Publisher’s Note:

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Barbara Nicholson Brown

While I’d like to believe I’m in complete unwavering gratitude all the time —I’m not. I’m a work in progress, graced with a daily opportunity to grow and learn. Each sober day is a gift, a humbling reminder I’m not in control.

Years ago, I was told recovery was like peeling an onion. Each layer would reveal the symptoms of my dis-ease. It was about uncovering, discovering and discarding. Uncovering the reasons why I used; discovering how my way of living wasn’t working (never had), and discarding the blame, shame, guilt.

Working the 12 steps is not a one-time fix for me. To maintain and enhance my recovery, I regularly need to ask: “Am I honest? When wrong, can I admit it? Do I feel good in my skin? Am I helping another? Am I in “my bubble” or being part of the collective group? Am I able to forgive myself and others? When forced to take a hard look at the woman in the mirror, am I okay with her?” If I am, it was a successful day.

I am deeply grateful for the collective effort that brought this Alcohol Awareness Month edition of Together AZ to fruition. My sincere appreciation to Dr. Jon Caldwell of The Meadows, whose expertise and insights are invaluable, and to each contributor, whose perspective enriches this important issue — of healing and recovery. Thank you for your commitment to raising awareness and inspiring success on the road to recovery to our community.