Sober 5 Years: A Reflection

A recovering alcoholic looks back on five years of sobriety and offers encouragement.

[@JacksonCrawford]

When I decided to post this video on the 5th anniversary of my sobriety, I had no idea that it would reach so many people or that I would receive so many kind messages about it. It would take me the next five years to reply to them all, but please know that I appreciate every single one of you who's taken the time to offer encouragement or relate the encouragement you or a loved one received from my own message. I'm wishing you all the best, and particularly wishing strength, hope, and wisdom to those struggling with addiction or recovery. -JWC

[@henrylicious]

This makes me like you even more.

[@nunyoubusyness6345]

🌞💙🌞You're all the better for it Love🌞💙🌞Looking forward to more amazing stories with You🌲💙🌲

[@VPharp]

My sobriety date is just a few months before yours. Amazed at how humble and insightful you are, for sharing this.

[@karleffertz]

Hey thanks for sharing this. I found your channel today searching for good history channels, but I am also an alcoholic who has been on and off sober since 2014. I relapsed this January and have been struggling to stay on the wagon. It is always good to hear from people who are living their lives well without alcohol.

[@Telenaus]

thank you, hoping this helps a friend who has recently chosen to start the path of sobriety, I hope it helps him & that it helps you to know that you will & have positively impacted peoples lives.

[@craigcrawford22]

Jackson the courage you demonstrate in sharing this story is admirable. As your Father I can not be prouder nor love you more than I do today, yet in listening my heart swells. Always, Craig Crawford

[@j.r.8176]

Just when you thought this channel couldn't get more wholesome

[@cyranodetal]

When you think you can't respect the man an inch further. Best regards. And deepest thanks for the courage in sharing.

[@user-vl8fb1gu6k]

Just when you thought that the Norse Cowboy couldn't become any more of a Legend...

[@yugen]

he knows the wisdom of showing authentic vulnerability

[@km5384]

Obviously was unaware of all this, but now seems like a good time to tell you that I deeply appreciate the stories and joy your channel has brought to my life. I am glad you didn’t give up.

[@ragnarblobarr9567]

Agreed!

[@Quarton]

Ditto!

[@atheinz]

Same here!

[@sandrawasem8380]

Agreed 🙏

[@edwardamosbrandwein3583]

Congratulations, sir! You're an example to follow

[@eonraider]

Utmost respect for a man who has gone into the darkness and returned from it bearing a torch.

[@davideparadiso4091]

keep it up, mate. I'm a former heroin addict, it's been two years since I had my last shot: never felt this well as today. I'm just twenty and I appreciate what your doing with this clip. lots of love, dude, stay strong.

[@SirChubbyBunny]

Congrats on your sobriety, man. Keep up the good work!

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Well done Davide! Keep it up and stay strong! Many of us are pulling for you! Way to go!

[@dusathemaid]

Keep on keeping on!

[@ragnarblobarr9567]

Great share!

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

You are amazingly brave ! Enjoy your youth and future!

[@jenniferandrew3373]

I've been sober 56 days. Thank you for this.

[@PlutonianWretch]

It's strange to realize that a person that you respect so deeply is human as well. I think in this day and age we struggle to acknowledge that people are allowed to be imperfect. Many of us respect you so strongly and even look up to you, and with this I can only say that my respect has only grown. People aren't perfectly written characters with no problems. We're just human. Though it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things You have my support and admiration. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[@sheilas1283]

Walter I agree too, Walter.

[@Subcleff]

From someone who spent most of his 20's being drunk: You had my respect for the scholarly insight and professional reflections on your channel. Now, you also have it for folding a loosing hand and dealing yourself a better one. Congratulations on the five years and keep going! From very flat and not quite as beautiful Denmark (but at least we had Vikings, so yay!) I'm wishing you * does the hat thing * all the best.

[@kevinritter3742]

Skol!

[@perperson199]

Skål!

