In today's episode, I visit a past deeply rooted belief that I deserved to suffer when I was actively drinking. I talk about ways I would inflict pain on myself—through drinking, neglecting my needs, and isolating from those who care about me. These became habits over time, and they are the manifestations of a belief that I didn't deserve better.

I share a turning point in my life where I realized that happiness isn't reserved for a select few—it's a right we all possess and that my self-pity wasn't unique. This realization lit the path to my recovery and self-acceptance.

I also explore the power of prayer and forgiveness as steps towards healing. By extending good wishes to others, I learned to release my own past pain.

Memories of past pain, acceptance, and hope for the future can coexist. I discuss how embracing the full spectrum of our emotions can aid our understanding of ourselves and how we interact with the world.

Through sobriety, I've witnessed a transformation within myself—from overwhelming insecurity to manageable fear, from a bruised ego to nurturing self-talk. These shifts have been important in building healthier relationships and maintaining my sobriety.