Here at Chris’ Corner, we know how difficult it can be to truly “trust the process” of recovery and believe that genuine happiness is achievable through sobriety. Each and every person below believed the same thing; that those in sobriety must be exaggerating their successes and happiness, that I can’t picture my life without drugs and/or alcohol, that it’s just not possible for me. Our Recovery Wall is proof that sobriety is attainable, just take a look at all these smiling faces below!
Interested in having your picture on our Recovery Wall? Email a picture to ltrusas@chriscornermilford.com
Steve Helal
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means living the life I was meant to live and being the man that I was destined to be.
What helped you most in your recovery? In the early days of my recovery setting goals for myself to originally not have a drink for a year made it seem really doable for me. The reality after only a couple of months was that a year was not going to be enough and that alcohol and me needed a more permanent separation!
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? If you're struggling to hold it together my recommendation is to find a hobby and work it to the bone! Idle hands are the devils playground!
Heidi Bayley
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery has meant a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
What helped you most in your recovery? What has helped me most in my Recovery is seeing clearly that it is a lifelong Journey and lifestyle. My Mentors and Peers (My Sober Community) have played a huge role in me staying focused and realizing that I’m not alone. Also, my new coping skills and tools that I have learned, have been key to me maturing in my Sobriety! Just know that everyone has a story that needs to be told/heard to continue to heal.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? To anyone who is struggling in Recovery, my message would be that you are stronger than your temptation, just try get through the day because you are capable of achieving anything. I would advise them to go to meetings that they’re comfortable with, and to reach out to someone else in the Community if they’re at their wits end, because we’re all in this together and you’re worth it!!!
Brian Aldrich
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery is everything to me, because in alcoholism I lost friends, a girlfriend, and did a lot of questionable things that possibly could have got me killed. I get to enjoy life now without always passing out, getting sick, or even getting stranded places.
What helped you most in your recovery? The things that have helped me most in recovery and that I'm thankful for are the PHP and IOP that I attended also volunteering at Chris' Corner. Finally I have a sense of belonging for the first time in a long time. I love my community.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? If you are struggling, don't give up but "surrender" (if that makes sense) in the sense that you have to admit powerlessness and realize you have a problem before you can go forward. It's not easy, it takes a village, but your village is here. We have all been through it, and know you are a warrior battling addiction. If recovery wasn't so great, we wouldn't brag and praise it as much as we do.
Danielle Crim
What does recovery mean to you? Sobriety Is the First Step. Recovery wouldn’t be possible without sobriety. If you had told me a little over three years ago that quitting drinking would be the easy part, I wouldn’t have believed you. But now I know—it was. The hard part was facing the reasons why I drank. That’s where the healing began. And healing is where recovery truly starts. Recovery has brought me sanity, peace, and serenity.
What helped you most in your recovery? Faith and Fellowship. What helped me most was connecting with a power greater than myself - who I choose to call God. I believe God speaks through people, and having a fellowship has been a true blessing. I like to say I have: a large fellowship, a medium-sized tribe, and a small group of close friends. All of them are sober. Being surrounded by sobriety helped me stay strong and overcome the desire to drink. These like-minded people remind me that I’m never alone. I couldn’t do this by myself—but together, we can.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? If you’re dealing with substance use or just starting recovery, here’s what I’ve learned: Get connected and stay connected with people who’ve been where you are and have what you want. Join a program—whether it’s a 12-step group, SMART Recovery, or a PHP/IOP. -that’s where you’ll learn the tools to take it One Day at a Time. And it’s very important to focus on your mental health. I live with co-occurring disorders (substance use and mental health), and it was very tough at first. But therapy and joining a mental health IOP changed my life. Keep Going. Today, I can handle life when it gets “lifey.” I’ve learned to go easy on myself, show myself grace, and trust the process. Acceptance is the key to all my problems today. And never forget— It gets greater, later. ❤
Frank Bayley
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means to me is having a clear piece of mind to think through difficult things in life that we all face.
