14 Comments

Alcohol truly drives its victim into lunacy. The word of God and the Spirit of God rather align us with life--full life. Thanks for your article. You got a new subscriber. I also subscribed to your main website blog on WordPress.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you l appreciate your support and returned the favor. I’m here to be with like minded people and continuing my spiritual growth.

You’re right about alcohol, it separates us from God.

Expand full comment

You're very much welcome. I'm glad to have you in my circle. God bless you!

Expand full comment

You've done and are doing great work. Prayers as you continue to grow and share your story with others.

Expand full comment
author

With my writing and sharing it is my intent to offer encouragement and hope, but also a selfish endeavor because it really helps me! God is very purposeful 🙏

Expand full comment

I think you are doing just that. And yes he is. There’s purpose in things we go through. Our life’s experiences can be a great help of hope and encouragement for others. Keep up the good work.

Expand full comment
Jun 19·edited Jun 19Liked by Karen Esbenshade

Karen, I admire how you've embraced the power of vulnerability in both your words and your life. I don't think there's any other way to navigate through it wisely. It's always refreshing to discover new ways to embrace our feelings, our history, and our vision of what truly matters. Thank you for sharing. xx.

Expand full comment
author

The support I receive gives me the courage to share with vulnerability. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Jun 19Liked by Karen Esbenshade

this is one of the most honest descriptions of recovery i've seen. thank you for sharing.

Expand full comment
author

It’s hard to share with people that I still will have an occasional drink because I think it can be confusing. I try to be very transparent so I appreciate your comment.

Thank you. I look forward to following your journey.

Expand full comment
Jun 20Liked by Karen Esbenshade

I have a LOT of thoughts on this topic. Mainly, until we heal the underlying trauma that causes us to want to check out through alcohol (or work or video games or tv or sex, etc etc etc) we are just pushing the problem off for another day. Once you heal those underlying issues, you no longer want to be “annihilated”. Yoh recognize the joy in a peaceful life. Which may include an occasional drink.

Expand full comment

I love your story of your recovery and how you’ve found your way with it. When I began my sober journey the thought of going to a bar or a club was out of the question, I had no reason to put myself in that position. Now after being sober a number of years it’s a gift to be able to be around people in places I never thought I could be free and still not want to partake. I’ve been to many outings where alcohol was the center of the experience and I was able to have just as much fun sober. It’s such a blessing you get to be that example to your children and still get to experience life with them. 10pm is definitely much later than I ever want to be away from the comfort of my cave but a fun escape when the opportunity presents itself! We are all learning and unfolding, continuing to find the best path for our individual selves to thrive. It looks like you’re finding your way and growing into what makes you happy. What a beautiful gift!

Expand full comment
author

You are ahead of the game with your sobriety but it's never too late for others. Once we start living life to the fullest as a sober person (whatever that looks like for each person), the desire to go back just isn't there.

Happy to have you back on Substack. You were missed!

Expand full comment
deletedJun 19Liked by Karen Esbenshade
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

It so refreshing when people get me🤣

Expand full comment