Finding sobriety on a mountaintop | Scott Strode | TEDxMileHigh

[@angelinehernandez4838]

Last time I watched this I was 24hrs sober and now I’m watching again 5 months sober in tears and proud of myself. I haven’t been able to give myself credit.

[@crwdavis]

Just remember why your doing this, your doing it for you. I just stumbled, falling short of a year of sobriety. With the help of my therapist I realized I was staying sober for the wrong reasons. I was staying sober for my wife and kids, not for myself. They policed me for a year, or I allowed them to police me for a year. Last month I had to return to work, alone, and I relapsed. Very important to remember, the primary reasons to stay sober is for yourself, for selflove. Be proud of where you are going and where you have come from. You deserve it.

[@1ahmadz]

Angeline ! Bravoooo 👏 hope you are stil going strong !

[@TheLastGentlmn]

Atta girl!! Keep it up 🙂

[@casandramatthews420]

Congratulations! Keep fighting you got this!-Reign

[@DadandAshton]

You still with it?

[@leah8342]

I almost relapsed today. I came here to find motivation and think about healthy choices. To everyone out there struggling with addiction, keep fighting. We are all in this together ❤️

[@aceboogie5647]

Hoping and praying You are still sober??

[@jonathanplante6561]

I came here to leave the exact same comment. Im greatful i found this and someone else saying the same thing. I hope youre still on your journey and im proud to be able to say i am still on mine. Best of luck.

[@BudzBunny422]

I just started it will be forever struggle but we got this

[@BudzBunny422]

I just started it will be forever struggle but we got this

[@BudzBunny422]

I just started it will be forever struggle but we got this

[@betterbee1304]

I'm 23 days sober. I think I'm in the right place.

[@OutandAboutWithDiane]

Emily Levine keep it up. I’m on 3 months. Hiking helps!

[@dianeb3150]

Good for you keep going strong!!

[@OutandAboutWithDiane]

Diane B now 5 months woohoo

[@navysteve95]

Emily Levine, you still trudging?

[@michaelbobadilla]

Im at hour 6 and not gonna lie, it’s already hard. I’m going to watch this video every day

[@jonahprate8192]

3 years sober from coke and ketamine and this video still cuts like a knife. Im in tears watching this video as a full grown man. This is a message to all addicts that the path out is there for everyone. Recovery is struggle but in that struggle there is so much to learn and grow from. Recovered addicts are some of the strongest people i am proud to know and call friends. You are worth that effort to become that person who you want to be

[@deenkwaan9968]

In tears while I watch this......I have been 48 hours sober/Alcohol........

[@vegansaxon3962]

Deen Kwaan Getting a few tears myself..Its been just a week for me..I don't care for lifting weights, but I do want to get stronger eith bodyweight exercises...and I want to NEVER drink again

[@deenkwaan9968]

24 DAYS SOBER! :-)

[@e4mafia8283]

Deen Kwaan keep it up! You’re bound to do great things!

[@deenkwaan9968]

Thank you so much! still sober and getting stronger, and my head is finally starting to "clear" in so many ways :-)

[@brianoneill2776]

@@deenkwaan9968 hope your still sober pal

[@virginiagarcia6032]

I’ve been sober 2 years and was having a bad morning and came upon this. Thank you

[@AMateofAndrews]

I can relate...

[@reidhanson4827]

Any addict that has achieved (or not) sobriety understands perfectly why he's wearing that shirt. He's a brave man and one with incredible will power. I applaud his pride in his sobriety.

[@Seymour-Butts_666]

Reid Hanson nah I don't understand why he would wear a shirt like that other than he's turned his "crack" addiction into an addiction of telling people he's sober.

[@Hohmies86]

AA is based on attraction not promotion

[@markg.4246]

“Willpower” has nothing to do with it.

[@paulinewhalen6761]

Totally agree about the children , keep them healthy and safe and slowly watch the world become a better place 💖

[@thetruthk5138]

Certainly not your family and friends will notice you are different a tee shirt a gimmick people will and do notice You have changed for the better!!