[@davidoftheforest]

3 years sober. I was a real bad alcoholic and addicted to meth and cocain on top of that. Feels great to be clean and sober

[@TheAlwaysPrepared]

Kudos David. Kudos!

[@Thatpersonoverthere4263]

Well done David!

[@davidoftheforest]

thanks :)

[@tomrogue13]

"Things won't be perfect but they will be better" Fantastic words. Congratulations on your milestone and your continued sobriety

[@bjockers]

I'm a recovering alcoholic 6 months sober, thank you so much for coming out and talking about it here.

[@Thatpersonoverthere4263]

Congratulations to you on 6 months!

[@abcxyz8116]

I never would have thought. Dr. Crawford is such a success-he inspires so many people with his love of history, culture, and language. He’s remarkable. I have so much respect for this man.

[@SpiraeaHerbs]

My mother is a recovering alcoholic as well. She'll be 2 years sober this Christmas. It's so important to share these stories and we thank you for that.

[@DananWhiddon]

Love to you and your mother!

[@ragnarblobarr9567]

Congratulate her for this Heathen over here!

[@SpiraeaHerbs]

@@ragnarblobarr9567 Thank you! I'm grateful to continue to have her on this Earthly plain.

[@SpiraeaHerbs]

@@DananWhiddon Thank you! I'm grateful she made the choice to live.

[@marlenestewart7442]

God bless your mother.

[@splak_5624]

I had a friend who finished law school with perfect grades and he was a heroin addict the whole time. nobody knew. he went to rehab afterwards. addiction can affect literally anybody. solidarity, doc. we definitely appreciate you.

[@JohnM-cd4ou]

We're happy you're here Jackson

[@hunby5049]

I don't usually leave comments. I just wanted to say that this was especially moving for me. I've never dealt with alcoholism but have certainly struggled with those same thought patterns and other unhealthy coping mechanisms. I value your openness and am thrilled that you were able to make a change. Wishing you all the best, from one imperfect man to another.

[@kollmorgen1]

Congrats. One day at a time. Ignore all of the critics.

[@kevinritter3742]

Right. As I say, "YOU are the only one *guaranteed* that you'll have to live with the rest of your life. So there's no point in trying to please a bunch of other people who won't be around all the time. If YOU can look at your reflection without shame, that's all that matters."

[@barroo19]

Hey Jackson, I've been sober for over 12 years. I understand the constant struggle and I have great respect for anyone who has been through it and battles on.

[@kevinritter3742]

Congratulations!

[@captainorry5895]

I don’t think I’ve ever listened to more elegant spoken words. There is something very, very unique about you. Your character, your values, your honesty, your immense knowledge and unusual backgound. This Norwegian viking will continue to follow and learn. Wow! My son now lives in AZ, studying. An amazing State, but I can’t wait to visit Colorado and Wyoming. Best regards, Ørjan

[@ragnarblobarr9567]

Fellow Scandinavian descendant here.. hope you get to travel and see our beautiful countryside. USA has much more to offer than our political division.

[@captainorry5895]

Ragnar Dracaena Thanks, yes, the U.S. has such diverse geography, from Alaska to Florida, the mountains, the coasts, the plains, the islands. The people, the cultures and the history. I love it! When it comes to the political division, I must refer to Dr. Jackson Crawford’s own words again: «No man is so good that he has no flaw, and no man is so bad that he’s good for nothing. I choose to believe that about other people. I choose not to choose my friends by religion, philosophy and politics. I choose to choose my friends by their trustworthiness, their reliability, their general honesty and character..»

[@missano3856]

They say Norwegians should go to southeast Alaska to see what was the heartbreaking beauty of their land before there were any hearts to break.

