Scarlett Chesser

May 5, 2023  280 days of sobriety! (9 months and 6 days) I recently celebrated 9 months of sobriety. Last year, this time, I had no clue that my life would be forever transformed in the upcoming months. I was looking for all the answers to the pain and misery I was experiencing, but unfortunately, the more I looked, the further down the bottle I fell. In so many forums and discussion boards that I partake, many people will ask, “What was your turning point?” My turning point was when I could no longer look at myself in the mirror because the guilt, shame, and remorse were unbearable. Drinking had become the epicenter of my world.  Unfortunately, in May of last year, although I had not hit my rock bottom, I was in the process of digging a hole that would take almost a miracle to get out of. At this time, I was preparing for my final reconstructive breast cancer surgery. I had the perfect opportunity to dwell in self-pity and therefore choose to consume excessive amounts of alco...

 January 29, 2023 6 months! This morning I went to a meeting and graciously received my 6 month chip!  Upon leaving my meeting, I sat in the car and tears began to roll down my face. I was overcome with complete joy!!!  Ironically, the song, "Maybe It's Time" sung by Bradly Cooper in the movie, "A Star is Born" came across my Spotify. When listening to the lyrics, there were some that just were profound to me. "Maybe it's time to let the ole' ways die...I'm glad I can't go back to where I came from, I'm glad those days are gone, gone for good." Today, I was literally able to let an old piece of me die, and it felt so liberating.   I find that when listening to or reading personal stories of recovery that they have 3 things in common: what we were like, what happened, and what are we like now. My story is no different than many, but it is my personal journey into 6 months of sobriety. It is MY story as of TODAY...forever editing deta...

  November 19, 2022 112 days Unmanageable. That was what my life had become prior to sobriety.  Completely and utterly unmanageable.  I was so desperate for a solution, I would have done almost anything to get some manageability back into my life. I felt like I was a failure at everything, all aspects of life...my home, my relationships, and my health. Desperation was what finally led me to make a choice, and I pray that it will be one that lasts forever.  Sobriety was the remaining key that could lead me out of the hell hole I had gotten myself into.   In the end of July, I checked myself into rehab with the assistance of my husband. It was something we had discussed and arranged for days prior to my arrival. My home, and all aspects of it, were failing.  I was spending my days planning my next drink or drinking.  Boredom/loneliness were huge driving factors for many of my alcohol driven habits. I am learning that now. I have had to retrain mysel...

 November 11, 2022 104 days Yesterday evening was another huge accomplishment for me.  The task...shopping for a new Christmas tree! Sometimes, the simplest things, an alcoholic will turn into something formidable. My challenge was to actually enjoy doing something with my family, without thinking about alcohol the entire time.  I accomplished that!!! I also had fun and felt very loved.  Our evening began going to Lowe's to look at artificial trees.  We have always bought real Christmas trees in the past, but to be honest, I am tired of the mess and hassle a real tree brings.  Real trees also don't smell like I always dreamed they would.  At this point, I can buy a candle to capture that ambiance! LOL! James and I argued like we normally do about price and styles, etc. We are not perfect by any means, but I love that man whole-heartedly. We left Lowe's without any luck!  Our next stop was Home Depot! We walked in, and I felt like I was in the scen...

  November 9, 2022 102 days A storm is brewing!!! HURRICANE PARTY!!!  Well, not here, at least! Okay, so I used to love the idea of getting off from work and doing hurricane prep, to simply be satisfied with the notion that I could drink at home in isolation for the next few days. Trust me, it was no hurricane party, but the idea of doing anything else, just seemed displeasing.  I had no clue how much I had engrained this into myself.  It had become a routine. A vicious cycle, once again.  Yesterday afternoon, I was so relieved to be able to get off work and do hurricane prep.  What I didn't realize is how strong the urge to drink would soon follow. I mean it hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday afternoon. I got the house all secure, and then the idea of sitting at home, ALONE, for the next few days became a true reality.  What the hell was I going to do?   Unfortunately, the thought of hurricanes, unnerves my daughter.  She has every r...