[@michaelhager1071]

Currently 9 days sober and im in an impatient treatment facility. What a great thing this man has done. God bless him and the counselors here and the men that made this treatment center possible. I truly believe its saving my life.

[@derekgregg9009]

Still sober I hope

[@chrisjowaisas95]

For years I've battled in my mind, trying to convince myself I can moderate alcohol...then I fail over and over, I quit, then I start again trying to moderate. It's been a frustrating and shameful cycle. I hide it from friends and family, even my girlfriend. I feel like I am finally facing it head on: I cannot moderate alcohol. And I am a happier person without a drop in my life. Our society feeds us misinformation our whole lives about this extremely addictive, extremely destructive substance and in that, we are all victims in a sense. This video is inspiring on so many levels.... for me, running has been such a savior, so many naturally induced feel good chemicals, pride, focus.... so I get it. I hope that I can continue to walk the sober path and I wish all of you well on your journey.

[@OutandAboutWithDiane]

Thank you for this. Hiking has made me stay sober. I’ve only been sober for 3 months but every time I feel like using, I go out and hike. You have encouraged me to share my journey on my channel. Next year I am hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail in hopes to finding who I am.

[@kevinlyons8626]

Great way to discover yourself

[@Makethetruthyourown1990]

Are you still sober?

[@paigeboughal9599]

I hope you did go on that trip 💖

[@celestedallas3579]

It’s never just ‘only.’ Hope you’re still doing the best for yourself!

[@reginafisher9381]

I just woke up sober day number five,I loved this talk,I am so ready to start the next chapter in my life! This talk brought tears to my eyes and I am grateful .

[@casandramatthews420]

Take it one day at a time. Never give up you got this!

[@SoberChefEric]

I'm a proud member of this tribe. I love making new people feel welcome. It was because this group that I feel worthy of being loved.

[@FynePr1ntWilliamsMUS1C]

Oct 12, 2018 marked 7 months sober for me. My sobriety has improved my life in every way imaginable. I refuse to move in reverse, only gr8tness from here on out ✌😎💯👑

[@Brock267]

this guy hit the nail on the head, these little traumas accumulate over time and you may go to despair and start feeling worse and worse so you grab a glass more and more I think we should concentrate on opposite of trauma and that's our blessings and things we can be proud of, currently what we have or which we were lucky to experience, like I have a good wife, healthy children, well paid job, I live in a great country, I have been on great soccer match with my friends, I got a kiss from beautiful girl on a party, I experienced birth of my child, I climbed a mountain, .... thinking and reminding this stuff is important to beat that trauma inside of each of us

[@looneytunes105]

One year and 6 months clean and sober....the best life I’ve lived in 55 years..and counting!

[@navysteve95]

Looney Tunes How is the Journey going?

[@SamuelGegen]

amazing!

[@looneytunes105]

Steve Calderbank it’s still going, life’s better learning to live in emotional sobriety. Now 2 years and 5 months clean and sober!

[@Makethetruthyourown1990]

Are you still sober?

[@looneytunes105]

@@Makethetruthyourown1990 my clean/sober date is 1/1/18.. just celebrated my 3rd year, looking forward to my 4th ❤️

[@joshuagarrod3194]

This made me cry with happiness, I'm still struggling with my alocholism, but this guy said so many things I can relate to. I'm proud of him

[@ven0006]

Hope you are going ok Joshua?

[@charlesoshea5310]

Me too joshua.. how u been. Its been a while. R u doing ok

[@AlohaJimbo]

You can do it friend! I don’t know you but I’m sending you strength

[@pearlsummers8140]

you can do it Josh 🤍🤍🤗🤗

[@sirenitaaaa3152]

I have a drinking problem and I am watching videos to help me. I want a healthier life. This video has been the most helpful I have seen. I like to exercise and I have always been good at sports. Maybe this is the answer for my problem. Thanks 😊

[@montgomery1231000]

watch Leo Gura

[@pauldebruyn4389]

There's only one thing that will help you succeed. Find something that you can love more. My 30 year addiction ended 8 years ago when I realized my wife and family is more important. 8 November 2021 will be 9 years sober. I pray that you will stay motivated.