[@kristerforsman2448]

Good decision by a brave man. Strange to hear you talk about a failed career. That impression is not what you give us here. An extremely knowledgeable man in language and culture from the old norse In any case, you are not a failed human being. The best from Viking Sweden/Rus

[@nlsr29]

Dr Crawford, as someone I already looked up to, this makes me respect you even more. I am a year and almost half sober myself. Your story sounds so similar to mine its astonishing. You give me hope. I will continue to choose not to drink because it is what's best for me, but hearing you share makes it an easier choice to make. Hearing your words makes the guilt and the shame a little less and the stigma fade a little more. I will not drink with you today, friend. Thank you.

[@tracieh215]

You could drink iced tea!

[@nlsr29]

@@tracieh215 Oh, I am a tea fanatic for sure.

[@jeremyrick1379]

“Im as gray as the day I’ll become ashes.” Hot damn I love that quote

[@Rayzorbladez]

This really hit home with me. Compulsive over eating has lead me to a terminal diagnosis. I'm now fighting everyday to try and reverse my numbers, I'm 8 days on diet with calorie restriction and exercise.

[@ragnarblobarr9567]

Keep fighting! I stand with you in the Shieldwall in the battle we call life.

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

Keep going! Much love!

[@johngavin1175]

You can do it!

[@jenkharmilton]

Wish you all the best and keep at it, look into keto or carnivore if you haven't already, it's helped a lot of people myself included and may be of use to you.

[@kevinritter3742]

Gods be with you. Both my father and my sister fought this same thing for their entire lives. My sister used to say that bigotry and discrimination against the obese is the last thing that it's still OK to ridicule and/or exclude, etc. I'm in the middle of that fight, myself, so I pray for your continued progress and success.

[@ScorpioMartianus]

You’re an inspiration to us all, Dr. Crawford! In myriad ways.

[@mormacil]

Guess I found another reason to be a patron. Strength to you.

[@kevinritter3742]

Can't wait for the day I can afford to become a patron, as well.

[@mormacil]

@@kevinritter3742 Tiers are pretty low, you don't need to do any of the cool ones. Hope you reach that place soon.

[@81iand]

I made a commitment to myself at a young age never to drink, smoke or do drugs and at age 39, I have stuck with it. Thank you for sharing your story. The next 5 years will be even better. I wish you well.

[@morlath4767]

Congratulations on the five years. It sounds a bit silly to those who haven't been there but the "I'm not perfect and I'll keep making mistakes, just sober ones" is the crux of a lot of why people get addicted (thinking they're failures) and why they sometimes stumble (I have to be perfect). You're a good man, Dr Crawford, and I thank you for putting yourself forward like this to help reach those who subscribe to your channel and who might be in trouble. As Rocky said - Life's about how hard we get hit and keep getting back up.

[@ragnarblobarr9567]

Well said!

[@hannahakio8395]

I had 2 years yesterday after trying since 2012 to stop. In early sobriety, I started listening to your KZbin to keep my mind occupied with material that interests me. Recovered alkies tend to be some of my favorite humans. Congratulations 🎉

[@annascott3542]

@@hannahakio8395 people in recovery really are the best!! I’ve always thought this. Probably because they’re my kind of people, heehee

[@derechoplano]

I didn't know this and it takes a lot of courage to be so honest. But I wanted to thank you for all your videos. You are such a gifted guy. I am not even interested in Old Norse and Viking history but I watch all your videos because you're such an amazing storyteller. You explain things in an interested way. You're a good man, Dr. Crawford. Thank you for sharing this and I am happy for these five years sober.

[@jasonmarshall9646]

Dr Crawford, what an amazing display of courage. Your life and your life's work does mean so much to those you will never meet. Moreover, your teachings outside "the high castle" that you offer will remain the legacy that inspired thousands.

[@bjornnilsson5842]

You are a stronger man then most. You have shown this with your honesty. There is no greater virtue in life then to be upright and truthfull. This honesty shows the broken figure we all are, yet becuase our virue the more exalted. Gud bevare dig herr Crawford.

[@robb8331]

9 years this month for me

[@The_Lord_Of_Confusion]

good job bro!

