Kristy's Story - Part of my Journey

Here is a real-life, inspirational story of gratitude from Kristy.

Illustration of pink leaves

I guess my story starts with I was born in the small town of Lancaster SC, in 1988. My childhood probably looks a little different than most.

By the time I was 6 years old I was regularly going to bars with my mom, grandmaw, and grandpaw, falling asleep on a barstool in the kitchen.

I was what I call the family child. Everyone in my family had a hand in raising me. I was the favorite cousin, niece, granddaughter, and only child to my mom.

So when I got older I had trouble identifying who I was bc so many different personalities went into my childlike brain.

There were lots of alcoholics in my family so when I turned 13 I started partying with my mom and her boyfriend at that time.

It didn't take long for me to start using drugs and skipping school. I became very sexually active and had my first child at 17. I had my own apartment at 16.

I was basically playing house and I was still a kid. After my daughter was born I had postpartum depression. As a matter of fact, I was clinically depressed my entire life but I didn't know this until much later.

I tried to go back to school, but I had to work and I had a newborn, so I dropped out in the 11 grade. Shortly after I turned 18, my dad passed away, and he left me a huge chunk of money.

My drug use escalated tremendously overnight. I was down to 100 lbs soaking wet. I'd like to say once the money ran out I sought treatment but that's not the case.

My drug problem lasted 15 yrs, 2 more children, lots of deaths, lots and lots of jail time, I did what I had to do to stay high.

Use your imagination. If you can think it I did it.

I don't like to dwell on the past but I have to show you where I was so that my story can hopefully help the person reading this.

I really thought my life would never get better. My drug and alcohol use was no longer fun, I had to have it just so I wouldn't get sick.

I went to rehab only to use the same day I got out and spiral right back to the bottom. I lost my kids, houses, my self-respect, all confidence went out the window. I didn't like myself at all.

Finally, my higher power set up the closing chain of events that took place fore to get sober. I was getting evicted from my mom's house, I had no friends, looking at prison time, and in a crowd full of people felt so alone.

I heard the Doves Nest treatment facility thrown around a couple of times, but I didn't need long-term treatment, just 3 hots, and a cot until I could figure out my next move.

So on December 13 @ 11 pm my brother drove 2 hours to pick me up and take me to detox. I stayed 14 days under surveillance in detox, I slept the whole first seven days effortlessly.

On December 28, 2020, I arrived at Doves Nest, nervous, intimidated, guarded, scared, and alone.

For the next 5 months, I was nursed back to good health, clean and sober but more importantly, I was introduced to a God of my understanding and told that no matter what I did God would never stop loving for me and fighting for me.

That he never abandoned me. The thoughts that I had in my mind for myself were lies. That I was put on this earth to love to learn others and let others love me.

Life is a classroom and He always has my back. Today I live a clean and sober life. I'm happy, I love and others love me.

I learned I'm very wise, I've been told I have an old soul. I'm goofy as heck, I laugh.

My relationship with my children is progressing. I don't have to ever live the way I lived before, nor do u.

It doesn't matter if it's drugs, weight, sex, or whatever. You can have a meaningful life too.

All you have to do is ask God, and the best part is, He can be however you want him to be.

I hope my journey helps someone out there. Thanks and may God wrap his arms around you.

Team Gratitude

Team Gratitude

Hey, it's the team of Gratitude! We're driven to nurture the well-being of people around the world and are grateful to see you here. Connect with us at blog@gratefulness.me :)

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