Thank you for sharing. I had 2 years and fell off the wagon recently. Its amazing how quickly Im back to the dark depths. My brain is very unwell right now. I feel like I have been pushed out of the drivers seat and the monster has the wheel. But I dont want to be a passenger. You have inspired me to get help and reclaim the wheel. I know right now, Im on the road to nowhere. But life is beautiful. I know that because I saw it, felt it, lived it. I want that back. Thanks for your honesty and vulnerability. Knowing Im not alone is everything.
You're starting off from the right place, honey 😀 You actually WANT to be sober, and that's the majority of the battle! Do you have any local AA groups, or any recovery services near to you? Look into SMART recovery also, SMART saved my life. Sending you my love for a speedy recovery ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Hey, JaniBobs. Like it is said in the program, Take it a day at a time. Hell for me in the beginning I made myself a commitment, for the next hour I’m not going to pick up. No Matter what. I said fuck that to the fuck it attitude. Girl Ill be prayin for ya. You can do this. It is however an inside job. I strongly encourage you to do like Nurse Julie and so many other of us. I am living a life i thought would never be possible. Hey, Sendin DonnyDonBob Hugs
Loved hearing your story, Julie! Thank God you had the presence of mind - FIRST - to STOP. Man, you’re strong. Love of my life…late husband, a PHYSICIAN…. Ivy League educated. Died from alcoholism at age 61. He retired early to be able to “self medicate” that horrible depression and anxiety. He never accepted any other HELP other than his “drug of choice”, which worked the best…… ALCOHOL. It got him. Knew it would. He’s at peace now…… but robbed us both of potentially a great life. SO…… your strength is ABSOLUTELY commendable. You saved yourself!!!! How much more proud could you be of yourself!!! WOW! SO happy you did….. your life has SUCH purpose and meaning! Never take that for granted! xoxo
While I can’t relate to this on a personal level, my partner certainly can, and I relate to him. He’s in his 24th year of sobriety and shared his story which sounds exactly like yours. While I can’t say, “I know how you feel” because I don’t, I sure have a tremendous amount of respect for those who fight this fight and win it day by day, every day.❤
I was a functioning alcoholic for almost 20 years. I feel like I screwed up my kids. I've been sober for 5 years now. It's taken a while to mend these relationships. My eldest daughter died just before Thanksgiving last year, pedestrian vs. Vehicle. I'm so happy we reconciled. Thank you Julie
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter 😔 That's such a violent way to die, how on earth did you cope!! (Rhetorical question) I'm happy that you managed to reconcile before she died, though. At least you have that to hold on to. Sending you my love for a full and happy life to come ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Congratulation. You are very brave to share your vulnerable self to others. I am sure that you helped many people by sharing your experience and what you did to become sober. One day at a time. ❤
Some people don't even ask themselves about their wellbeing. I'm 6 years clean from drugs myself, and I know that you SHOULD be proud of yourself! Because it's hard work, especially at first. We use drugs and alcohol to self medicate, so when we get clean & sober, all those emotions come flooding back. Then, you have to deal with those emotions and it's incredibly tough 😮 Hats off to you, Nurse Julie, I think you've done brilliantly 👏 😉 👍 😀 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
You are very strong. Your success is now a resource. You can deal with tremendous challenge going forward, and although here's hoping you won't need to, clearly you are able to take on misfortune with grace and talent. You are a great example for us all. We are lucky you are on TH-cam to share it with us.
Beautiful journey, thank you for sharing. I know there is a lot of stigma about 12 step programs, but they work. My story is similar, didn’t drink everyday, but when I did it was a crap shoot on the come. Those rooms helped me start and heal through my journey. Alcohol free since 2007, what a beautiful life I have because of that. Sending love to all! 🙏
Its great to hear your story. *I am now 60yrs and been sober since 31 years old. I was blessed with a step father who went to meeting and helped me find positive women to help me on my journey. Thanks for sharing this but so many helpful topics. Bless you!