[@robb8331]

@@The_Lord_Of_Confusion thank you

[@ilovewiki]

Dr. Crawford, Thank you so much for sharing this, I'm in tears now. I've been suffering with a crippling depression for a long time now which has devastated me during my graduate studies abroad. I was on the verge of suicide and I'm fortunate my professor in Japan sought help for me when he did or I might not be alive right now. I'm currently on a leave of absence from my PhD program in Developmental Biology. I recently returned home and I'm getting the help that I need while trying to relax and better manage my almost daily panic attacks. My brain has felt paralyzed and through a nasty cycle of negativity, thoroughly convinced myself I'm incapable of learning anymore because I'm stupid (and I too was seeing the proof that others were right when they told me I chose the wrong field). I've always had an interest in historical linguistics, (particularly of the Germanic languages), and I really love learning Old Norse. I'm currently on Part 4 of your class series, (diligently taking notes on everything you say so I can form a lexical notebook), and I wanted you to know how special your channel and that series is to me. It brings me so much joy and comfort, slowly breaking that ice of constant fear and doubt that paralyzes me by illustrating to myself that I CAN learn and that I am capable of enjoying it again. I'm starting to remember what it feels like to be happy to be alive. I'm sorry for such a long comment, but I had to share with you just how much your videos have meant in my own recovery. I always look forward to your videos and I will always appreciate what they've done for me. Congratulations on your sobriety, Dr. Crawford. Stay strong! Take care of yourself, -Alex

[@ulrikschackmeyer848]

It look like you've got the long end of the rope, as we say in Danish. So hold on and heave away the best you can. LOTS of luck and Joy of learning again.

[@BillDeWitt]

Good for you, coming up on 40 years myself. Not instant Utopia but well worth the effort. Keep it up.

[@kevinritter3742]

Congratulations! Well done. I pray for your continued success.

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

The interesting thing about Social Media, is how it fools me into believing everything and everyone is more perfect than they are. Thanks bringing some honesty to the platform.

[@colmhain]

Nov. 21, 2003. Progress, not perfection. The length of my sobriety is irrelevant to my life. I haven't been sober for almost 17 years, I've been sober for about 9 hours. Which is how long I've been awake today. The length of my sobriety is for you, the one at the precipice, the one who can't imagine life with or without drinking, as evidence that life without drinking can be lived. If you're ready, reach out, don't just stand there and wait for it to come to you. 'Cause it won't........

[@doctorsammy883]

I’ve been struggling trying to keep away from my addiction, and I got recommended this at a perfect time. Thank you Jackson, I love you’re work.

[@doctorsammy883]

Ima pretend like I didn’t just use the absolute wrong spelling of yore.

[@bartv8207]

Congratulations! 14 months sober here,best decision ever!

[@The_Lord_Of_Confusion]

good job bro!

[@MercurialAscent]