[@grammydiclempa4088]

Get into a good NA OR AA program with younger people that are active and like going to the gym, camping, rock climbing, and sports!

[@TSJ99]

@montgomery1231000 DO NOT watch Leo Gura. Nothing but a fake cult leader

[@eddieparrott8764]

I’m extremely grateful to find myself a week sober from everything at age 20. I feel better than ever and I am blessed to have seen the light at the end of the tunnel.

[@AenyLizom]

I'll come back here and say i made it❤ let push together🥰

[@Dovietail]

My beloved cousin died of multiple organ failure today after trying to quit drinking for years and being noticeably sick for less than a week. She left 2 precious little boys behind. We are devastated.

[@gomezalejandrog]

I'm going on day *3 with no beer. Other than sweating profusely I think I'm feeling pretty well.

[@ViciousDelicious8]

Hope that went well for you

[@BronzeCoin]

Sober from alcohol for 1yr 7 months. I've gotten my life together, performing at peak performance at my job, healed my mental traumas, back in school. Sobriety is the best gift life has ever given me, and I'm thankful and grateful for my second chance at life. I was lost, hopeless and on my way to an early death until I decided to take sobriety seriously. Not every day is easy, I have horrible days still. But I can overcome anything I put my mind to, and with the full power of my mind and body I can take life head on and climb any mountain. Nothing matters more to me than my continued sobriety, and will hold my hand out to anyone that wants to join me in this journey. I'll be an addict for the rest of my life x, but that doesn't scare me anymore. I embrace who I am and the way I work, and go from there. If you're out there struggling, you can overcome and live a happy life. There's always hope, there's always a path to a better future. Don't give up, don't beat yourself up. Keep your head up, and never give up. ❤

[@menace2societyyyy]

I am 72 hours sober from alcohol today. I plan to make it to 2 weeks. I have had enough. I've ruined so many relationships while drunk and even tried to fight a stranger in the grocery store for no reason while drunk. I'm a totally different person when I drink, feels like I'm robbing the sober me of so much. Hope to be back here in 2 weeks, I'm feeling determined 💪

[@raton69al]

I need someone to talk to that can relate

[@Disorderly_mama]

​@@raton69alI'm here

[@arehay]

This is arguably the most inspiring thing I've watched, read or listened to since I've gotten sober.

[@SNIPERG647]

I'm stuck in a horrible cycle that I can't break, the mother of my children is slowly getting fed up of me. I don't know why I keep turning to the drink, but these videos are helping. Thank you. Day 1

[@reubenstart2885]

I'm in the same place... I hope things are going well

[@SNIPERG647]

@@reubenstart2885 My friend, i lost everything. im now homeless living with friends and family.. stay strong to yourself and dont let it do to you what it has done to me.. god bless you man

[@erindavies3613]

Know that God loves you RIGHT where you are. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. You have so much hope and a future. Give all of your struggles to God and let it be His load. Talk to Him. He’s right there. I’m praying for you.

[@Levi-ql2os]

@@SNIPERG647 How are you right now ? I really do hope that you're better than your last comment 11 months ago.

[@SNIPERG647]

@@Levi-ql2os Thanks man. I’m now homeless but getting on a lot better with my children’s mother. I had a mental breakdown and had to leave. I don’t drink anymore, well on my way to recovery and rebuilding my life. I forgot I even commented here, two years went really fast. Thanks for the response man. Best wishes ✌️💪👍

[@salvatoredavi1732]

Am sober 4 months 🙏🏻 never been so happy ❤️ (if I can do it PROMISE YOU CAN ALSO DO IT) you gotta to what it you have to give it your 💯 all and I promise you you will come out on top!!!

