Forty-one years ago, I was on a business trip in Conroe, Texas, and decided to attend a 12-step group meeting for people with alcohol problems.

I was sober approximately nine months at the time. I’ll never forget that night.

The group was celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of its members’ sobriety date.

They had a cake for the occasion and gave the older gentleman a gift for achieving 20 years of being free from the bondage of alcohol addiction.

He was allowed to address the group and shared a few words.

I remember thinking, “Twenty years without a drink and I’m just trying to make it one year.”

He shared that 20 years ago he came through the doors of a 12-step group seeking help and not ever thinking he could get sober.

He continued, “The people accepted me with open arms, encouraged me to only take ‘one day at a time,’ come to meetings, don’t drink, and guaranteed that my life would get better. I did that for 365 days and celebrated one year of sobriety. I felt so good that I decided to continue taking ‘one day at a time’ and came to meetings for 19 more years. I never thought I could enjoy life as much as I do now. Thanks to all of you.”

That night I decided I wanted what that man had — an excitement about life and a peace that comes after being grateful for the people who were instrumental in his recovery.

As we enter 2016, I thank God for the opportunity to share what He has done in my life.

It’s only by His grace and the help of people He placed in my life that I will celebrate 15,330 days (42 years) of sobriety on Jan. 25. I mention it in days, because life is lived only “one day at a time.”

Studies show that more people seek help for alcohol and drug addiction during the month of January than any other time.

If you, or someone you know, have a problem, be assured that there is help.

Keep in mind that the first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one.

I offer my services (personal counseling, family intervention and referral to treatment facilities) to anyone seeking help.

Happy New Year!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.