Thank you Julie. I'm a little over 2 1/2 years into cancer treatment and all I want to do is drink, to run away. I know it doesn't help overall, but sometimes that little bit of relief is worth it! I'm starting chemo again on Friday, the maintenance drugs I was on stopped working, and as much as I try to convince myself that this is my normal life now, I'm anxious and afraid of the side effects. Yippee! I get to feel like shit again! I have stage 4 ovarian cancer, which I'm told is a chronic illness, until it kills you. Your videos have given me comfort in a weird way, so thank you for that. I will need to stop drinking after Friday while on chemo, I did it the first round so I'm sure I can do it again. But I can relate to thinking that stopping drinking would solve way more than it really does, damn it! Not sure what I'm trying to say here, but I know we all have an image in our minds of what an alcoholic is or looks like, and it sure isn't us. It's just a label. Congratulations to you on your sobriety and thanks again for your videos and your positive attitude and beautiful smile ❤
I'm so sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time 😢 If I were in your shoes, I think I'd feel much the same. However, the alcohol might interfere with your chemotherapy, and I'd hate to think your treatment didn't work, all for the sake of that nasty stuff. Alcohol is a depressant, and that will just add to your problems 😢For what it's worth, I'll be thinking of you, and I'm sending you my love for an easier time to come. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I celebrated 26 years sober last month 💥 Your share was probably the best story I've heard in how you explained your feelings and thought process. I knew there was a certain spark in you. 🤟💯
Thank you 🙏 for sharing your story . I am a type 2 Diabetic. Hence, I stopped drinking 2years ago. My A1C levels dropped from 8.5 to 6.0. I don’t want to ever go back to 8.5. I am healthier & happier now at 63 & plan on living at least 20 more years. Stay sober, you are a role model to so many. Love ❤️ you👍🏼.
Shredding the shame!!!! Girl- YES, YES, YES!!! Here I am with you. Oncology Social Worker here that had to examine my relationship with alcohol and determined- damn, I'm an alcoholic! So true if you dont know why you drink...stop- and then you'll know. Love your posts- u are amazing! 🎉
Julie , thank you for your courage to share your experience. I can relate to your story. I am a nurse also and sober since 6 years. Many of the nursing and caregiving community are in recovery. I never got a traffic ticket , raised 4 children and was a hard working nurse , never missed a day of work. I drank at night , secretly . Finally at 65 yrs old , I ask God for help . The help came immediately , my church opened up a 12 step program and I was the first woman there. I am retired now , my Passion is to help other woman recover I live a happy, joyous and free live. Soo grateful to live my best life now in my seventies. I wish you all the Best , you are strong , through your courage and humility you are helping others. God bless you !
Very relatable. I am also a "problem drinker" (and a hospice nurse) but AA has always turned me off. I've been doing it on my own, but maybe I can find a different type of support group in my community. Thank you.
Thanks Julie! I've been in recovery since 1990 and I'm almost 34 years clean. I can really relate to what you're saying. Through my first few years I was really "white-knuckling" it. I was miserable, and I was miserable to be around. It wasn't until I really started working the 12th step seriously that I began to find joy in my life. Now I am grateful to be an addict in recovery, because without that experience I would not have been able to do the work I did with other addicts or alcoholics for so many years, most of whom fit the stereotype you mentioned. I'm now retired and I miss my work, but I'm at a different stage in my life where I can no longer handle the physical demands of living and working in a group home. This is my next challenge in life.
Each month of sobriety brings another new perspective on the life you lived, and with it comes an overwhelming mental pain. Confrontation alone usually fails, but with a little help you can fly.
Thank you so much for your service!! You are brave and beautiful!! I love you videos they bring peace to my heart! I have had the privilege of caring for patients and family members in their last moments of life. And I do feel like it is a privilege!! 18 years One day at a time❤️ The most important thing I have found in recovery is my higher power!!
What an honest share and so full of hope, Julie! I am right here with you…I’m celebrating sobriety too! I love your channel and the way you are educating us and sharing yourself. I think you’re great.
Love your words, and your soul, I can relate to everything you are saying. Thank You so much for talking from your heart. I still struggle but listening to you helps so much.💙🐞
Thank you so much for sharing your story. That took some courage. ❤ Could you do a video on the end of life outcomes for alcoholics, as in alcohol causes of death, and taken too soon as a consequence of alcohol or their mental states and perhaps regrets about their life choices when facing their mortality?
