Substantial Accomplishments

             I want to explain to you today three of the most important accomplishments I have thus far been able to accomplish in my life. I know there have been more than just three and this has been extremely tough to narrow down so I hope there is appreciation for what I have chosen and why.

Buying a home

            One of my most proud moments in life has been being able to purchase my first home. It was a lengthy process of paying down debts, saving money, working a second job that took time away from family, and a huge learning process. Because of this I have been able to learn so much about being responsible and owning up to your past mistakes. Most importantly I have been able to keep our home through a loss of job and through two jobs after the loss that was hard to live off of. We have never been late on a payment and have owned it for almost five years at this point which makes me proud. When I first bought the home a friend of mine said that, “If you can make every payment for a year then you can for five years. If you can make every payment for five years then you can pay off the mortgage.” This is wisdom I cherish.

Having Children

            Because I started the path towards adulthood late because I squandered my young adulthood for a variety of reasons and because of that I was under the mindset that I would never marry and have a family. Fast forward to today I have a two beautiful little girls that I completely adore and love more than I ever thought possible. I remember thinking that I could not possibly take care of a child let alone myself when my wife was pregnant the first time. So much has happened since that initial thought and I am glad to see how much they have helped me to grow.

Sobriety

            I am pretty sure that none of this would be possible if I had not chosen to become sober I would never have left my little mental bubble that kept me from being able to start making real progress in my life. Getting sober was far from easy as well and I have my days when I wonder what I would be had I not, but I am glad I am and will be for the rest of my life.