What helped you most in your recovery? What helped me the most in recovery was focusing on one thing at a time. So, the "the one day at a time" is real.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message for someone struggling would be to stay focused one day at a time and think about how good we feel that every day goes by we stay sober. Also important, is go to meetings and make friends.
Steve Corkran
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means to me that changes can and will happen one day at a time. Trusting the processing and having faith in something bigger than yourself will lead you to your own journey.
What helped you most in your recovery? Working with someone else, healing my inner child and staying connected to people in the program of action has helped me in my recovery the most.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? It doesn't matter your background, recovery is a process of one day at a time to rebuild yourself and to be the best version of yourself. It takes time so give yourself the best gift of life, your true self.
Jen Gardner
What does recovery mean to you? The 12 Steps.
What helped you most in your recovery? Take care of myself. Routine. Prayer. Meetings. My sponsor. My therapist. My meds
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Your worst day sober will always be better than your best day using. Wait for the miracle because it will happen.
Jesse Simoneau
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery for me is a way of life, that has saved my life. The cycles of addiction I was stuck in for most of my life, were full of pain, suffering, and damage. Through Recovery, I have found a purpose that puts me in a daily position, to be a morally sound adult, to make good choices, to be empathetic, and to be constantly working on myself, and my recovery.
What helped you most in your recovery? The love and support from the wonderful people in recovery, and those that work in this field. Without the guidance, and suggestions I have received from so many awesome human beings, organizations and counselors, I really don't know where I would be.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? In a very short period, Recovery can help you to undo past damage, heal emotionally, and either get back your life, or even better, assist you in actually having a life, second to none. The miracle of Recovery is that in a short period you can miraculously turn it around, and undo years of pain and suffering. There is a solution, and if you can find it in you to surrender, and seek out the help you need so desperately, you will become another Miracle of Recovery, come join us..
Jim Evers
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery to me is freedom. Before I got sober My life was about fear of change and pretty much fear of everything. Initially drinking took the fear away but in the end it returned worse than ever. I struggled at first believing that I was too young to be sober but then I found people my age and younger who were in recovery and the journey began. It seemed slow at first but I was learning how not to drink but after a while of working thru the fear via a 12 step program my world began open up and amazing things started happening. I felt OK everyday which was a miracle in itself and in remaining sober the world opened up. My career took off and soon after I met the person that I would spend my life with. Fast forward 40 years and I’m looking at retirement, world travel and a life that is fairly peaceful. I am still active in my recovery and could not have imagined the life I have back when I was 25.
What helped you most in your recovery? The most helpful thing in my recovery was people who pushed me to change and instilled the belief that I could do anything as long as I didn’t pick up a drink.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? For folks struggling…Find your people. People who will be brutally honest, brutally loving and who are positive. No matter what happens, Do not Stop trying. You will get there, not always on the first try but you can do this.
Cheryl G
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means I enjoy life. My “yes” means “yes” and my “no” means "no". Recovery allows me to make healthy choices for me and those who are close to me. I am able to help others by moving out of selfish thinking and considering how I can serve others (both those in and out of recovery).
What helped you most in your recovery? Fellowship. Without the fellowship of those who came before me, I would not have been able to remain in recovery. Talking with selfless others who freely give their time to help me to heal is irreplaceable. Allowing me to learn by walking with others and learning to laugh again with those who came before me is the most priceless gift of my life.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Keep showing up for help (whatever that mean for you)! For me, it means attendance at meetings, having a home group, having a job within that home group, having a sponsor, calling my sponsor, working the steps out of the Big Book, changing people, places and things whenever necessary, having a Plan B when needed, taking my own car to be able to exit an event if needed. Ask for help, you will be helping someone else by doing that. Find a Higher Power, ask others about their Higher Power. H.O.W. (Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness). Read literature, and listen to learn. Meeting - time and places are available online.