So cool of you to share something so personal. I am glad you are feeling better and have made it this many years. Wishes for you with continued success on this and everything you take on.
Hey thanks for sharing I am really happy for you and appreciate all you do. I just celebrated 14 years sober😊 I started watching your channel a few months before my mom passed away and boy did they help me through the whole process especially the one about how they were in life they are in death! There was no talking about the past or any apologies and she passed away Medically assisted and that was it. I grieved by myself, no one cared about my aching heart except your videos. Thanks so so much and now you're going to help other people in life not just death 🎉 Lots of love and light
Thank you for telling your story. It took courage and you will never know how many people you have helped by doing this. Most importantly, talking about mental health will help take away the stigma.
Congratulations on your Recovery Julie. I am confident that by sharing your story so many other addictive persons will be helped. It helped me and I am 38 yrs sober. Thank you! I am also a retired RN. Keep doing what you are doing and God Bless You!
I am in recovery as well. It will be 19 years in Jan 24. I am 69 now. I had other stints in sobriety. Once for almost 6 years. Other times with one year a couple of different times. I am convinced that had I not gone to treatment when I was 23, I would have died long ago. When I went to treatment and stayed sober for a long stint, this gave me a leg up for living, even though I went back to drinking and it got bad. I am so grateful today. It is good news you have your life back as well, one day at a time.
Thanks for your story. I’m 31 years sober this month and 70 years old. I started following you because I’m older and have major health issues. I wanted to understand the end of life and you’ve been a great resource. Good to know we share a solution to life.
I have watched alcohol ruin alot of families. Its sad..as is any type if addiction. It can grab ahold of someone easily & make it so hard to quit. Congratulations on your sobriety. Well done! I am going on 6 mths of not smoking now I smoked for 47 yrs. Cold turkey. Its been tough. But i know i can do it now.
Congratulations on your sobriety and healing!! I'm glad you pointed out that not all substance abusers are on skid row - many are high functioning and flying under the radar of those around them - even those relatively close, like siblings.
We live in a society where socialization often centers around drinking. We met friends after work at the 'nice' bar. We hit the pub before the game. We had cocktails before dinner when we went out. Moderation can get lost. Good for you...changing your habits when you felt they were dangerous in your life. Personal decision.
Thank you for that. Im also a recovering Alcoholic and a recovering Addic. Just over 8 years. After meny years of relaping i just couldn't take anymore. Ive also been diagnosed with severe heart failure and i now have a Pacemaker and Defibrillator fittered. You have helped me so much coming to terms with the health situation. At the moment my blood circulation is 45%. Before having been fittered with a Pacemaker and Defibrillator. Glad to say no fluid on my lungs. Blanch was my mother's name who died of breast cancer when i was 9 months old. My recovery is the most important thing in my life today. Without that i wouldn't die. God bless and thank you so much for sharing 🙏 i will sign off now from Kevin D.
Thanks for sharing your experience, strength and hope. I am also in recovery for disordered eating and working with people with serious illness made me realize that I needed to be at peace with myself to be more present for others in crisis. It really is a blessing to have fellows in recovery at meetings that I can be fully transparent with and to learn from. We have a design for living that works in rough going.
My 35 yr old son passed 8 months ago from alcoholism. We had been estranged for 2 years - his wife allowed my daughter and I to see him for one hour already intubated in the icu - he passed 14 hours later - completely devastating to me. We didn’t know he was an alcoholic - apparently he’d been ‘sober’ for 42 days unsupervised - he and his wife had been living isolated in a shared psychosis and didn’t get help - he was a chef in S.F. - I think he lost his way when Covid came and restaurants closed . Thank you so much for sharing your personal story and giving me the hope that he’s ok wherever he is now . I’m a new subscriber ❤
Bless you for sharing. My husband died three years ago Thanksgiving night. I’ve watched all your videos and read people’s comments. I’m doing better but something happened when my husband was dying that I still do not understand and no one can seem to know. I have a feeling it won’t be long before all of my questions will be answered. I’m 77 for one thing and we are on the brink of WWIII which we have no control over. Just trust the Lord Jesus Christ ❤
Congratulations. We do recover. One small point. You said that you are recovering, but if you've worked through the program then you are recovered. You're back on an even keel and ready to start growing again. You don't have all of that baggage tying your feet down. Recovering is cutting that baggage loose enough for you to get on with your life. When you say you're recovering, I think what you mean is that you are positively working on growing into a better person. Remember, if you read the big book, the word recovered is used something like 26 times, and the term recovering is used twice, once to the employer and once in the chapter to the wives. Small point, food for thought. I've been in those rooms since 1980 but crazy disease that it is, I've got 8 years. But I did buckle down and do the work and I am recovered right now and I'm growing old with some peace.
