7 years alcohol-free

Recovery is rebellious: a reminder

Hello + happy Tuesday!

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Exactly one week I ago I celebrated 7-years booze-free existence.

I almost didn’t mention it this year, because at this point it seems silly to call attention to something that feels like just another mundane fact about me, like my green eyes, graying hair, naughty sense of humor, and joyful spirit.

But then I realized that was the post.

-- Ok I guess I do have something to say:

It's important to me to show my face and share this milestone proudly and without even a sliver of shame, because I'm committed to doing whatever I can to reduce the stigma around something that is so ridiculously common. It doesn't have to be this way.

And if any of you are reading this and you are questioning the role alcohol or other substances play in your life, but you're afraid that admitting so might mean claiming a label or identity, or that you'd be signing up for a lifetime of deprivation, what I want to say to you is *you can literally create whatever new narrative you want.* If the rules you see people following don't call to you, you can make up your own. It's possible to be free of other people’s rules.

And I'm probably a broken record at this point but the question is not "do I have a problem?" Instead, ask yourself if booze/pot/etc is adding more to your life than it's taking. If your answer is the latter—CONGRATULATIONS: you get to explore, and experiment, and you can do so on your own terms. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

Recovery is rebellious, if you want it.

I started this newsletter five months shy of my 3 year “soberversary.” Here are prior essays:

One Thousand Days Free
Foot off the pedal, burners on low
Four years free
Five years free
Six years free

Today’s inspiration:

“We were not flawless, and we weren't trying to be. We were trying to avoid living by habit and inattentiveness."

Sonya Lea in "Wondering Who You Are

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SELF MADE empowers you to liberate yourself from societal programming and step boldly into a life of your design. Posts are written by me, Dani Cirignano, writer, Integral Coach, and recovery guide based in San Francisco, CA. 

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