I am worth it
Hi, my name is Dan and I'm an addict.
Not the typical intro you'd expect but it's the truth.
I've made a vow to be transparent in everything that I do.
I'll start by sharing my story, a bit of my past with you.
I was once afraid and ashamed to add that title to my name.
I use to say, "There's no way I'm an addict." and "One day I'll beat the game."
But I hit rock bottom and came to my senses, let down my defenses, because this my my life.
I've come to realize I'm hurting myself, my loved ones, especially my wife.
She's the apple of my eye, she's everything to me.
But because I compromised my vows that's the last thing she believes.
When you say you love someone, hurting them is the last thing you should do.
And my sober mind is haunted by the things I put her through.
It's hard to face life on life's terms, one thing I've never learned to do.
I used drugs to numb the pain and as a crutch to carry me through.
My story's built upon a pretty traumatic past.
It mirrors many youths who grew up without their dads.
But I've learned with God our lives have purpose, we're not merely links in an unbreakable chain.
Just surrender your heart and mind, watch the transformation begin.
It's a difficult road to travel and it won't happen over night.
But don't fear or get discouraged, trust me, it's well worth the fight.
It sounds crazy, but today an addict I'm grateful to be.
Because I know it was this, and only this, that could bring me to my knees.
It's unveiled my eyes to God and to my acceptance of being flawed.
To understand I'll never be perfect, but in His eyes I am worth it.
Dan Winters 2/24/16
