For over 20 years, I used drugs and alcohol to cope with anxiety, chronic pain, and the lasting effects of a traumatic childhood. I started smoking weed at 14, and by my late teens, I was using harder substances. Life continued this way until my daughters were young, and I realized I wanted to be fully present—not just for them, but for myself. At 37, I got sober. It’s been 10 years now. Along the way, I also navigated a divorce, co-parenting young children, rebuilding family trust, and forming a new, healthy relationship. Sobriety gave me the clarity to build a life rooted in mindfulness, therapy, movement, and personal accountability. I’m a certified peer recovery specialist and mindfulness teacher today, and I’m passionate about helping others find their own way through healing, whether that’s staying sober, repairing relationships, or simply learning to live with more intention.