[@sifuanimikiig9266]

... breathing focus and breathe... you got this! ...

[@heathermariearmbrust]

I love that Scott is bringing trauma to the forefront! It needs to be talked about- it is the largest health crisis! Thank u Scott!🙏💓

[@conor2329]

I am 26 days sober and feel so much better for it

[@salaamakbar3630]

Conor Riches IT ONLY GETS BETTER!!!

[@jimdor8353]

still sober?

[@conor2329]

Jim Dor yes mate :)

[@petegeraghty2587]

Conor Riches stronger day by day keep it going,,

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

cg 75577 God be with you.

[@tategunning7379]

Wonderful message by a professor of recovery, Scott Strode. His organization, Phoenix Multisport, has worked with over 19,000 students in recovery, and holds over 3,000 yearly events for addicts.

[@nicholasbatshon8827]

I'm 8 days sober and so impowered and yet so scared but I absolutely believe I'm ready for working to get better

[@carmennemura6138]

Oh god he reminds me my husband so much. Same story, divorce, bullying, bi polar disorder. He was an alcoholic and drug addict for almost 25 years. Started at 11 too. He is now been clean for 6 years, he works his 12 steps daily, in addition to daily meditation. It’s a lot of work but is possible, you need to find the root cause to be able to heal.

[@mariannewolf57]

The most inspiring talk about sobriety. Heartfelt and encouraging. GO Scott- GO Phoenix!

[@dther1878]

This is talking about the phoenix program right?

[@mariannewolf57]

@@dther1878 - Yes, it is. Very best to you on your passage!

[@carlosvelarde7561]

15 hours or so.. I feel super motivated this time but I have felt this before and lost the battle, I feel real confident that I’ll stay sober this time.

[@brianadelgado1727]

That’s how I feel rn…..

[@jenmanzella7026]

This made me cry, I want to participate in something like this. I think it would help more than treatment

[@abelardovillafuerte7481]

Help this guy in his 10 day sober. Thx dude.

[@hunterthesicilianratpack8716]

Finding your passion and joy of life resets your mind I understand what Trauma does our body keeps the score. Learning to release and let go of the pass is the secret to healing our body and soul.

[@bgarrison3315]

Very inspirational and so many similiarities!! I too became an addict/alcoholic at a very young age. Although I was also an athlete at a young age (tennis) I still used drugs and alcohol. When I finally hit rock bottom at 46, I decided to delve into my sobriety with hiking/trail running and gym workouts. I started a 3H club called hiking for health and happiness with my fellow friends in recovery. Phoenix is doing exactly what I had hoped to accomplish. I have 14yrs of sobriety thanks to my healthy way of living. I'm 60 and still climbing mountains! SO very excited to have Phoenix in my hometown and to play such an important role (again) in helping my fellow friends in recovery. THANK YOU Scott!!!

[@GOODTYNESOUTDOOR]

I'm on day 15 no alcohol I was getting bad. I have a new fire in my soul!

[@93maverick]

5 days for me, getting mine back

[@Wood-16]

The fire inside is a powerful feeling

[@BrewCrew-tq8oy]

Struggling with alcoholism now, I don't wish it on anyone. 3 days sober

[@markg.4246]

Stop “struggling”, and start living in the solution. Get to an AA meeting.

[@mercedeshughes3350]

EVERY second counts.. Good for You

[@Jamie-zi2nf]

After years of struggling with alcoholism, and one year after attending my first AA meeting but still waking up to friends telling me about how I was the night before, I've decided today that I am going to stick with being sober. The term sobriety always felt so dull; embarrassing, stigmatizing. Today, from this video and a couple other ones, with tears, I find myself extremely compelled to say that sobriety is actually empowering; social. We don't have to feel alone anymore. While bittersweet, I'm lucky that I never got into trouble with the law or down into the rabbit hole extremely far. But enough is enough! Thank you for sharing, everyone. Good luck with recovery

[@richardmilliken8705]

If you're serious about getting & staying sober, then try going to 90 AA Meetings in 90 days & join a 12 step group and get a AA Sponsor to help you along the road of recovery. You will get exactly what you put into your recovery.

