I just lived through three days that, in my past life, would’ve drained me — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But today, I’m sitting here not only sober, but thankful. Because somehow, I didn’t just survive the birthday gauntlet — I showed up for it.

For years, I convinced myself I was in control — of the drinks, the rules, the rituals. But the truth? Alcohol was calling the shots. This is the story of how I learned the difference between drinking by choice… and being quietly owned by the illusion of control.

I’ve been to Disney 40 or 50 times since I got sober. But this past weekend? This one was different. It was my first trip back with my daughter Kailyn — the first time she’s been in the parks with me since I quit drinking. And what we found wasn’t just magic. It was healing.

On Day 485 of sobriety, I walked into my very first AA meeting. I didn’t go because I wanted to — I went because I felt like I should. And that one small act of showing up taught me more than I expected about community, surrender, and the power of being in a room full of people who get it.

They say Walt Disney World is The Most Magical Place on Earth — but this past weekend, I finally understood why. Not because of the rides or fireworks. But because I was there, fully sober, fully present, and fully me.