The Journey of Sobriety

According to drugfree.com, drug use is on the rise in this country and 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. That's approximately one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12 – roughly equal to the entire population of Texas. But only 11 percent of those with an addiction receive treatment.

When I read these numbers, they seemed pretty big, but I also was not surprised. 

I am someone who has struggled with addiction and today I'm very happy that I got help when I did. It's not something I have spoke about publicly, until now. Today I see it as a fact about my life and not something that defines who I am. I don't give it any negative meaning, in fact, I am grateful for the hardships I went though because it has got me to a place I could never had imagined before. A really good place! 

I started my journey of recovery at about age 23 and today I have almost five and a half years sober. I am so grateful that I was able to find help and took advantage of going through a process to find a better way to deal with life.

I have had the honor of meeting many people with inspiring stories who live a life of passion and service today. I recently sat down and spoke with my friend Elizabeth about her journey of recovery. Here is her story: 

Tony Robbins: Unleash the Power Within

Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of Tony Robbins' live events. I have been a fan of Tony and heard about his work for a number of years. One day in the earlier part of last year, this man came to the office I was working at to fix our printer. After some small talk, we found that we both had a passion for personal development. I shared about events that I had attended, such as the Landmark Forum and other yoga and personal development workshops.

Long story short, he inspired me to buy my ticket for the event. His passion and excitement was contagious and decided, why not?!

I can definitely say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! Tony teaches by immersion. meaning we experience the principles and philosophies rather than just talk about it. I spent four days jumping up and down, blasting through self-limiting beliefs and building new relationships. Oh and I WALKED ON FIRE! Really! I actually walked on hot coals barefoot and did not get burned. It was one of the most scary AND empowering 8 seconds of my life.

As I write this, I find it difficult to put into words what the experience did for me. It was moving in a way that I haven't experienced before. It was exciting. It was bonding and enlightening.

What I know for sure is that we can create any reality that we choose. It may seem difficult at times and we may seem trapped in circumstances and not see a way out. But I can say now from my own experience and the testimony of other people, that we are amazing creatures and more powerful than we typically admit. 

Wellness through personal development

This blog is dedicated to the conversation of personal development and wellness. My name is Alma Camera and I'm passionate about having this conversation because I think it's something that takes courage to do and...because it excites me!

Today the words: personal development, self-help, life coaching, peak performance, wellness, balance and transformation are buzz words that are scoffed by some but being accepted and embraced by more and more people.

I want to clarify that this journey is not about being broken or "less than" and needing to be fixed. It's about accessing a part of ourselves that has always been there but sometimes gets hidden by the many (readily available) distractions and outside influences that affect us all.

Tony Robbins talks briefly about how fulfillment is an art and not a science.

What started my journey of self-discovery was a time of frustration, depression, anxiety and feeling "lost" that pushed me to look for more. It lead me to ask myself questions like: What is the meaning of life? Why do some people seem to have passion, serenity, connection and purpose and others live a life full of drama, disappointment, sadness and being "stuck."

Asking these questions took me on a journey. Down the "rabbit hole" so to speak. Yes, it was scary at times and yes it's been hard work, but totally worth it!

This blog is a place to share thoughts, experiences, accomplishments and challenges as we navigate this road of self-discovery and personal fulfillment.

Oh and it's called #lovedoubledare because this is a call to action. It's an invitation to do the uncomfortable in the name of love. Love for ourselves and love for each other.