[@Jamie-zi2nf]

@@richardmilliken8705 Absolutely, thank you for your suggestion! I find being busy and working (and living) in a place I enjoy where alcohol is prohibited is extremely helpful :)

[@Noah-nk1qm]

Really struggling right now with my recovery, grateful to be watching this right now, lets me know sunnier days are ahead and im going to be ok. God bless all of you❤

[@Dominick_Calvitto.]

I'm Sober 4 1/2 Years From Alcoholism,August 3rd Will Be 5 Years !

[@platter1000]

awesome

[@Dominick_Calvitto.]

dave lastman thanks

[@123keepitsimple97]

ITALIAN VOICE RADIO CONNECTION that's Awsome. I'm 41 days sober for the first time in a long time

[@Dominick_Calvitto.]

Brandon S. Awesome Bro Keep it Going Only Gets Better..

[@platter1000]

go brandon. i am going into my 3rd week. do u use naltrexone?

[@Sean-bz5bc]

I can't thank you enough for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. It gives me hope that I can beat this once and for all.

[@jimmythomas5979]

14 months and going strong. Just wanting to give my son the childhood and life I never had.

[@hannahbleuharrington4986]

Good talk! nearing 2 months sober from alcohol here!

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

I’m almost 3 years sober. With out rehab. I moved to northern Arizona 4 years ago and decided to get off all meds. Dr’s love to get you hooked on psyc drugs. I hike and have lots of connections in my community. We Really Really Really need one of these places here. My hubby has 26 years. He bicycles 150 miles every week. May God continue to bless Phoenix multi sport.

[@markg.4246]

Pretty sure there are meetings in northern Arizona. Hopefully, with all that cycling, your husband is carrying the message.

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

What a role model for me given my history. No one ever dreams they're gonna grow up to be an addict. Amen.

[@AMAli-ct5df]

I love this. As somone recovering from PMO addiction

[@NCsoldier95]

I’ve been sober since September 24 and it’s definitely the start of my journey I just got out of treatment this is what I needed to see

[@beatsonfire4998]

How’s it goin

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Good for you. I don't drink for health reasons but find it can be a lonely business. Sober people need more role models like you

[@markg.4246]

Thousands of role models can be found in meetings. People with a few years, to people with decades. All you have to do is show up!

[@LettheSecretsDie]

What a wonderful message of hope. Thanks.

[@danieldalton2690]

No joke physical fitness and work is the best way to stay sober, in my case anyway

[@kareemgarrett4452]

I agree!

[@markg.4246]

Alcohol is NOT the root problem. Physical fitness, and work are great, but you’re not dealing with the issues that contribute to drinking.

[@kareemgarrett4452]

True. But new Healthy habits have a good way of replacing Old bad ones. Also it's really hard to do drugs and drink while doing cardio or working out

[@BlackLabelSlushie]

Daniel Dalton 10000000% true

[@BlackLabelSlushie]

Mark G. It worked better than anything else for me (fitness plus work). What do you think the 'root problem' is?

[@emilianomartinez7429]

This brought tears I’ve been sober for 5 years July 17 2017

[@morganharbo4271]

This was so encouraging. Today is my day one from alcohol.

[@stevegrayvggh8194]

Wow!!! I came here expecting and looking for something different to what i heard. Some words here about being little and an emotional sponge really hit home and has calmed a bit of inner turmoil.

[@AustinRambo]

Stay strong family. You are loved, needed, and respected. I am so proud of you. I believe in you. All of you.