Sue Davidson
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery has given me a life I never could have imagined, I get to be present in people's lives everyday instead of numbing myself.
What helped you most in your recovery? One of the best things Recovery has given me is people who understand and support me unconditionally, my Recovery community always shows up for me.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? The thing I would tell anyone who is struggling is that you are not alone, we are here for you and that there's always hope. I was hopeless in 2017, my life spiraling out of control and so alone, now I carry my message of hope to anyone that needs it. A beautiful journey one day at a time that I will share with anyone 😊
Sarah Carpenter
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means freedom, control, and peace. I have all the freedom in the world - no restrictions, no considerations, nothing. I moved across the country in 2022 (I just got too sick of shoveling nine months out of the year), and there’s no way I would have been able to do that if I was still drinking. I have control over my life - I don’t plan any and every activity over if there will be drinking, if I’ll need to bring my own booze, how drunk can I get at a family function without being disowned, again, by my mom. And peace - life isn’t always great, and I’ve gone through one of the worst times in my life while sober. The thought of drinking during those weeks didn’t even cross my mind. I knew, no matter how miserable and devastated I was, that drinking wouldn’t make it better. It wouldn’t put the pieces of my life back together - I had to do that on my own. Life will always have its ups and downs, but I no longer live in complete chaos.
What helped you most in your recovery? Alcoholic Anonymous saved my life, specifically young people’s AA (YPAA). I was 24 when I got sober - I had zero people in my life that were alcoholics, and knew absolutely nothing about AA. I thought it was for a bunch of “old” people talking about how they “lost the business” due to their drinking, and that I wouldn’t be able to relate to anything and it was pointless. At age 24, I had resigned myself to spending every night on the couch, alone, as I was convinced I was the youngest person to ever get sober. I’m so incredibly happy that that is the farthest thing from the truth. YPAA is for those who are “young at heart”, so there’s no age limit, but it definitely has a lot of younger people. I met people that have become my lifelong best friends, and my social life was more active than ever with the amount of events and trips I partook in, coupled with no longer being too hungover and canceling plans.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Sober’s better. Drugs and alcohol can be great, but only temporarily. The next day, all your problems are still the same, if not worse. And sometimes, there isn’t a “next day”. Ask for help. There is a solution.
Jonathan Brittingham
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery is more than everything. It is Life! Recovery is a chance to create a meaningful life. A chance to have a clear mind, free of our vices so we can make good choices that lead to a better future.
What helped you most in your recovery? The people and the community have been a pillar for my recovery but most importantly, keeping an open mind, listening and doing the work day by day has kept this train going (walking the walk). And it is worth it! Every minute! Even the "bad" times/days I can make good because I can but only in a sober state of mind.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Something that I've Iearned early is to keep fighting. No matter what. Just keep trying until you get it. You'll learn that your stronger than you know and when you do nothing will be able to stop you from being Great! And that is NOT cliche.
Anthony Scola
What does recovery mean to you? I take care of myself and my recovery by practicing prayer and meditation to stay grounded and focused. I regularly attend meetings to stay connected and accountable, and I do service work to give back. Helping the next person, just as others have helped me, reminds me why I stay committed to my recovery.
What helped you most in your recovery? What gives me hope today is seeing people come into recovery broken and then watching the light come back in their eyes as they rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families. Witnessing their growth reminds me that change is always possible and keeps me motivated to continue my own journey.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Recovery has changed my life in so many ways. Before I got clean, I felt lonely and isolated, struggled to keep jobs, was often in trouble with the police, and carried a lot of shame and guilt. Through this process, I’ve learned to love myself and those around me. I’ve gotten my license back after not driving for five years, I’ve been able to hold a steady job, and I now have amazing relationships with the people in my life. Recovery has given me a life I’m proud and grateful for.
Julie Sullivan
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means to me, working on myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. So I can be proud of the person I am.
