For much of my 20s, drug addiction had me firmly in its grip. I tried countless times to get clean and sober, each attempt ending in failure. The cycle of hope and despair seemed endless. Each relapse intensified my shame and made the darkness of my situation feel even more hopeless. There were moments when I completely gave up, resigning myself to a life of drug addiction that would only end in death. I was convinced that getting clean and sober was something other people achieved, not me.

Despite my desperate situation, something inside me refused to give up. Even in my darkest moments, there was a flicker of determination that urged me to try again. I would muster the strength to seek help, only to stumble and fall back into old habits. The shame of my failures was crushing. I felt like I couldn't keep going, and I often felt like I was drowning in despair.

But that flicker of persistence, however faint, never fully extinguished. Each time I failed, I somehow found the courage to try once more, in one way or another. It was a painful, exhausting process, but I kept pushing forward, even when it seemed hopeless. Eventually, after what felt like a thousand attempts, I managed to get clean for a period of time, and eventually, for good.

The lesson I learned through my painful journey was profound: persistence is a powerful force. It was only through relentless determination, even when it felt like sheer survival, that I managed to pull through. This hard-earned lesson has served me well in all areas of my life. When I decided to run marathons and ultra marathons, I drew on that same persistence, training through pain and fatigue until I crossed the finish line. In starting my business, I faced numerous setbacks, but I remembered my battle with addiction and pushed through, ultimately achieving a lot of success.

To this day, this powerful lesson stays strong in my mind to help me overcome the roadblocks on the road to my happy destiny.

Looking back, I see that overcoming addiction for me was not just about breaking free from crack cocaine and heroin; it was about discovering the strength within me to persevere through any challenge. The shame and despair of those years taught me resilience and the unyielding power of persistence.

It's a deeply personal narrative filled with moments of shame, struggle, and eventual triumph. But what I've learned is that what other people think of me is none of my business. My journey is my own, and sharing it might help someone else find their own flicker of hope in the darkness.

Here are a few life lessons I've learned and that help me further myself today:

Embrace Vulnerability: It takes courage to share your struggles, but it can be incredibly freeing and might help someone else who is struggling.

Persistence Pays Off: Keep trying, no matter how many times you fail. Each attempt brings you closer to your goal.

Self-Compassion is Key: Be kind to yourself. Life is not a straight line, and it's okay to stumble along the way.

Focus on Your Journey: Don’t worry about what others think. Their opinions are not your business. What matters is your progress and your path.

Draw Strength from Your Past: Use the challenges you've overcome as a source of strength for new obstacles. Your resilience is a powerful tool.

Today, I apply these lessons to every endeavor I undertake, knowing that no matter how many times I fail, I can always find the strength to try again.

And to anyone who is affected by addiction, there is hope. I am proof.

I'd love to connect on Facebook with you if this resonated at all.