Thank you for visiting the Rock Bottom and Back website. We will work hard to provide you with resources that can help you overcome any adversity you may be experiencing as you journey through life.
When we think about starting over, many of us think about going back to school, obtaining new employment, beginning a new relationship, or relocating to a new city. For some of us, though, starting over can be a total restructuring of our lives after we have hit rock bottom. It is never easy to start over, to remake ourselves into the person we want to be. It is often the most difficult thing we will ever do. However, as you will discover from the people whose stories we’ve shared in Rock Bottom and Back, a total makeover of your life is possible if you have hope and faith, and if your commitment to change is strong.
For me, rock bottom came in 1982 after my first business went under during a downturn in the energy industry. My failure in business and the choices I made as a result of that failure devastated my family. The ordeals I put my family through made me vow to make God, family, and others first. A near-death experience twenty years ago was the catalyst for the changes I made in my life, but it took decades of hard work, perseverance, faith, and the helping hands of many people to turn my life around. Eventually, I succeeded in becoming the person I needed to be, and you can, too.
Honesty is the first step to changing your life. You must be honest with yourself. Take a hard look in the mirror and see exactly what you’ve become. Is an addiction ruling your actions? Have you done things of which you are ashamed? Are you proud of what you see in that mirror?
If the person looking back at you is not the person you want to be, then it is time to make a change. It is important for you to understand that you are not alone. There are people who have walked in your shoes, people who are willing to help you cope with your pain and show you the way to recovery. All you have to do is reach out for help. Call a minister, a counselor, a family member, or an organization that helps people recover from addiction. If you reach out, someone will be there to help you.
Once you have taken that first step, commit yourself to change. As children of God, we all have great potential. Know in your heart that you have worth, that you are loved, and that you are strong enough to become the best person you can be.
Rock Bottom and Back is filled with people just like you—people who once became so overwhelmed that they lost their way. I hope their stories will serve as a guide to you, a reminder that you can find your way back to a healthy, happy life.
All you have to do is reach out your hand.
Blessings,
Earl