What helped you most in your recovery? What helps me most in recovery is reading the AA promises daily. Stepping out of my comfort zone by going and speaking at meetings, keeping myself accountable for actions and making friendship with others people in recovery.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message for somebody who is struggling is to learn to understand what one day at a time means practice it on a daily basis be open minded take suggestions and keep coming.
Nick Pinto
What is the best part of recovery? Finding who I was again and learning to love myself… Filling that void and emptiness inside me where I thought I was worthless…
What gives you hope today? When I first started this journey, it was all the people that were here before me and seeing how happy they were without drugs or alcohol… how they walked with a purpose… and what continues to give me hope today is seeing the people that come in after and that light turns on for them… and they start to get out of their own way and get out of the misery and slowly, but surely they find who they are….
What advice would you give your past self when you first started recovery? ou are worth so much more… Your way of thinking, got you here… Let’s try something different… I promise things can only get better… Prioritize your sobriety and build solid connections and relationships, because these relationships are the ones that are going to help you… Don’t be afraid to take the suggestions…
Daniel J. Aubertin
What does recovery mean to you? It's being able to live a fulfilling life- being happy, healthy, and over coming obstacles. In AA, we can overcome anything, even situations that once baffle us.
What helped you most in your recovery? Personal growth for me comes through connecting with my higher power, and the only way I can do that is through my dad to my universe. My DAD was a great man and friend.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My answer is simple, "meeting makers make it". Keep coming and look for a great person to ask to be your sponsor.
Stephen Mandile
What does recovery mean to you? To me Recovery is growth. I grew by learning how to challenge the thoughts and behaviors that kept me living for my next dose. I grew the awareness to know that when my mind told me "you can't live without fentanyl and percocet" I could challenge it with a thought of "I did before, so I bet I can go 24 hours without, and see what happens from there".
What helped you most in your recovery? What helped me most in my recovery was love. The love I had from my family supported me through all the withdrawals, all the doubt, and still inspires me to be the best me I can be everyday. The love shared with my fellow Veteran in group therapy sessions inspired me to remember that I will never be alone because of all of my brothers and sisters.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message to anyone currently struggling, is that you are worth it. You are worthy of recovery, you are worthy of an improved quality of life, you are worthy of forgiveness, kindness, and love. Don't ever forget that. I am proud of you.
Jani Ferrelli
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery to me is freedom! Freedom to live, freedom to be productive, to be available to people that need me, to be caring, trustworthy and helpful. Freedom to me is being able to manage my day to the best of my ability without having to self-medicate just to get through the day!
What helped you most in your recovery? There are many things that have helped me over the years as I've tried to stay in recovery- my higher power, the program that understands what this disease is, and the willingness to keep coming back and holding on to recovery. So many don’t get the chance to make it back, so instead of focusing on the negative, I try to keep positivity at the front of my thoughts.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message to anyone who is stumbling is hard for me to give. I am a chronic relapser and have been praying and coming around- it feels like forever- praying for the insanity to stop once and for all. The only advice I can give is: never stop trying to get it right. I do what's been suggested. Every day I get on my knees and pray for just one day without using my substance- just for today. I know I can do it; I’ve done it before. But I really need a lot of help. When I go to bed, I get back on my knees and say thank you. It’s the least I can do, but with help I made it through, and it feels good. God willing, I’ll wake up in the morning and get to ask the same favor again- for that one day, just for today. Don’t give up. Please, just don’t give up.
Mikey Divver
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means freedom in its truest form, freedom from the chains of addiction, and freedom to step into the person I was always meant to be. To me, recovery is about uncovering my authentic self, the version of me that addiction tried to bury. It’s living with honesty, courage, and love. It’s walking through life no longer just surviving, but thriving. Recovery isn’t just about abstinence. It’s about embracing growth, connection, and the endless possibilities that come with a new way of living.
