26/07/2026
Recovery changed my life 🙏 But it no longer defines my identity
I used to sit in recovery rooms and say:
“Hi, my name’s Matt, and I’m an addict.”
For a long time, those words became part of my identity.
I’m grateful for that season of my life. Those rooms gave me the foundations, the tools and the support I needed to become the man I am today. They helped me feel heard and seen when I needed it most.
I was proud of every day, every month and every year clean and sober, and rightly so. I still am.
But somewhere along the way, I realised I didn’t just want to be known for what I’d overcome. I wanted to be known for the man I was becoming.
Today, just over three and a half years clean and sober, I’m in a different season. Recovery will always be part of my story, but it no longer defines my identity.
The truth is, I still have an obsessive personality. That hasn’t disappeared. I’ve simply learned to redirect it.
Today I’m obsessed with being the best dad I can be, loving my family and partner, building my business, becoming a better man and growing in my faith.
…and, if I’m honest, I’m currently a little obsessed with ChatGPT and Claude too. 😂
But jokes aside…
The obsession didn’t disappear.
The direction changed.
The same intensity that once pulled me towards destruction is now the thing that pushes me towards growth.
If you’re struggling today, don’t spend your life trying to become someone else.
Redirect what you already have.
Your drive.
Your passion.
Your resilience.
Your discipline.
They aren’t your enemy.
They simply need a new direction.
Build your body.
Strengthen your mind.
Love your family.
Serve others.
Grow closer to God.
This isn’t a criticism of recovery or the fellowship. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for the people and the rooms that helped me, and I’ve made some amazing lifelong friends along the way. If that’s where you are, or where you need to be, I genuinely hope you keep going.
This is simply my story. Life has seasons, and today I’m in a different one.
Your past may explain you. It doesn’t have to define you.
Amen. 🙏⚔️
