother, a daughter, a friend, a volunteer, a healer, and a business owner. My work allows me to live my true purpose, bringing hope, healing, and light to others. This journey hasn’t been about perfection—it’s been about progress, persistence, and faith. I’ve learned that even in life’s darkest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Recovery has taught me to trust the process, to embrace life’s lessons, and to never give up, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem. So, on this 39th anniversary of my recovery, I celebrate not just the years I’ve stayed clean but the gratitude that has become the foundation of my life. To anyone reading this who is struggling: there is hope, there is light, and there is a way forward. Here’s to the power of gratitude, the gift of hope, and the courage to keep going, one day at a time. With love and light, MariaThe Roller Coaster of 2024
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