“Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous.”
– Brene Brown
When I entered treatment a year ago, vulnerability was a flaw, a defect that would ultimately hurt me as a man. That wall was broken down very quickly. I learned to share my emotions as well as my story with others. I learned to open myself up because I was taught that I could not overcome the disease of addiction alone. I’d like to say that this year has been easy, but quite frankly it has been one of the most challenging of my life. That doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been rewarding. This past year has given me things that I never thought possible; and it all started with me being vulnerable, being open to people and ideas and of course: asking for the help. I have been given my life back, I have friends who are all part of my social support network. I have been given my family back; surprisingly enough my family wants me around. It’s a nice feeling to be wanted, something that I have never experienced until now. A year ago I broke down and asked for help, a year ago I sat with my head in my hands and cried, I had no hunger for life. Today, after overcoming thousands of obstacles, I sit with my head high, today I cry because I am happy, because I am clean, and because I love being alive. This year has given me the chance to be happy, the chance to be clean, and a new kind of driving desire, not to be intoxicated by drugs, but the ache to be alive.
Nate F
Jaywalker U Student
