What do you remember about creating your Valley Hope Cup during treatment? What did your design represent at that point in your recovery?
The introduction of "The CUP" was profound at Valley Hope of O'Neill. When I walked into the chapel for the first time to see all of the mugs carefully placed in reverence and remembrance of those who died in sobriety sent chills up and down my body.
I didn't know and couldn't begin to understand the work, commitment and self love that was being displayed for all of us to embrace.
What I did know, is now I have a goal! My hope and dreams of wanting to be part of something greater than myself started to churn in my soul.
I hadn't been able to get to this place in a very very very long time.
My cups design emphasizes those things nearest and dearest to my heart. My family, faith and self love!
What did it mean to return for Renewal Day, see your cup again, and realize how much your life had changed in one year?
Unfortunately, like so many of us these days... With work, a family and commitments I couldn't make it back for renewal day.
The staff at Valley Hope of O'Neill was so kind to pack up my cup with words of congratulations and encouragement and mailed it to me.
My true renewal came when the cup arrived at my home and my sons 15 and 17 saw it. They knew what it meant to me but what I didn't know is what it meant to them!
They saw my cup as my trophy or medal. The cup has become an idea in our home. The promise to keep going and striving to find self love and gratitude one day at a time. Be your own champion, don't look for heroes.
Today, when you look at your Valley Hope Cup, what does it symbolize for you?
I remember that a good cup of coffee is often determined by the company it brings. I am responsible for my refills to keep my cup filled with humility.
I can often feel a metaphorical sip of hot liquid from that cup I created and it reminds me to slow down, take life and my sobriety, ONE DAY AT A TIME. Somedays its 1 hour at a time as I glance down at my hands.
It is ok now to pause in self-care and awareness!
Is there anything else about your Valley Hope Cup or your recovery journey that you'd like to share?
I wish for all those that have chose to create their own cup like i did...That their cups run over with gratitude, self love and reminders of a place that gives hope in such a dark world it can be.
People would say things like “be in the moment” and “one day at a time” and that never made any sense to me. I can honestly say that I’ve learned how to do those things today.
In the first six months of sobriety I have restored my relationships with my family and friends, fallen in love with my sober partner, thrived in my career and gotten plugged back in with communities I enjoyed before my addiction.
My passion for reading has turned into a wonderful opportunity of reading for a network that helps others. I am now two years into my volunteer work and absolutely love it!
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