Answering Questions
Recently I started a new job. A new environment, people, rules, and challenges. Myself, like most addicts, don’t like change. If we did, we would have made changes in our lives a lot sooner than we did. However, I was welcoming this change. My last job had left me unfulfilled with constant changes in my daily routine. One thing that being in recovery has taught me is if you do not like where you are, change it! So that is what I did. I started actively looking for openings and I went on interviews and things just fell into place. So I was thrilled to start a new adventure this past January at my new place of work. This new work environment was just what I was looking for. Great supportive co-workers and a positive environment. However, it wasn’t long until I was faced with answering questions that I had not been faced with before in my sobriety.
In November of 2015, I got a tattoo to commemorate my two-year birthday of being sober. It is a small tattoo on the inside of my right wrist of my sobriety date in roman numerals. It was my first tattoo that I thought long and hard about getting. Imagine my surprise that how many people are inquisitive about tattoos and ask questions about them no matter how well you know them. It was my second day at my new job when a co-worker asked me what my tattoo meant. I was kind of taken aback by the question at first. Of course, all of my friends and family know about my history and knows what it means. This was the first time anyone had asked me the meaning behind it that was just an acquaintance. I kind of stumbled at first, but explained that it was the date that I changed my way of living life. My co-worker took that explanation and did not ask for any further questions.
Let me be clear, I am not ashamed of my past. My past has made me a stronger person and I would not be where I am today if I had not experienced it. But my tattoo does represent choosing a new way of life. That life is in recovery.
On the second week of work, I was invited to a happy hour after work by some coworkers. It was the first time since I had been sober that anyone has even asked me out for drinks. In my mind, I kind of chuckled. I just mentioned the fact that I did not drink. Some of the young co-workers kind of looked puzzled and one said, “Why not?” After emitting some nervous laughter, I said, “Because I have been your age and I have done enough stupid things drinking.” They all laughed and invited me anyway to be the designated driver. I declined but told them to have a good time and be careful.
I completed my first semester at my new job and it went very well. I do know that as I get to know my co-workers more, I will find those that I can trust if they ask those sensitive personal questions. I have found out through my sobriety that not everyone has positive feelings or experiences about people in recovery. But the way the world views people in recovery is changing. Legislation is being passed to make treatment more accessible to the masses, celebrities are continually coming out about their own personal addictions, and commercials are commonplace now about how to get help for addictions. Every person in recovery can help by sharing their own story to help break the stigma associated with addiction issues. That is the fundamental basis for Heroes in Recovery– breaking the stigma!
If you would like to share your story, there are two ways you can do it. You can contact me on Facebook at Bo Brown (Nashville, TN) or click on the submit your story link on the homepage. When you share your story, you are helping others break the stigma associated with mental health and addiction issues. Please feel free to share my story or leave a comment!
Much love,
Bo