I can describe my life before in one word. Lonely.
It was a self-imposed loneliness because in all reality I was never alone. I have always had family and friends that loved me, but I was so wrapped up in myself that I could never see it. You know the old adage, I could be in a stadium full of people, and feel completely alone.
My priorities were completely out of whack in everything I was doing. I was spending 12-14 hours per day for 6-7 days a week at work without really accomplishing anything for myself. I was just trying to keep the wheels moving in the facility that I was in charge of, but I was doing nothing to improve myself.
I was the hamster on the hamster wheel, running 100 mph all day long and getting absolutely nowhere. My addictions had completely taken control of my life and I spent all of my energy trying to keep anyone from knowing about it.
I was waiting for a miracle to happen in my life. Something to come along and make things better.
What Happened
I remember sitting alone at the point where things could not possibly have gotten worse, and all I could hear was my Dad’s voice.
You see, all my life I would get myself into jams and Dad would always figure out a way to get me out and get me help. Dad passed away a couple years ago, but I could hear him say the following as clear as day.
“I’m not there to bail you out anymore Mark, you are going to have to get out of this on your own.”
It was at that moment that I knew that I had to change. Me, not my situation, but me! I had to be completely honest to everyone about everything, because I knew that if I didn’t start right there and then, that I would never start.
I also knew that things were probably going to get worse before they got better, and they did. I heard from many people that it seemed as though I had no remorse about all that had happened, which just wasn’t true.
I just knew that living in the past, like I had done for so long, had to end RIGHT NOW. I also knew that no one else was going to be able to make this change in me, it was completely up to me.
What It Is Like Now
Today life is so much different, so much better in so many ways.
Today I can sit down and have a meaningful conversation with my wife, or my kids.
Today I can look to help others who are going through what I have been through. I have learned that the only way that I am going to continue to improve my quality of life, is to help others to do the same.
Today I can see the positives in life instead of only looking for the negatives. I don’t have to be miserable, that it is my choice to be happy regardless of any situation going on around me
Today I am teachable. I don’t have to pretend that I know it all to try to impress anyone. I can learn something from any situation that I am in and share it with others.
Today…..is the first day of the rest of my life!
wow Mark, I could relate to so much of this post… I have at times felt very alone but never alone at the same time.. thanks for sharing
Thank you for stopping by. It is good to know that we are not alone 🙂
aww this touched me. Probably because I recently hit rock bottom and can relate in so many ways. I think its when we stop making excuses and blaming others and we take responsibility for us thats when things start to change. I really enjoyed this post and you know there are people out here that want to hear your story 😉 I’m one of them!
You nailed it Shauna. Taking responsibility for our own actions makes anything possible. Thank you for reading and sharing. Connect with us on Facebook as well please, would love to stay connected
Love it man. Keep it up
Thank you! I think I will 😉
Hey Mark, totally awesome….what an inspiring story. When we made a decision and change our mindset, the universe works in our favor. Anytime we are going to experience anything great, we will go through a dark moment in our lives. you went out of your comfort zone and turned things around. Congrats….tthanks
Whatever happens, I believe in you and I know you can do what you set out to accomplish. Best wishes!
Wow, what a great story. Hitting rock bottom can improve your life if you keep one thing in mind, there is only one way to go, and that is up! Take care!
Thank you Tamara, that means a lot to me!
Only one way to go if you are willing to be teachable and remove that ego. Thanks for sharing
It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there on the internet for others to come across and you have done a great job doing it Mark. Your story is inspiring and I can see you are changing lives from sharing it. Keep on keeping on my friend.
Thanks Bill. Even if it only helps one person, then it will have been successful
Awesome post Mark. I really enjoyed reading your blog. Hitting rock bottom is hard but so glad you pulled yourself up. Thank you so much for sharing your story. There is hope for those in a bad place and you are proof. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Thank you for stopping by and reading! I only have one story, might as well share it!