Sarah's Story: “This will do”

“I was 46 years old when my recovery journey began. It truly is never too late.”

★ Sarah, Recovery Practitioner & Coach

Earlier this month, Sarah celebrated 7 years in recovery.

Looking back, she says:

“My mantra in life was, ‘This will have to do.’

From the outside, my life looked good. I had a successful career as a teacher doing something I loved. I taught the piano, had a lovely home in Brighton, a wonderful family, a marriage and two gorgeous daughters.

But something just didn’t add up.

Despite everything I had, I was never truly content or satisfied.

I had always been known as someone who enjoyed a drink, but slowly and progressively my drinking became constant and dangerous. My life was spiralling out of control, and I genuinely didn’t believe there was a way out.

Everything came to a dramatic and life-changing head when I had to leave my job with immediate effect while facing an investigation into my conduct.

My family and friends were terrified for me. I was having seizures, blackouts and had completely lost control. I isolated myself from everyone and everything.

My life was devoid of hope, light and joy. I felt numb and dead inside.

I believed there was simply no way back.”

It took an intervention from Sarah's family and close friends to persuade her to go to rehab.

“Even then, I had no real intention of stopping drinking, but there must have been something inside me that knew I had to go.

As soon as I walked through the doors of the rehab, something changed.

I looked through into the kitchen where other residents were sitting together, chatting and laughing. They looked relaxed. They looked comfortable. Most importantly, they looked like me.

For the first time in a very long time, I felt a tiny glimmer of hope.

Just maybe… maybe I could do this too.”

That moment became the beginning of a new chapter.

“I realised that recovery wasn’t about being different. It was about finding connection with people who understood exactly how I felt.

I knew almost instantly that I might just be able to recover.

I simply had to become willing, listen to others, stay open-minded and learn how to live again.

I entered rehab on 2 July 2019, and at the beginning of this month I celebrated seven years sober.”

Over the years, recovery has opened doors Sarah never imagined possible.

“I left rehab knowing that my life had to change. I went to meetings, found a sponsor, took life One Day at a Time, did what was suggested and gave myself permission to heal.

I found Kennedy Street during my second year of recovery. I thought I was signing up for a course to become a Recovery Connector, but I haven’t really left since.

After volunteering for several years, being part of our journey into our very own Recovery Hub, I am incredibly proud to now work as a Recovery Practitioner and Coach.

I was 46 years old when my recovery journey began. It truly is never too late.

Recovery gave me an entirely new career, a new purpose and the privilege of being part of a charity that I care so deeply about.

For me, Kennedy Street represents hope, light and love. It gives people the opportunity to build the life they deserve.”

Today, seven years on, Sarah says:

“The life I have today still feels like a miracle.

Alongside my work at Kennedy Street, I continue to run a thriving piano teaching business. I have a good and healthy relationship with my former husband, my daughters are now adults and are thriving, and I continue to learn, grow and protect my recovery every single day.

Today I live life on life’s terms. I don’t always find it easy, but I face it with gratitude rather than fear.

There are still difficult days. Life still happens. But today I have the tools, the support and the people around me to help me through whatever comes next.

Most importantly, I know that I never have to do it alone.

My mantra used to be:

‘This will have to do.’

Today it is:

‘This WILL do.’

And for that, I will be forever grateful.”