[@stephaniepoleson8891]

Great speaker and inspiring story. I wish we had recovery communities such as this one here

[@michelleday9439]

I heard this in treatment. Just out sat I knew I needed this talk again. This time is more genuine I am struggling but in a positive way. An honest way. Thank you for the inspiration and hope that I can do this too!

[@CrystalWilliamsoncoach]

I'm floored by this clear, moving, and sobering (no pun intended) talk!! I have 18 1/2 years clean. My "mountain" was similar to Scott's -- when I realized my parents would have to be told of my death.

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Beautiful impressive amazing soul. Destined for greatness. We as individuals find different ways to cope from abuse n trauma. Pray more n more amazing souls like you multiply to bring hope to the needy. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@AlohaJimbo]

All the happy tears for this ! I’m so moved. Thank you ❤

[@Zneiero]

Sober 2 years now almost. Thanks in part to pandemic and thanks not wanting to feel endlessly depressed or be drunk during the last years of life I have left on this earth.

[@dennisdonaghue1174]

Im a recovering alcoholic. I needed to hear this

[@KitaKita419]

Tomorrow my sobriety journey tomorrow and praying I get through this🙏🏾

[@redneckswitwheels]

How u doin? I have 28 hrs clean

[@daltoncowan4104]

45 days myself today. Thank you for this message.

[@peterherceg1344]

Hope is the key to sobriety . Great speach , stay positive people

[@rickyvirk3461]

Wish there was a community like that still exists.

[@kareemgarrett4452]

Amazing. Brought tears to my eyes!

[@JustinCambria]

So much resonance with this message! Thanks Scott!

[@aae.russell]

Generational trauma one hundred percent. What a beautiful and eloquent talk on addiction. 4 years into sobriety and I just am scratching the surface into my healing and helping others. Thank you.

[@victoriaoshea4865]

Amazing demonstration of the best ,most hopeful way we can all be. Thank you 💝

[@mrobthomp4891]

I started drinking at the age of 19 years old. I drank to feel good and not feel my emotions. I tried to stop several times, but i failed. I was sober 90 days one time, and 34 days another time, in my lifetime. But what made me relapse was I did not have a reason to quit. It just felt like something people thought I should do. Now, at the age of 56 years old, i have been 30 days sober. I am feeling better than I have felt in decades. I have changed the way I think about alcohol for the first time in my life. Alcohol is something I thought I needed to cope with life and the small traumas I have been through in my life. But I am walking through the fire of feeling inadequate, to starting to feel that I can live without "the crutch!" Since I have changed the way I feel about alcohol, I really think I can WIN this time.

[@joseywells4370]

I'm on day 4 sober from tianeptine. I'm going to rehab Monday morning. I was on a 6 bottles a day habit. I'm almost through the withdrawls. But its staying away from that I fail at. I'll be gone a year so please pray for my families safety thank you

[@magnolia8626]

How inspiring. I'm sure his mom is so proud of him! 😊

[@salvatoregovernale4279]

Scott thank you for your kind video my Brother.

[@minjunjang1001]

You are an amazing community hero, Scott

[@KanwarAnand]

I am 65 days sober. I feel there is nothing scarier than being sober for the rest of my life and becoming a person who does not drink alcohol. I feel people who are not drinking are not having as much as fun. They say this is a misconception. But is it really worth wasting the next day in almost its entire form? It feels relieving to not have had a single hangover in such a long time. My goal is 90 days. I am already preparing for what I will do once those 90 days are over.

[@stayingclean6325]

Trust me, after 13 years, I love being clean and sober, and wouldn't trade it for anything. Seriously.

[@janchrismurphy5866]

Come to 🇬🇧, UK 🇬🇧 we need this I'm into year two ✌️ sober,,, Running and weights,,, nearly cig free,,, This is amazing,, as I find going Aa and using training keeps me going

[@milehighac2738]

Climbing mountains was the first activity that I enjoyed while sober.

[@thoughtfulpro371]

5 months sober! Higher than I’ve ever been. 💜🌿🌟

[@TheDoors1]

Incredible talk!! It helped me a lot. Thank you Scott.

