Written by Ben, Willow Center Alum
“Why I buy a new pair of shoes for my sobriety anniversary…
So the short answer – is because when April 9th rolled around last year (my 1 year anniversary) – I wanted a new pair of shoes and this was a good excuse to buy them for myself. And they were replacing the shoes that were the only shoes I had with me for the 6 weeks I spent in rehab (and that I wore for most of my first year of sobriety).
I think it has turned into more than that, mostly unintentionally.
I wear my shoes pretty much every day. I can’t say that EVERY time that I put them on I think about my recovery – but MOST times that I put them on, I at least give it a passing thought. Now, with 2 years of sobriety – some days – the small thought I have while I’m putting on my shoes might be the only time I even THINK about my issue.
The other reasons are a little bit more esoteric and may not apply to anyone but me.
I specifically buy New Balance shoes because they are ‘DAD SHOES’ (in internet pop culture at least) – and they make me think of the responsibility that I have. The WHOLE REASON I got sober was to keep my family. To be with my wife and son. To be present. To be – ‘DAD.’
This contrasts to one of the main excuses I had to keep drinking – I was always afraid to be boring and suburban. I kept drinking because I thought that I didn’t WANT to be those things – until I realzed the benefits that they brought. And I really only realized these until I almost lost them – these traits – are also the best way to provide a good upbringing for a child, and provide a solid foundation for a family.
So yeah – every year – I think I’ll keep buying myself some new DAD shoes – to celebrate my sobriety which is the only way that I can give myself a solid footing both on the ground – and in life.”
