‘’What are you going to do, CiCi?’’ my friend asked.
I was still half drunk, missing my purse and my phone, sitting on her front porch smoking a Marlboro Light. I was due to fly across the ocean in a matter of days and wouldn’t be back for 6 months. I knew my demons would be on that plane with me.
What was I going to do?
I’d already survived so much: childhood abuse, the illness and passing of my mother when I was nineteen, and a seven year abusive relationship where I almost lost my life. I’d come too far to give up now.
I just needed to figure it out.
Getting sober is just not drinking. Recovering is another animal.
Suddenly, I was feeling emotions I’d buried for years. I was finally mourning my mother 6 years after her passing. I was realizing the systematic abuse I’d endured for 7 years. I was working through my shit, for which drinking was merely a symptom.
I was writing.
I wrote poetry, short stories, and journal entries. I wrote during panic attacks, for my 12 step program, for my therapist. I shared what I was going through. I published a poetry anthology. I started a community for people like me.
Sometimes, I can hear my mom’s voice in my head. She tells me ‘’You’re on the right track. Keep going.’’ And I do.
It took me almost 30 years to find my life’s purpose, although it was under my nose all along. I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen, and have shared my story publicly since 2012.
If I can use my experiences and talents to help others, in a way, that makes what I’ve been through worth it.
Now, I hear my mom’s voice all the time.
I’m on the right track.
If you’d like more information about how we can work together, check out my services page and book a call!
To book me to speak to your community, on your podcast, or at your event, check out the Speaking & Press page to learn more and get in touch.
Rest In Peace Melissa Reagan-Smith
Gone, but forever in our hearts.