Chapter 1: The Turning Point

In the darkest hours of the night, when desperation set in, I often found myself reaching out to the AA hotline. It was during these late-night calls, usually between midnight and 3:00 AM, that I encountered passionate women who had embraced sobriety. They spoke fervently, urging me to attend "90 meetings in 90 days," read the Big Blue Book, complete the 12 steps, and find a sponsor. Their stern yet caring tone often led me to respond with indifference, saying "yeah, yeah, thanks" before ending the call.

I did attempt to attend a few meetings, yet the individuals I met there seemed to have endured far worse struggles than mine. Their stories of rock-bottom experiences were haunting, while I believed I was capable of juggling work, family, and leisure activities—all while drinking. Or so I thought.

The last time I drank was a culmination of unfortunate events, and the hangovers were excruciating. I'll spare you the gruesome details. My young daughter, spending the weekend with her father, made it clear: "Mom, if you're drinking again, I'm not coming home."

Dennis, my boss at the restaurant, confronted me, saying, "Jan, I'm not making excuses for you anymore." After calling in sick due to a horrific hangover, I reached a breaking point and called the AA hotline once more.

Sharon answered my call. She asked me questions, listened intently, and although I can't recall how long she listened, I remember feeling her genuine concern. "Why don't we meet and see if we can support each other in staying sober? There’s a meeting in the park tomorrow; would you like to join me?" I often wonder if I would still be here today had Sharon not been there to take my call. She became my sponsor.

Walking into the AA meeting the following morning, August 12, 1989, I knew in my heart that I was ready to abandon alcohol and drugs for good. Until that moment, I had experienced a revolving door of sobriety—quitting for weeks or even months, only to return to my old ways.

I learned that while I could temporarily stop the behavior, my mindset remained unchanged. Our thoughts shape our actions, which ultimately produce our results. I realized I had to shift my perspective and visualize the person I wanted to become—the sober Jan.

This new, sober Jan needed a guiding force, so I turned to Jesus Christ, a Higher Power I had known since my childhood.

Now sober, I felt a yearning for something greater than merely avoiding drugs and alcohol. But what could that be?

As I reached three months of sobriety, the leaders of the 7:30 AM AA meeting invited me to chair the session once a week. I was taken aback—"Me? What could I possibly share that would resonate with them?" Most attendees were older men with years of sobriety under their belts.

Yet, I began to think that perhaps God had granted me a second chance at life, and this sober Jan could lead others. While reading "A New Pair of Glasses" by Chuck C., I stumbled upon a powerful statement: we were chosen by God before the foundation of the universe. That struck me profoundly, as it echoed Ephesians 1:4. The realization that God, knowing my past failures and mistakes, still chose me was exhilarating. It implied that my life held meaning beyond simply avoiding alcohol.

Curious if others in the AA group recognized this truth, I felt compelled to share my revelation. However, my enthusiasm was met with silence—no smiles, no cheers, not even a nod of acknowledgment.

Though I felt embarrassed and ashamed, I ultimately realized that I didn't care about their reactions. Deep down, I knew I was chosen, and I was determined to stay sober, one day at a time, as I continued to discover my purpose.

The first video titled "Ben Affleck Opens Up About Getting Sober" showcases the actor's personal journey of overcoming addiction. In this candid discussion, he reflects on the challenges he faced and the steps he took towards recovery, emphasizing the importance of support and determination in the process.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

The second video "Getting Sober and Staying Sober: How to Make Recovery Stick" offers valuable insights into maintaining sobriety. Experts share practical strategies and personal stories, highlighting the significance of community and ongoing commitment in the recovery journey.