What helped you most in your recovery? What helped me most was building a strong foundation of structure and community. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous gave me a roadmap, but the fellowship gave me family. Service work taught me that the real magic happens when I stop focusing on myself and start helping others. And fitness gave me a way to channel my energy, care for my body, and push through challenges. Together, these things kept me grounded, gave me accountability, and reminded me that recovery is about balance, mind, body, and spirit working as one!
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? To anyone struggling right now—please, don’t give up. I know the darkness feels heavy, but your story isn’t over. Trust the process, even when it feels slow or painful, because every step forward is progress, no matter how small. Keep your foot on the gas! Show up, lean into the people who care about you, and fight for the life you deserve. Recovery isn’t easy, but neither is staying sick. You are stronger than you know, and the freedom you’re chasing is real. One day at a time, one choice at a time, you can build a life beyond anything you’ve ever imagined. Hold on because hope is waiting for you on the other side.
John Brunelli
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means freedom to me. Free from the restraints of the hold that a substance can have on you.
What helped you most in your recovery? My family and friends helped me through recovery. Their love and support was the ammunition to fight this battle.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message to those going through recovery is simple, don't give up, just keep standing. There is no success like failure and failure is no success at all.
Kennedy Ortaliz
What does recovery mean to you? To me, recovery means building a new way of life — learning healthier ways to cope, growing through challenges, and choosing every day to move toward something better.
What helped you most in your recovery? What’s helped me most in my recovery isn’t just one thing or one person. I’ve been blessed with many supports that pushed me toward my full potential. Being in a PHP program, surrounding myself with people who believed in me before I believed in myself, and living in a house full of women all fighting their own battles taught me so much. Even in the hardest moments, I’ve found gratitude. But honestly, the biggest help has been the negative experiences — because they taught me dignity, grace, and reminded me that recovery isn’t always easy. I’ve learned to accept things as they are and to give back what was given to me
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message for someone who is struggling is this: just hold on and keep showing up. Before you know it, the change happens, the blessings come, and your life begins to rebuild. Find someone in the program whose recovery you admire, someone whose life you’ve seen transformed, and follow that path — because it will only lead you upward.
Molly Pennell
What is your definition of recovery? Recovery - “A return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.” A simple definition, perhaps — but through the eyes of someone who has recovered, it means so much more. An awakening. A rebirth. For me, it has been my greatest achievement. It feels like eons ago that I walked through life with my eyes squeezed shut, barely able to breathe. I wanted to recover, but the journey felt insurmountable. I wrapped myself in thoughts of self-loathing and fear, consumed by everything I wasn’t, instead of appreciating everything I was. Then came a moment when I decided to try. I failed. I tried again. Today, as I reflect on the meaning of recovery, it has been 888 days of seeing the beauty life offers — sober.
What helped you most in your recovery? Recovery is not a solo process. The love and support of others were instrumental as I found my own strength. I’m not a regular meeting attendee, and I don’t often go to events, but I know they are always there when I need them. I am someone brave enough to say: I am in recovery.
What does recovery mean to you? It means it was worth the effort — to be alive, instead of just existing.
Zak Castelli
What does recovery mean to you? It means learning to love myself and others again.
What helped you most in your recovery? My family, and my network that never gave up on me in the darkest times.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Find some people that interest you and get involved in hobbies. Idle hands is the devils playground.
Kim Meszar
What does recovery mean to you? My recovery means living a life without using- a life free from the chains of addiction and one where I can be better to myself.
What helped you most in your recovery? My faith and the program helped me the most in my recovery.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? The message I have to pass on is that life without substances is possible. It is true that using will lead to death, jail or institution. My favorite saying is "Why give up everything for one thing, when you can have everything by giving up one thing?
Kim Meszar
What does recovery mean to you? To me, recovery means living a better life overall. I am able to show up for myself and the people I love in ways I couldn’t before. I care about my life now and I don’t want to risk it anymore. Recovery has become the main thing and the best thing in my life. Recovery means overcoming our battles and taking back control of our lives.
