Drought

In 2011, with just $11,000, I opened my first coffee shop—a modest space across from the post office in my hometown, no drive-thru, just enough room for a few seats, and the remnants of an old pie shop.

I poured my heart (and countless hours) into every detail, from the paint on the walls to the bar. It was a tough year, and I had to sell it sooner than I’d hoped, but that little shop taught me so much.

Fun twist? The person that “bought'“ it from me is still there, thriving in that same spot.

I didn’t have the patience required.

Abundance

Sobriety. November 1st, 2022 was the first day of the rest of my life. I had battled a dependence on alcohol for the better part of my adult life starting early on at about 16 years old and escalating as time moved on.

There are many faces of addiction. It’s not always like the movies. We aren’t all down in a gutter or breaking the law or being violent.

Most of us are present physically but trapped emotionally.

There are much deeper lessons learned and even deeper stories to tell but the highlight here is that it’s been 2 years since I took a drink of alcohol.

I’ve still struggled with emotions and with the inner demons we all battle every day. I honestly have had to deal with it more than ever because the alcohol is what numbed it all. I didn’t feel before and now I feel it all.

Alcohol aided many terrible decisions in my life and in my business.

It doesn’t mean mistakes aren’t made. Now, when I make a mistake or choose the wrong direction I notice it much more clearly. I can communicate my positions more effectively. I can be a better person. I can be more truthful.

I am not afraid to be myself or to share myself.

I still struggle with anxiety and comparison syndrome. I just know that I can recover from those thoughts and strengthen my mind instead of drowning it.

Could you share this for me?