Congratulations man! It really is encouraging hearing of others who have had a similar struggle. I've been sober since 09/07/17. I won't say that it's been easy and there have been moments I have felt an overwhelming urge to drink, especially over the course of this year with all of its isolation and apparent uncertainty. I know that will never go away. I still dream about it and it shows up at least half of the time. Since I've stopped drinking and chose to do something different: I've gone back to school, I've had repeated semesters of 4.0s, I'm within a year of graduating, I have promising post grad prospects, and I've got a great job that fulfills me and is helping me grow working as a program admin for the Native American Studies program at my University. I'm Native American and getting in touch with my culture and community has really helped anchor me. The months leading up 09/07/17, I was squatting in my old apartment I had been evicted from 6 months earlier and scraping by for alcohol, food, and water. The closest thing I had to a job was working at my favorite bar to pay off my tab. I was 330 lbs, my urine smelled like sulfur, and I couldn't even hold down a job for a day at a temp agency. But I got here by confronting something I hid from my whole life. To get there I had to first learn that solitude and isolation can be formidable but excellent teachers. It can be a catalyst for deep reflection and sometimes may take us to harrowing places. But it is there in that deep well; if we study the movements of the dark, we may find illusions about ourselves and others shattered, it might burn away things that have remained for too long. I've learned that chaos and upheaval are two forces from which much can be gained if approached accordingly. It can leave us with a deeper sense of self and awareness. What I learned in those dark, lonely months leading up to my sobriety was really quite simple. I had been ashamed for so long of my heritage and culture as a result of societal indoctrination, who I am, and who my people are that it left me feeling like a stranger to my self, alone to confront the strangness of being. But I've come to understand that we are what we do for others. I've learned that I am nothing without my relatives. I've learned that all my relatives, each and every one of them, human and nonhuman, make each of us who we are by supporting us. And that by acknowledging them as relatives and with respect and responsibility, needs are met. I started learning my ancestral language as a way of reconnecting myself to my greater identity. Every Lakȟóta word I learn, each way I learn to say something in Lakȟóta, and most importantly how to listen in Lakȟóta, I get to become more of myself by being who we are. Every value and tradition I learn or new connection I make in our community makes me more comfortable with myself and more resilient against my addiction. Some refer to their sobriety as a rebirth. But I feel that by hiding from my ancestors, by not feeding them because I didn't know how, I was never fully born until I could. Language is a powerful thing and I think what you're doing is medicine in it's own right.

[@kevinritter3742]

Well said! Thank you for your courage, too. I pray for your continued success!

[@joshadams8761]

Thanks for sharing this. Tókhi wániphika ní!

[@ericph9]

Well the universe is telling me something, seeing this the day after I had to reset my counter last night. Congrats on 5 years!

[@Philoglossos]

You got this! And if you don't, you still got this!

[@kevinritter3742]

Restarting can be even more difficult than starting in the first place. May the Gods give you strength.

[@ronweber1402]

Just a stumble on a long road, carry on.

[@br00zer31]

Wise beyond your years, good Doctor. I knew there was something about your character that I understood. I too have felt that bite, and I appreciate when others have the courage to show the scar it leaves. I stand with you all the same, eager to take in what you so generously share. Thank you kindly, Sir.

[@jaezon4040]

Never would have expected a video like this from you, great content

[@lauraharley9435]

Thank you for posting this video. 30 years ago I gave up my dream of Russian and historical linguistics. It was so hard to make a decent living. I watched my college mates buy large houses and have great careers which paid decent money, while I was in the same 1 bd apt, struggling to pay the rent and pursue the interests I loved. When I finally gave up my dreams, I was depressed for many years. I didn't turn to drink, but I felt alone and lost. I finally found my way to a new career and a better life, but I still miss language, history, and culture. I am retired now, and I find I have time once again to pursue some of my earlier interests. I was so happy when I discovered your channel a few months ago. You are knowledgeable, passionate, and yet down-to-earth and level headed. And you have such diverse interests. The Patreon Crowdcasts of you interviewing others who share your interests let me sit in on conversations that I had forgotten exist. Such fun and I learned so much, too. I admire people like you who have stuck to their dreams. You are the real heroes in this modern world. My heart goes out to you.

[@Fastwinstondoom]

Well done. Alcohol is so damn insidious, accepted by all and yet so incredibly destructive for many.

[@kyidyl]

Congrats on 7 years! I'm so glad you decided to talk about this bc it helps show that mental health problems don't discriminate. "As gray as the day I become ashes" is an I credibly poetic line.

[@hubertblastinoff9001]

We're glad to have you here and you have been an inspiration to so many. Thank you for having the bravery to show a vulnerable side of your story.

[@SharonAnnMenefee]

My husband has been sober for 25 years. One day at a time.

[@persefaniblix1431]

Thank you for sharing your experience with addiction. You are worth all the hard work you have put into this journey. Freedom from guilt and shame lay in your self-acceptance. Good on you for taking your life to the next level for yourself. Thank you.