Julie, thank you for being so brave and sharing these moments of your life with all of us. I've learned so much from you. I was my Dad's caregiver while he was under Hospice care. He did have a wonderful nurse. I had so many questions that I didn't get to ask his nurse at that time. You have answered so many of them. Julie, thank you. Thank you for sharing your personal story and all the wonderful information you've shared about Hospice. You are a gift to all of us. ❤
An Al-anon lead stated he went to AA to get sober but came to Al-non to learn to live. He was an adult child. I learned to take what I need and leave the rest. Glad you found your group.
Thank you for sharing Julie. I can relate, 6 years for me. Thankfully for you, you are 26 years younger than I. You didn’t mess up your life nearly as long as I did. God bless you…
Respect to you. We're on this planet to experience and work through (IMO). Long story short, I defo used alcohol (even food) as a coping mechanism. It was only when I became a Mum (best thing ever) and then my baby great nephew was murdered, my life turned upside down and I saw 'the bigger picture' and I worked through my issues, built healthy coping mechanisms and resilience (wasn't easy), I retrained, did a degree and worked in mental health and trauma support. Julie you're an angel on earth. Thanks for speaking about this, we all benefit from each other (IMO), be kind to ourselves as well as others🙏
Hi Julie, thanks for sharing MY story. I’ve heard our story told in many support rooms over the years. We are so blessed to have been given the gift of sobriety. And now you have given it away so that you can keep it. If only our troubled world could accept help and be loved back to being well again. I pray for that daily. I became a hospice volunteer 6 months ago, and I swear it has done more for me than I have been able to do for it. I know you know what I mean. Thank you for your videos. They broaden my knowledge of what to expect when I am with a person dying in hospice. I’ve had Maggie Callanan, now I have you. ❤😊🙏🏻
Julie, I am glad for you. To avoid the pain or boredom of reality is a natural as self-defense. I ran from reality to alcohol for 30 years. Something was missing. I never knew inner peace, only momentary escape and madness. Yet I functioned, worked, and raised kids. 16 years sober. I quit drinking hundreds of times. Only rehab and AA helped me. Your story illustrates how just stopping drinking is not enough. We must discover what caused us to become alcoholics in the first place. If your story helps one person get help and begin to recover, how wonderful is that. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story. I encouraged several nurse buddies to watch this vid. Your honesty & way of sharing is much appreciated. Thank you Julie!
You hit the nail right on the head. I'm an addiction counselor at a methadone clinic and some of our patients just want to get their methadone and don't want to do the individual and group therapy that are required as part of their treatment. I tell them that if they don't address the issues that let them to using in the first place they are less likely to be able to stay clean. The other thing I tell them a lot is that as human beings we're wired for connection. Some of us need more, some need less, but we all need it. Connection with others is such an important factor in recovery. Thank you for being open about your experience and helping dispel the stigma that people struggling with SUD are weak, immoral, and incapable of change.
Thank you, Julie. I am also a nurse who currently struggles with substance abuse. I admire your vulnerability and thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️
So many of us who work in careers like nursing have substance abuse issues. For me, I had no idea I was clinically depressed and using a depressant to “help”. Once sober, I spoke with my doctor and she prescribed an antidepressant. Wow! I have 32 years sober and am grateful for my life every day. With medication and AA, my life has been amazing!
