- Alcohol
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Submitted by: Hillary Belk
I have come to realize on my recovery journey that everyone crosses paths for a reason. It was very fortunate for me to meet this amazing woman while doing volunteer work at a treatment center. I sat down and we started talking. The conversation happened very naturally. Meeting new heroes along the way is such a blessing. I am happy to introduce you to Tracy C.
How long have you been on your recovery journey?
I have technically been on my recovery journey for three years. I was incarcerated through that time period. Since this was the case I am just going to count from yesterday so that makes it 24 hours in recovery.
What is the biggest positive change in your life since then?
I am not the same person I was three years ago. I am no longer a spiteful and devious woman.
What led to your need for recovery (from substance abuse or some other issue)?
I became tired of the lifestyle. I got tired of putting my kids through all the things they were going through due to my choices.
What was the turning point for you?
I received adoption papers and had an overwhelming feeling things needed to change.
What is one important truth you’ve learned through the process?
You can lie to other people, but you can’t lie to yourself.
What are you most proud of about your life today?
I am most proud of my children. They have been able to stay strong and work through everything despite how life has been for them.
What is one of your biggest struggles in ongoing recovery? How do you overcome that?
My biggest struggle is past relationships, including my romantic relationships and friendships. If they truly cared they would want me to succeed and not bring me down.
Are there goals you have met that you are satisfied with today?
Making it through my prison sentence and coming out a better person.
Is there a truth or piece of advice someone shared with you that has helped you on this road? “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”
What would you tell someone at the beginning of this journey that is afraid they can’t do it?
Anybody can do what he or she sets their mind to, you have to be the one to do it. You can’t do it for somebody else– you have to want it!