Peter V.

What was the turning point that led you to get help? |A night of drinking, blacking out, and having a verbal and then a bit of a physical altercation with my wife and 23 year old daughter. The next day, my wife and daughters gave me a phone number to call ⎼ Mountainside Treatment Center. I had a choice, to call or risk further damaging my relationships with my kids. I chose to call.|What was the most challenging part of your recovery journey? |Staying focused. I work hard at keeping my recovery in check, going to meetings, talking with people at the meetings and therapy. Creating a daily routine has been very important as well.|What is the most important thing that sobriety has given you? |Clarity, being able to see who I really am. My entire life was lived in fear. I’ve learned that I do not have to live in fear, that I am a good person, that I can live as a happy person. My back story is filled with shame and guilt. I am learning I deserve peace and happiness in my life.|Who or what has had the biggest impact on your recovery? |My family. I have been given unconditional love by my three daughters. And after many months of separation, my wife and I were able to work on ourselves which in turn has given us the ability to work on our relationship.|What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction? |Seek help and be willing to listen ⎼ open yourself and be vulnerable.|What do others say is your best quality?| My willingness to do the work.|What is your motto? And what about this motto appeals to you? |The motto I live by is the Serenity Prayer. It’s simple and direct. When I am faced with something, I see where it fits into the prayer and then act on it if possible. I cannot change my past. I need to accept it, live with it, and not let it run my life anymore. I need to have the courage to face life as it comes and embrace it no matter what. Say “enough” and move on or accept the challenge and take it on.|What are some small things that make your day better? |Daily meditation. Keeping present, today is the only day I have. |Who inspires you to be better? |My family and knowing how close I came losing them by alienating them. They encourage me to work my program and stay on task.|What book impacted you the most?|_The Four Agreements_ and The ‘Big Book’ |If you could have any talent or skill, what would it be? And why? |Play an instrument with the courage to entertain people.|What is a fun fact about you? |I love driving my Jeep ⎼ top less and door less in the sunshine.|Who-dead or living- is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? |People living in recovery. They are a blast to hang out with.|If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be and why?|Ireland, I would love to see the history of that country.|What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?|Believe in yourself.