What helped you most in your recovery? One thing that has helped me the most is the recovery community. My sober supports have provided guidance, acceptance, and accountability. I am grateful for all the people I have met since I started my recovery journey. Building a sober network through meetings, working, and community involvement has helped me a lot. Opening up to others and letting them help you is important.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? To anyone who is struggling, let yourself get the help that you need. Whether its going to treatment or a meeting or just talking to someone. We can’t fight this on our own and thats okay. And also practice gratitude, “A grateful heart will never use.”
Brian Saulen
What helped you most in your recovery? The fact that I have a very well grounded foundation to build on everyday. Listen to the message that people are trying to pass on and take it into your heart and soul to rely on when times are tough.That this is a lifelong commitment which you have to and need to do One Day at a time.
Anthony Demers
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means life or death to me. It means peace and serenity, or chaos and destruction. When this alcoholic drinks, all bets are off for any kind of peace or serenity. It means being able to walk amongst normal people and accept who I am as a person in recovery.
What helped you most in your recovery? Being able to look at myself and understand that I had a part in becoming an alcoholic has been the most helpful thing in recovery along with community and connection with other addicts, trying to achieve the same things. 24 hours of sobriety and being ok with self "just for today". Helping another alcoholic has really helped me grow spiritually, mentally and physically.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Remember you are worth it. You are loved. It can and will work but only if you work for it. Recovery is pretty bad a$$. Keep pushing no matter how long it takes, and talk about your $hit.
Nicky Geromini
What does recovery mean to you? When I ponder this question, “What Recovery Means to Me?”, the phrase that pops into this alcoholic’s head is Genuine Living. Living in the here and now, the good and the bad, the boring days and the days of adventure. Living as my authentic self, free from the bondage of me. Living without needing a substance to be ok. Knowing that no matter what comes my way, I am tapped into a program and a power that will see me through. That is true freedom. It all starts with surrender. Prior to recovery, I was living a pretend life. Pretending to be someone I wasn’t, pretending I had it together, pretending to be courageous, when I was riddled with fear. Pretending to be HAPPY JOYOUS and FREE, while feeling incredibly empty, like a hole existed in my soul. In AA, I was given a set of steps that freed me from pretending and enabled me to live genuinely. Everything I used before—alcohol, people, relationships—was only temporary relief, leaving me with bigger messes and more reasons to pretend.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling?If you are still battling this disease, my message is to surrender. Lay down your pride, fear, and what you think you know—approach someone offering help and start anew. Whether here 1 day or 30 years, try a new path. When your mind says you don’t need people, meetings, or steps, that is the disease luring you away. RUN QUICK to a meeting or someone in the program and share it. You never need to walk alone again. Miracles happen here; when we are here we see them, when we are out there, we miss them.
Beau Johnson
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means a fresh start in a new way of life, making better choices.
What helped you most in your recovery? The things that helped me in my recovery are living each day, trying to be better than the one before. Going to meetings regularly and interacting with other people who are trying to do better for themselves. Also talking to my therapist and recovery coach on a regular basis.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message for someone who is struggling is to reach out if you think you have a problem and ask anyone for help, it will be worth it. Things will get better. They won’t be perfect, but you will learn that it’s worth it and so are you.
Keri Norris
What does recovery mean to you? For me, recovery means way more than just putting down the drugs and alcohol. Recovery is an attitude toward life, which tells me that I have to do the next right thing and help others so that I stop wanting to fill the hole in my soul with substances.
What helped you most in your recovery? AA, my sponsor, and friends from Chris’s Corner have made up a fellowship which I rely on to stay sober. This fellowship along with my belief in something greater than myself, has given me hope and has helped me the most to stay sober this time around.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? My message for anyone who is struggling is, don’t give into a disease that wants us dead. There is hope, we fight it in numbers, we are not alone and in our fellowship there is family.
Lindsey Alicandro
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means to me getting a second chance at life.