[@debaronAZK]

I tried to quit smoking several times. I think the problem was that I told myself "alright as from today I'm never smoking again". then the itch inevitably came, followed by the realization that 'never' was an awfully long time to not be smoking. eventually I'd fall off the wagon and use my relapse as an excuse to keep smoking. then came the day I graduated from high school (I had dropped out before). I told myself I wanted to quit on that day, so that I would remember it forever. new phase of life, new me. it would be 'perfect'. I picked up my diploma and immediately had a celebration cig when someone offered it. goddamnit, my whole plan out the window. what could've been an inspirational story turned out to be a dream. I wanted to be free from addiction yet I failed immediately. it's like setting off on an adventure and breaking your leg as you walk out the door... yet that celebration cig I had 9 years ago would actually turn out to be my last cigarette ever. I guess I realized that that even though I had lost day 1, there was still day 2, day 3, day 100. all I had to do was keep trying one day at a time. I even kept a pack of cigarettes close, in case of emergency. I guess it felt comforting knowing that I could go back to being my old self at any time. I also didn't tell anyone that I was trying to quit smoking. I could fail completely at my goal and no one would know. I still have that pack of cigs, even though I have zero desire to ever smoke again. I keep it as a souvenir.

[@lyssamedana2224]

Thank you for sharing this. It must have taken courage, but it is words that someone out there may need to hear.

[@peterjones1672]

I thought you were a top bloke before this but now, you’re just class.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Absolutely fantastic! Congratulations Professor Crawford. My favorite "drink" is Iced Tea and I'm hoisting a glass to your continued sobriety! Well done sir!

[@SamFerguson]

I'm sure I speak for many of your viewers/subscribers when I say that I've benefited as much or more from your distinctive wit, personality, commitment to candor, and humor, as I have the wealth of knowledge you impart. I'm so glad that you're with us, and I'm so glad that you made that decision five years ago. Thank you for everything you share with us.

[@DaevaGlow]

Thank you for sharing this and your reflection on the past five years. :) I have a lot of sober friends and family. My mom is seven years sober and my brother is going through treatment right now. My maternal grandpa was sober for over 20 years before he passed.

[@FreeManFreeThought]

I never reached the point of clinical alcoholism myself, however I saw myself going down that path. I wasn't addicted, but I was self medicating. Thankfully as an armed forces member my medical treatment for the Anxiety it turned out that I had helped break the cycle. I cannot imagine how hard it is for someone for whom the bottle of alcohol is the cheaper option. Everyone on earth deserves mental and physical healthcare.

[@stephensmith9906]

Congratulations. I never would have guessed it. I suppose that's the thing about having a problem. There's not a certain type of person, it can be anyone. My mother and a very close friend struggled with alcoholism. It's physically and spiritually draining and a huge accomplishment to beat it.

[@kontrapunktalist]

Betre byrdi du ber 'kje i bakken enn mannavit mykje. Med låkare niste du legg 'kje i veg enn ovdrykkje med øl. This December I will be one year sober. I enjoy your videos! Skål!

[@ulrikschackmeyer848]

As a Dane I can handle ordinary bokmål, but this is above my level. Any chance of a translation? Page

[@tord9707]

@@ulrikschackmeyer848 The finest load you can carry is much wisdom. The worst you can carry is an abundance of beer.

[@ulrikschackmeyer848]

@@tord9707 Takk. Ha det

[@midtskogen]

@@ulrikschackmeyer848 Word by word translation (to explain the words, so not idiomatic): The (=a) better burden you wont carry uphill than much wisdom. With (a) worse lunch pack you wont set out than too much to drink of ale.

[@kristerforsman2448]

@@ulrikschackmeyer848 Märkligt men som svensk förstod jag det i stort sett.

[@ladyliberty417]

Awesome Dr. Crawford!! It’s inspirational to others when you achieve a milestone and can share - We all need to help each other, thank you For this 🥰✌🏼

[@desaturated-firefox]

I'm surprised to hear this - you seem so accomplished and sensible that I can always hardly believe that you're only a few years older than me. I guess the path to such maturity leads both over high mountains and through deep valleys. Congratulations on your anniversary!

