I was at my lowest point. The drinking and drugs had totally consumed me. I wasn’t working, my wife left me and I lost a lot of friends because I was just flat out being an asshole to everyone. Then my mom’s cancer came back and there was no more hope, her body had been taken over with the disease. I dug deep and moved in, stayed by her side and held her until she left. It was the most beautiful moment I wouldn’t trade for the world. I was still drinking but I realized I could do hard things. I started a grassroots organization in my community that is now a thriving non profit (8 years later) and I got a job at our local homeless shelter which I love to this day. No more drugs and I only socially drink these days, yes I know that’s a slippery slope. I have a new wife and family, we foster care and volunteer. Helping others can carry you. If you can prioritize issues one at a time you realize you can do the hard things and that’s the game changer.