Explore the voice of addiction, its impact on life, and how choosing recovery can help break destructive patterns to reclaim purpose, clarity, and freedom.

The journey of recovery is often framed as a sacrifice—giving something up, saying no, walking away. But in my life, I’ve found it’s quite the opposite. Over four decades of living clean, I’ve learned that this path isn’t about loss. It’s about freedom, joy, and the chance to finally live fully.

That’s 14,630 days of waking up sober—without a drink, without a drug, living life on life’s terms. Forty years of showing up fully, remembering where I parked my car, and living free of shame or regret. Saying “40 years sober” feels surreal, but it’s also the greatest gift of my life.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that go far beyond addiction-free living. Here are ten truths that four decades of sobriety have taught me:

That’s 14,630 days of waking up sober—without a drink, without a drug, living life on life’s terms. Forty years of showing up fully, remembering where I parked my car, and living free of shame or regret. Saying “40 years sober” feels surreal, but it’s also the greatest gift of my life.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that go far beyond addiction-free living. Here are ten truths that four decades of sobriety have taught me: