Tag Archives: women

A Safe Place

Posted by lifecorked in Faith, Sobriety and tagged with , , , , , , , ,

I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…

- Revelation 3:8

I follow a lot of blogs, both sober blogs and lifestyle blogs. When I first got sober, I scoured the web for sober blogs – something that would speak to me, that I could relate to. It was a very lonely time for me and I needed to know there were other women who were going through the same thing I was, and more importantly, other women who had survived it. One of those blogs was Crying Out Now. The author, Ellie, is a recovering alcoholic and created the blog so women could have a safe place to talk about addiction and recovery, “telling our truths, and breaking down the walls of stigma and denial surrounding addiction – One Story at a Time.”

Crying Out Now was a huge source of comfort for me when I first got sober and continues to be a source of support and inspiration, mainly from the amazing stories I read about other women who are going through the same challenges and joys of recovery. In addition to her blog, Ellie has recently started a podcast series called The Bubble Hour, which she hosts along with her co-founder, Lisa, where they share stories about addiction and recovery through readings and interviews.

Today, Ellie announced on her blog that she has created an umbrella organization, Shining Strong, to bring together both Crying Out Now and The Bubble Hour. In an effort to inform people, she created a video which is both informational and inspirational. Please go to Shining Strong and watch it – you’ll be amazed.

Seeking help for alcoholism and other addictions is scary. I knew I was an alcoholic long before I admitted it or sought help for it. However, when I finally did it was blogs like Crying Out Now that inspired me to get the help I needed. If you or someone you know is struggling right now, go to these sites, watch the video and know that you are not alone – you are NEVER alone.

To Blog, Or Not To Blog

Posted by lifecorked in Sobriety and tagged with , , , , ,

I’ve dabbled in blogging before, but never followed through. In fact, following through with things, or should I say the lack of following through with things, has been an issue of mine for a long time. I have every great intention, but then the fear hits me. The fear of what people will think; the fear of not being successful; ultimately the fear of not being good enough. Getting sober has helped me deal with this fear, but it still lurks in the corners of my mind, waiting to pounce on any doubt I might have of my ability to take a leap of faith.

I’ve prayed, pondered and talked with friends and family about starting this blog. Should I? Why? What do I have to say that someone else isn’t already saying? What I kept coming back to is my desire and passion to share my story. It doesn’t mean I think my story is unique or better than anyone else’s story; it just means that I have a story and more than that, I have a story and a willingness share it with others. You see, women like me are not alcoholics – at least that’s what most people would like to believe. How could an educated, middle-class mother of two sink to the depths of alcoholism? I don’t fit the mold and that is exactly why I need to share my story. For whatever reason, God has put me in this position to help others – to give a voice to those of us who don’t fit the mold, yet are struggling in silence. Behind the “perfect” life people perceive we are living, we are suffering and falling further and further into the depths of alcoholism and addiction.

For the grace of God and the support of amazing family and friends, I have made it to the other side. I am recovering. Before getting sober, I couldn’t imagine a life without alcohol. But, there is life – a wonderful, amazing life. I want this blog to be a testimony to what a sober life can look like. It’s not perfect, but it’s real.

I’m going to do my best to not let fear get in the way of sharing my story with you. I want this to be an open and honest forum where we can inspire and support each other. I hope you’ll join me in taking the plunge!