Growth is an essence of change, in my opinion. At least, when the change is positive. For me, a lot of growth has happened in my life over the past 8 months. If you would have told me 8 months ago, I’d be sober, going to school to become an addiction counselor, money in the bank, and back on good terms with my family and friends, I would have said no way. And that's not to say it hasn't been easy. Looking back on all the growth that's happened I think back on all the times I fought the opportunity to change my perspective or take direction because it was out of my comfort zone. It was uncomfortable, humbling, and mentally exhausting at times, but that's when the most growth was happening, when I was breaking out of my false self, and shaping back into my true self. I’ve had to set my ego aside, take direction, put my trust in others, and allow God to work in my life. The amount of growth that has happened in my life recently has helped me completely change my outlook on life. I used to wake up and be so depressed, so alone that I honestly did not care about anything, I hated the world, myself, and everyone around me. One day I had finally had enough and reached out to Salina Shuler and South Orange County Detox and Treatment because I knew that was the only way I was going to live another week. Since then, I am truly grateful to be alive, I wake up happy, thanking God every day for the blessings he has shown me, I am more than happy to be of service to people, and going to school for addiction counseling has given me a sense of purpose again in my life. The growth that has happened in my life has allowed me to let go of the things I don't need and gain new tools that I do need to be successful in recovery. It has allowed me to get back to a place of serenity, gratitude and love. Also, seeing the growth that has happened in others has been absolutely inspiring. I look forward to more growth happening in my life as well. I know at times I will fight it, and not see in the moment that growth is taking place, it will be uncomfortable, and sometimes confusing, but from experience I know now that as long as I give it a chance, growth will never stop happening in my life, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.