Beginning a New Chapter

I am writing to inform you of my decision to move out in early August 2018. I feel that I am ready to move on to the next chapter in my life and sobriety, and have built a solid foundation during my time at The Edna House for Women. I will forever be grateful for the invaluable lessons I've learned and the relationships I've formed as a result of completing the program at Edna.

I was able to build my support network while 1 was in halfway and maintain it as I progressed into Phase 2. I was able to take time out of "real life" to focus on me and my recovery. I learned so much about my character defects and what I will need to stay sober in the future. I have been in treatment before, but I had never realized the importance of having sober support. I always tried to fix everything myself and handle my problems on my own. After learning to live in close quarters with so many other women and how to appropriately share my feelings, I am better prepared to handle stressful situations in my day-to-day life now. I am much more considerate of others feelings and consciously try to help others every day. I am still selfish, but I am aware and work on it daily.

In halfway, I was also afforded the time to work on my spiritual life and prayer life that I continue to incorporate in my daily living today. I found a sponsor I am comfortable sharing with and whom I can run things past to get feedback. She will guide me when I am not thinking or acting appropriately.

Slowly earning privileges back prevented me from being overwhelmed during each stage of the program. I was able to focus solely on my recovery during the first few months. Then I was able to start thinking about finding a job during job skills, but was still able to focus on recovery most of those weeks. And on job search, I was able to put some action into the next phase of the program, while still allowing some group time. Once employed, the transition phase kept me accountable to a meeting a day and not allowing me to be out goofing around while adjusting to working again. Now that I am %, I am still accountable to go to my meetings, but I have found a balance between work, meetings, and fellowshipping with other sober women.

I am truly grateful to The Edna House and will never be able to express how much of an impact it has had on my life. I had nowhere to go in South Carolina when I had no money, no insurance, and no family or friends willing to take me in. Edna provided me a home, food, clothes, support, and so much more and asked for nothing in return to come but willingness. Thank you so much for all you do to keep the doors open for future women in need of help! I hope I can give back to this house and struggling women even a fraction of what was given to me.

-Lyndsey