[@scottchalfant7336]

Awesome video I’m super excited to have this in my town it’s just getting started but I know it’s going to help so many

[@anewhorizon5622]

Wow, great personal story. I’m just starting out on my sobriety journey - 11 days...

[@hunterthompson5106]

I have 1 year and 10 months sober and its the best thing to happen to me. I got my son home from foster care after over 2 years of fighting for him. And I couldn't ask for a better life now that I'm sober

[@stephenhobbs1052]

This guy is truly amazing!

[@MarciaMartins]

My son just passed away yesterday. Yeah I found him in a bathroom. I wish he asked for help but he wants me to believe that he was perfect. I was so involved with my other son's addiction that I forgot him. My heart is broke, I am lost I know that I will need to be strong for my others sons. We all should take trauma serious.

[@erichalverson8384]

🙏💞💗🌹

[@beatsonfire4998]

I hope everything is going well for you

[@RazTopics]

13 months and have a trip with the boys coming up. Demons are attacking my head, I’m thinking I can “moderate” on this trip after working hard for over a little of a year. After watching this video, I feel more confident about this trip.

[@theproducermicro]

Very inspirational. I'm 60 days off opiates and life couldnt be better. Creating a wellness channel

[@EnderDragonGamerz02]

How are you doing???

[@theproducermicro]

@ sober and amazing

[@jcollins1233]

I'm going to do this...day 1 starts now

[@samstorer26]

We need this is So Cal!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ericmoon982]

Brother I felt strange from you that I can't explain God bless you stay strong and don't stop helping

[@amixedgoddess]

This man is on point. Thank you!!

[@mariolanursecoachboardcert2460]

Very compelling story telling .

[@kelseymusulman7694]

Safe space, right hand in the pocket. Powerful delivery, amazing message, and more then happy to see a human be a human. I was pulled over yesterday, and I was extremely nervous, but I did everything I could to de-escalate the situation. Before they walked up to the door, I put the car in park, turned the engine off, and kept my hands visible, and rolled the window down. The cop walking up to my window was younger then I was, but I wouldn’t use that to disrespect him. He was nervous, I was nervous. You can fallow all the laws, and still feel nervous in that situation from both ends.

[@kelseymusulman7694]

His hands were vibrating when he gave back my license, but mine were vibrating handing it over. They are people. I’m not advocating for everything that has happened but you have to judge people by a case to case basis.

[@avaa4548]

Im laying in hospital trying to stop using... his story is so similar 2mine ....conforting....

[@natashatatar2496]

Believe in yourself Ava! You are stronger than you realize! Educate yourself, set goals and pick up healthy habits. Lets do this together!

[@thehoodedwarrior4197]

Ava A I've been sober for 76 days, keep it going! You can do it!

[@reidhanson4827]

I had my time in the hospital as well, I hope you're doing well! You can do this, and remember you're worth it.

[@tamacmcmillan3518]

It’s a life or death decision - 14 days sober and I am joining Phoenix this week in Denver CO

[@OutandAboutWithDiane]

Ava I hope you are doing well! I am 3 months sober. Next year I will hike the Pacific Crest Trail to find myself a sober version of me

[@raymondlin8728]

14 month was my last drink . And in rehab. Miss rehab. Bored everyday. Back here, to keep me motivated

[@SoberChefEric]

Awesome job Scott, glad to call you a friend

[@misssblisss]

Thank you so much for this. 10 days sober.

[@serenewarriors]

great talk brother, as a society we abuse or support the abuse of and consume animals, trauma is a side effect of abuse....it is our karma for what we consume or have consumed....recovery from addiction to abusing or supporting abuse to other beings is the 1st step towards true peace in society....awareness, admission, acceptance, action. Unfortunately so many are still unaware. Killing for the pleasure of taste is not "good" orderly direction, neither is it "good" will, it is "Selfishness - self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably find that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be hurt."