My name is Bev, aged 41 years, married with 2 children. I live in Manchester and today I have been sober for 2062 days.
It took me a very long time to openly share this but now I'm happy too. If I can help just one still suffering alcoholic by reading this then I’m happy.
Here's my story.
I liked cider in the park at age 14. Like we all did. I liked going to the pubs at 16. Like we all did. Fast forward a few years and I also liked getting smashed in the pubs every weekend to the point of blackout. When I think now about that word “Blackout” it’s pretty scary stuff! To not remember things and not be in control of yourself sends shivers down my spine. But at the time I didn’t care. Weekend drinking then became week night drinking and it spiraled out of control from there.
I was not a nice person. Not intentionally, but I really was not good to be around.
Without going into too much detail, in the end, I didn’t choose to drink, the drink chose me. And that’s where it had to end.
In 2015 I went away for 4 weeks to get the help I needed. I admitted I was an alcoholic which was the hardest step and that's where the work began. They helped me detox and gave me the tools I needed to recover from this dreadful disease. They introduced me to AA and I built up a strong friendship with like-minded people. I call them “the winners”. I stick with the winners. And they are my friends for life.
Rehab and AA saved my life.
Today without a drink I am a better person, both mentally and physically. I am a better mum, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, and all those things. I'm not boring because I don't drink and alcohol doesn't make the world go round.
They said to me if I do all the correct things then life will be beyond my wildest dreams and today I'm living that and more. To me, nothing is worth picking up a drink for!
Since becoming sober I have become a qualified personal trainer and set up my own business coaching girls to help improve their fitness and confidence. I have a large network of girls who when I sit and look I smile because I am so proud of myself and what I have achieved
In sobriety I also found a love of CrossFit which is my hobby, it’s my happy place. I have competed in fun competitions and also raised monies for charities with things like half marathons also.
I just love helping people.
I am sharing this as I want people to know that anything is possible but you have to put the work in and if you are struggling with anything in life to reach out and ask for help.
It's OK to not be OK.
Today I focus on who I want to be.
I do all this for my family but most importantly ME!
Life just gets better and better and I am extremely proud of the person I am today”
Bev Beeley
Sobriety date 25.7.2015
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