How long should we carry a dream in our heart?
When should we let go of the dream? What should we do to make our dream come true?
When I became clean from my crack addiction, I was attending IOP at the Tau Center in Baton Rouge. I wanted to give greeting cards to people who supported me in my recovery journey or who were celebrating milestones in their own sobriety. I tried to find those cards, but the best I could do was a “thinking of you” card or a regular birthday card – not what I had imagined. So, the dream of having Recovery Greeting Cards began. That was over 25 years ago. Sobering Thoughts began years ago with cards as my main focus. I also began to dream of other items to complement the brand, which will be discussed at a later date.
In my experience, I was determined to see my dream come true. I went through life’s ups and downs and kept putting it on the back burner. I always had a bill due, a car repair, or my time was taken up with work and other obligations.
The Sobering Thoughts Team
When I thought about the things that I wanted to accomplish with Sobering Thoughts, LLC, one of my goals was to employ people in Recovery to go on this journey with me. When I decided to put my thoughts into a book, I put together the following team:
- My dear friend Mary H., an Al-Anon and Co-dependency survivor of 28+ years, became the co-author of our book “Get a Plant They Said, a Book on Recovery.”
- My Editor, Jeff V., has 3+ years in Recovery and is also a Recovery Author with his own book “Sober Slogans” and currently is working on the companion workbook. He can be reached at Iamjeffvickers@gmail.com.
- Nicole W., our amazing book cover designer and uploader of the book to Amazon, is free from her addiction with 5+ years. She can be reached at Mosiacmarketingoftheshoals@gmail.com.
- Keith Gigliotti, a friend of my daughter-in-law’s, became my wonderful Graphic and Web Designer and just celebrated 18 years alcohol-free in January.
A couple of days ago, I called a printer to get a quote on the cards, and the lady who helped me whispered, “I love your cards,” and revealed she has 8 months clean. I could barely contain my smile and just thanked God for allowing her to take my call. Putting together these wonderful people, all on the same journey, makes me so proud of the team I have built.
Having a dream of over 25 years become a reality has made me happier than I have been in many years. I DECIDED THAT MY CARDS & BOOK WERE GOING TO HAPPEN IN 2023 NO MATTER WHAT I HAD TO SACRIFICE.
So, to answer the questions in the first paragraph, I say dreams are dreams until you make them become a reality. I have done without, and I have worked very diligently to make these cards happen. I say NEVER stop believing in your dream or yourself. Make it happen even if it means taking on a partner or getting a loan. Just persevere through the hard times and enjoy the good times when they come.
Thank you to everyone that has visited SoberingThoughtsllc.com. For 25 years, I have dreamed of having a beautiful website with amazing Recovery Greeting Cards and additional Recovery items. My dream has finally come true.
-Sherry B.
