Steve Keesal

 
   
Returning home from the Army, a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, I quickly embraced a lifestyle that was neither healthy nor productive.   I also brought home a problem that had been with me all my life – and grown out of control while I worked as an Airborne Ranger: an unhealthy thirst for excitement.

It did not take long for me to destroy myself.  I was hopelessly engaged in all kinds of addictive behavior.  I was quickly veering down the road of self-destruction. Then, somehow, by the grace of God, I met up with a Vietnam veteran named Buzz Holcomb, who told me about a program called New Directions.  I entered the program and got help for my addictions, my PTSD and my legal problems, and I learned how to live a healthier life. The year I spent at New Directions was not easy, but I was tired of being a loser, so I persevered.

Today, I thank God for three and a half years of sobriety.  Each day I experience life, not escapism.  I now have a handle on my anger and dramatics.  I also have a clean court record, which is very important to me.  Currently, I am learning to be a broker at a very established securities firm.  I feel like I have been given a second chance at life.

More important than anything else, I have learned to care about other people.  Loving and helping others allows me fulfillment and a sense of purpose I had never known before.  If I can give back to one other person all that has been given to me – then I will consider my life a success.

 

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