Chapter 1: The Reality of Strength

Have you ever experienced people praising your resilience while you feel as if everything is crumbling around you? It’s quite logical when you think about it. During moments of ease—when life is sweet and carefree—who needs to exhibit strength?

True strength isn’t defined by feeling invincible. Instead, it’s about acknowledging your struggles and pushing forward regardless. That’s where the real courage lies, even if you sometimes feel as if you're just going through the motions.

"They label me as strong, but I don’t feel that way at all."

This sentiment is completely valid. When do you genuinely feel strong? It’s not during those carefree vacations or times when everything seems to be going your way—those moments require no effort or bravery.

You display strength precisely because you feel low yet continue to forge ahead. It’s crucial to understand that strength does not imply the absence of challenges; rather, it’s the challenges that contribute to your growth.

If you never had to face obstacles, how would you cultivate your experience, confidence, and resilience?

When grappling with substance abuse issues, it’s likely that you’re also navigating emotional, physical, relational, and financial turbulence. Such pressures can weigh heavily on anyone, even if you’re managing to stay sober.

If recovery were straightforward, everyone would accomplish it effortlessly. Reflecting on my own experiences, particularly during my divorce while striving to remain sober, I faced significant challenges—even in moments of clarity. I often felt as if I was failing at managing my situation.

A wise friend who had also endured a divorce offered insightful support: "Dave, you're not losing your mind. Divorce is incredibly tough! If you were feeling fantastic, I’d be concerned."

He also emphasized that it takes real strength to reach out for support—to express your feelings and engage with friends.

Another mentor provided me with a transformative viewpoint:

A good day isn’t strictly about feeling positive; it’s about fulfilling your responsibilities, irrespective of your mood.

After a challenging day, I now ask myself: Did I accomplish what I needed to? If the answer is yes, then that day was a resounding success, regardless of how I felt.

In fact, the tougher the day, the more significant the triumph. This perspective has reshaped how I define good and bad days, strengths and weaknesses, and the difference between sobriety and a meaningful existence.

Embrace your moments of vulnerability. Feel the weight of those bad days. But don’t let those feelings impede your ability to act.

Even amid struggle, remind yourself—you are victorious.

Thank you for reading. I invite you to join my growing alcohol-free community on Instagram. I look forward to connecting with you!

Chapter 2: Redefining Good Days

The first video, "I FEEL LIKE SHIT!" explores the feeling of inadequacy that often accompanies struggles, emphasizing that these feelings are part of the human experience.

The second video, "RAYE - Ice Cream Man," presents a light-hearted take on coping with challenges, reminding us to seek joy even in tough times.