What helped you most in your recovery? What helped me the most in recovery was connecting with my higher power, which is Jesus Christ and relying on his strength to see me through.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? A message for somebody who is struggling is to say that there is hope on the other side of this. Get involved with some meetings and some fellowship so you can hear the stories of people who have gotten through to the other side and let the that encourage you as you struggle.
Bryan Hildebrand
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery means hope. That there can be a better future than the past. Being actively engaged in the recovery community, doing things conducive to my spiritual and physical wellbeing. Staying plugged in and constantly working to better myself from the previous day.
What helped you most in your recovery? Connection and love. Surrounding myself with people I want to be like. Finding outlets that are a positive influence and keep me out of my own way. Support from peers who are successful in their recovery as well, goes the furthest because they are people who have walked in your shoes and know how to keep up the pace. Giving back to the community what was so freely and willingly given to me, once I was willing to go get it for myself. Helping a fellow human being means the most to me and fills my cup up to the top. Respect is earned not given, and having respect from another person is what keeps me the most accountable.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? Find your community. Sometimes that’s a very small circle, and that’s okay. You don’t need hundreds of friends - just a few trustworthy souls in your corner. Use your tools. Reaching out for help does not make you a burden. Anyone strong in recovery had to ask for help and probably still has a mentor. We are constantly evolving, no one has it all figured out. Forgive yourself. Shame will walk you back out the door. Whatever you think you’ve done wrong can be amended. Secrets keep you sick - get it out of your thoughts and into the world. Getting a burden off your shoulders can make you feel a hundred pounds lighter. Stay humble and willing to take suggestions. When we run our own show, it leaves us canceled for the rest of the season. Remember: Being “us” is a 24-hour job, you take you wherever you go!!
Meredith Desrochers
What does recovery mean to you? Recovery gave me my sense of self back. I believe that there’s a light inside each of us, and alcohol tried to extinguish mine. Early in my sobriety, I was outside taking a walk and found myself wondering "has the sky always been this blue?” It felt like a fog was lifting and I was coming back to life. The veil continues to lift everyday, as I enjoy this new found freedom.
What helped you most in your recovery? My husband has been my biggest support. He embraced sobriety too, and together we are modeling a substance free life for our kids. Also, I can't thank AA and the recovery community enough for all the wisdom and guidance. I'll never forget my first meeting—I was terrified, but I could see something in those people that I deeply wanted. What they had was serenity.
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? I have never met a single person who regrets getting sober. Not one. Recovery is a gift, and it just keeps getting better. Sending love to all of you—keep going, you are worth it.
Shannen Roy
What does recovery mean to you? For me, recovery means letting go of everything I once was—leaving behind the many versions of myself that endlessly failed. To stop numbing my existence like I had nearly all my life. Alcohol was my way to escape, to pretend I could be anyone but me. I hated myself. I drank to fit in, to be “normal,” to be likeable, to fight the “freak” label. I drank to be bold, brave, human—part of something. Recovery is taking off the mask, finding strength to face the person in the mirror, and truly “see” her. Recovery saved my life and continues to every day.
What helped you most in your recovery? The fellowship has been a vital part of my recovery. I always felt alone and built thick walls, but for the first time I feel a sense of belonging—a safe place to call home. The faces I’ve met, I truly call friends. Each share gives me hope and inspires me to continue, even when it feels impossible. This is my family now. The unwavering support, love, and genuine care—no matter who you are or how much time you have—reminds me I am not alone and my story matters. My daughter inspires me daily, and my dog, Nova, is truly my emotional support BFF!
What message do you have for someone who is struggling? You have to do this for yourself—always put recovery first. Without my recovery and the tools I’ve acquired, I know I wouldn’t be alive today. Just show up! Show up tired, scared, broken, messy, vulnerable—it doesn’t matter. Focus on the day, 24 hours at a time. Without recovery, I don’t think I’d still be here, or at least my life would look very different. Find your people, your tribe, your crew. Lean on us, it’s okay to ask for help… we got you!
“The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation.”