[@FXTRT-ec9lz]

I’m glad you shared that Dr Crawford. I’ve been Clean 26 years. Consistently learning and applying spiritual principles is what makes it possible, Just For Today.

[@bacidius7375]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I've been sober for 54 days now. Hearing your story and knowing I'm not alone in this, I can't thank you enough!

[@robpetoletti826]

Congratulations! 5 years is a milestone. I know how hard this road is to follow. After many tries I am living my life sober, and some days its hard but well worth it. I'll have 15 years in February 2021. I am happy for you!

[@tracieh215]

WAY TO GO JACKSON! I am an adult child of an alcoholic mom. You have chosen the higher and better path. Well done sir. Well done! Truly drengr, friend. Jeez I hope he sees this. :)

[@ulrikschackmeyer848]

I wrote much the same. But I'm absolutely sure he will read through these particular comments (at some point). A man brave enough to say and do what Jackson did, would not shy back from reading this. I just hope that he is able to find some help and comfort in seing how much he means to all of us. May he lear to see himself with the same honour and vast respect that we, his Followers, do.

[@austinsmith675]

Hey we're proud of you. I'm happy you're still here, I love the knowledge, joy, and wonder you spread, and I'm glad you have this outlet to talk about it

[@youngestputnam]

I'm so proud of you. It cannot be easy to post something like this nor to make that call. Congrats, Doc! Here's to 5, 10, and 50 more!

[@7798-b7z]

You are an amazing person! Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us.

[@gizmogoose.2486]

Way to function Cowboy !!! When you Saddle Up, stay there. If you get Bucked Off.....GET BACK ON !!! _You're Awesome Crawford !!!!_

[@mikhailozingin1212]

What an odd world! I have never tasted alcohol in my life but here I am, stuck in a very similar situation. Here, in Russia, being a linguist (Russian and English studies), I am afraid of returning quarantine/unemployment/economy breakdown. Under the circumstances, one cannot feel perfect. And, ironically, I'm sitting on about 10 liters of grain alcohol our family uses properly - to sanitize hands, food packaging and door handles. Regardless, your example gives us hope to fight this adversity. Dr. Crawford, stay safe, stay sober, be happy. From the banks of the greatest river in Europe we wish you all the best.

[@into_abyss]

I didn't see that coming. Thanks for your transparency, Dr. Crawford, and know that on that grey day when you become ashes and return to dust, you can take some solace in that your life has made its mark on the lives of many. I always look forward to your videos; they're fascinating and enlightening. And I hope to watch your 10 year video in the future.

[@ThatStoicWitch]

I'm proud of you! You have a ton of people who care about you and want only the best for you. Don't worry about the rest. We like ya just the way you are!

[@teribenge3162]

Congratulations. My son sent this to me. I celebrated 12 years in Feb. I still work through each day like it’s the 1st day of my sobriety. Sometimes one moment at a time letting go of the ideas of being perfect.

[@johnwoyurka5373]

Congrats Doc, I'll be sober 2 years myself on November 2. I love the work you do, on here and your translations. I'm reading your translation of the Poetic Edda currently.

[@SifnianRhapsode]

Having a major existential crisis is the best learning process in life.

[@Lioness_of_Gaia]

Thank you for sharing your story with us! You should be proud of yourself! I'm proud of YOU!

[@nickb-whistler4431]

Ode to Jackson Crawford: How fast our fortunes change! How quickly strong winds die. Stillness stirs to madness wherever genius lies; From maelstroms to stillness, and from windless to wise; How fast our fortunes change! How sudden be our skies! Thank you for all your hard work, perseverance, and dedication to your craft and to your self throughout the years. Your videos have been a huge boon and inspiration for my current work of epic poetry, and I have credited many dozens of your videos and books (which I would love to get signed someday) in my works referenced.

