700 days. 700 days of choosing myself, my marriage, and a life worth living. 700 days without alcohol. It definitely hasn’t been easy, but giving up alcohol has brought nothing but good into my life. For so long I was stuck in my trauma. I couldn’t move forward. I lived in a cycle of depression and felt like I was never going to get out of it. I don’t even know what clicked one day, but at 30 years old I was done. I walked into a meeting. I said I needed help. Then I got help. Along the way I found amazing sober friends who have become lifelong friends. I got closer to the people who stood by me while they watched me struggle for years. I made some really hard apologies. I took accountability for things that weren’t easy to own. And instead of being met with shame, I was met with forgiveness, grace, and love. My husband has walked through the trenches with me. He forgave me when I didn’t feel like I deserved it. Now we have a baby on the way who will only know a sober mom and a healthy, happy marriage. That is my greatest accomplishment. My in-laws were my rocks. Every phone call made me feel supported. Every tough-love conversation got me out of my own head. Every “I’m proud of you” meant more than they’ll ever know. I went through hell… but I made it out. I went back to school, and now I’m headed to Mizzou for social work. I healed my marriage. We were just talking yesterday about how close we are now, how we never fight anymore, and how much sobriety has changed our relationship. That’s my why. And now… I’m going to be a mom. That still doesn’t feel real to say. The Heather from two years ago would’ve never believed this was possible. I was told it could be really hard for me to have a baby, so when we started trying I was terrified. Then it happened. I truly believe getting sober gave my body, and my life the chance to heal. I’m so proud of this milestone. Not because I did it alone, but because I finally asked for help. We do recover. ❤️ - @heathermichellerichard