Before I tell you my story I want to make somewhat of a disclosure. While I may be a sign language interpreter by profession, I am not in the Interpreter role today. I am intentionally trying to give my story with as much accessibility and caption is very much accessible. However by signing, I feel I capture the tone when storytelling which is so helpful to really empathize and hopefully become relatable. Having the tools given to me for becoming sober, I realized having a better mental quality of life through mind, body and spirit, became a byproduct of my sobriety. Hence, the "You vs. You" concept. As a recovering alcoholic who tried and tried and couldn't get past 7 weeks of sobriety (and that was considered a rare milestone), I have gotten to a little over 2 years with what I know not everyone has access to. My mission is that in fact one of the many ways to stay sober, by constantly engaging the 12th Step (of the 12 steps), giving back what was so freely given to me. What we always tell people is that the 12 Steps are a guide to be a better everything and it isn't just for the addict. We all have baggage to unpack. My intention is to give back to you what has been so freely given to me, being of service, the 12th Step. The beauty of the program is that you can go through them and do it as many times as you like through the course of life because while the steps may change, life happens and is always interchanging, so The Steps feel different with every approach. I also stayed sober through Yoga, which aligns with the 12 Steps for me. It would be selfish for me and I wouldn't be of service if I didn't give that back to the best of my capability, therefore making it as accessible to as many people as possible. This is why you will see me sign.