[@johnnyappleseed1023]

Very big of you to admit to this. And on the contrary, I only respect you more for it. No ones perfect and anyone who appears such should make you very suspicious.

[@livelovelaughforever2131]

Thank you for posting this! I am a professional and I tend not to speak of my sobriety openly very often outside of meetings. I am 5 YEARS SOBER TODAY!! We are not perfect and our lives still have problems but facing them sober changes everything. Amen! We do recover!

[@colefriel3171]

I’m very happy for you Dr. Crawford

[@daniellebryan3496]

Sometimes the best thing we can acknowledge is that we shouldnt strive for perfection, but for the best form of ourselves that we can be. Many times you have to fall a long way before you can see that. Congrats on sobriety, reaching to be the best you, and feeling comfortable enough to share your flaws with your peers. You are a uniquely beautiful character, stay you. ❤

[@lordrudimus]

So true problems are always there. Its what you do that matters

[@markadams7597]

Wahoo! 60 months!! Congrats! Keep up the good work and remember the best is yet to come!

[@hohtaBay]

incredible! addiction is a disease, not a moral failing.

[@davidbraun6209]

Blessings be on you, Dr. Crawford!

[@rseeker1]

Congrats Doc! I'm not a fan of KZbin itself but I appreciate the opportunity to share experiences and learn from folks I otherwise never would've even met. Thanks for sharing and it's a pleasure to learn from you. I think you mean a lot to a lot of people.

[@ColonelNachos]

I can't express how much you've done for me life with just your videos. I've lived pueblo for a bit and wish to come back home to the mountains. You're a shining light in darkness to me. One mountain man to another I wish you strength and wisdom in this world.

[@Smoky59]

I respect you for being open and honest. That should be something expected from one another but in this world it seems especially the personal battles are always hidden away. Good luck and peace with you 🙏

[@adambrowne98]

My deepest respect for you Dr. Crawford. Wonderful...congratulations on this milestone.

[@tomasguerra7971]

Good on you man!!! Wish you the Best!

[@elviraj1971]

Same here! Did everything they told me to do got my masters degree in library science and now with this pandemic I haven’t been able to even find a job… Thank you from the bottom of my heart you give me hope! Blessed be!

[@kyohimura3911]

Congratulations, stay strong!

[@cannabub420]

As a recovering opiate addict & norse follower, *You are my hero, Mr.Crawford* and you make my day to day life, a better life. ❤ May all the gods and their blessings, be upon you.

[@BobVan]

“When ones too many and yet a hundreds not enough”. I was there too, many years ago. Congratulations! Keep on living the good life and stick with the winners✌🏼🙏🏼.

[@signespencer6887]

This explains what your recent videos look younger healthier, more handsome than in the earliest videos. Blessings on you for continued recovery.

[@markbalaam550]

Man I knew we connected in a deeper level. 7 years sober here and feeling the same way. Mistake will be made but they’ll be my mistakes not the poisons. Thank you so much for sharing and I fully acknowledge that you are busy making awesome content

[@j.s.c.4355]

Congratulations, Jackson. One day at a time.

[@rourkesdrift7614]

You contribute so much to my life. It’s so hard to believe that you had doubts about your life choices! Im glad you do what you do!

[@chrishillhouse8701]

Dr. Jackson i want to thank u for this. I am 89 days sober today. I am very much a norseman my family is from scandinavia and Norway i have been fallowing you for sometime now. I wasnt only an alcoholic I was an addict addicted to just about everything I touched there is a verse I beleive it was quoted by odin.( the mind knows what the heart wants. The worst sickness for a man is to crave what he cannot have). Thank you sir for this beautiful devotion to your channel. And the honesty you have given the world. Sir i respect you for your teachings... But i respect you more for your honesty and integrity..... Thank you and may many blessing fallow you may odin guide you in all your ventures

[@bobbygrace3652]

That's great doc. Congratulations

[@SaintGooch]

"There's no black and white, I'm as grey as the day that I'll become ashes". Damn well spoken!