I found your channel awhile ago and I love it. I don't always get your videos in my feed, but the most interesting and important to me was there today. Something i needed to hear. I have drank light beer all my adult life. I've been wanting to stop but make excuses when 5:00 comes. I drink 3-4 a night every night. I'm happier. Calmer. I related so much to what you said. I have to admit I was a bit surprised, for you are so together, smart and loving. How could someone so together have so much in common with me? (Drinking and drugs) I admire you even more for this frank discussion. I've never thought to seek help. I get depressed and sad with my life. I am quite a bit older than you, I'm 70 and a widow. My blood work is great, I have energy and feel good most days. But its a monkey on my back and I can't afford it on social security. You've given me renewed courage to try again to stop. Thank you Julie.
Congrats, 3 months in for me, now to quit smoking. I started exercising and that is really helping. Also changed my diet to carnivore, sleeping way better.
Three months, honey. Bravo!! You're off to a great start 😊 Soon, the months will become a year, and you'll wonder where the time went! Good luck to you, and please accept my loving and healing thoughts for you ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Congratulations on your sobriety! I have 16 1/2 years of recovery. Getting sober was the best thing i have ever done. Hopefully, anyone who watches this video and needs help, will feel moved to seek help.
I quit drinking when I was 32, the month before I turned 33. This coming March 18, I will have 38 years sober. My story is so close to yours. Alcoholism runs in my family as well. I went to AA. I met lifelong friends. You can do this...😊
I'm so grateful you've shared your story, Julie. I've been sober many years and I'm still inspired when someone like you (or anyone!) shares their recovery story. I love your channel, but now it's risen to a whole new level. Congratulations on your journey. You're helping a lot of people on a lot of levels. God bless you.
Wow, Thank You!! ❤🙏 It’s SO amazing to hear you open up, so vulnerably, 💗about the struggle and shame that so many of us are going through/have gone through (especially women?), because of the awful stigma of addiction. Your hospice channel is groundbreaking (!!) 🙌 and so, so helpful, educational and reassuring about a topic that has been toxically taboo for too long! I would love, if/when you’re ready, to see another channel dedicated to this other chapter of your life and how you learned to navigate it! (Currently trying and failing daily to quit Red Wine too. 🥺) Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world! You have NO idea the impact it will make! 🙏🌈🌟🩷
It's a very slippery slope to be a functional wino who loves to cook. I've learned to love the taste of food in it's truest of form without wine...Kudos to you for sharing your insights...I can see how you healed and evolved WITHIN first...cause the outside won't make it Alone. much thanks for all your videos!
Julie, your testimony has brought me to tears, and I'm pretty heartless! Thank you for sharing. I've been watching you for a while and would never have thought you'd been anything other than 'perfect' all through life. You've done so well!
I have a dear friend who was an RN, worked in hospital nurse management, very conservative, became hospice nurse, home health management and an alcoholic. She is sober now. You would love her.
How brave you are to have shared your story. You explained it beautifully, I'm sure you haved helped many people. You are a lovely young lady. God bless you.
Thank you for being here. I'm a life long addict,alcohol,food, shopping, etc. Your personality somewhat mirrors mine. You said it..."help with things I drink about". That"s where I'm at now. 2 months sober, and angry I can't drink. I want to give in, but I can't, to many health problems. So...Thank you for you for your story. I am hitting up my therapist on Monday to plan for the future. Kepp on doing these videos!
You are an amazing human! You helped me when my mom was on hospice it was a hard thing to sit back and try not to "save" her and do all of the things. This video of full exposure was just so powerful. Congratulations on your 8 years!
As you do this you can begin neural plasticity in how your brain can find ways to heal. It becomes apparent to others. Also we reinforce and strong healthy relationships. By sharing your radical self-acceptance you gain a deeper self acceptance. The freedom to choose a better way. You will very much like a flower begins to bloom. So without words you share and you gain from those who are now free to bloom Thank you Nurse Julie for sharing.
Congratulations on 7 years of sobriety! 🎉❤ That is an amazing accomplishment that deserves recognition and celebration! So many blessings arrive in your life when you choose to respect life and your health. I remember you saying that you were blessed with a book deal. I have a lot of faith that has to do with you choosing to stay sober. I had a near-death experience in 2006 and saw a bright white light that communicated with me. Basically I was having a visioning experience. The light told me that I am to take the story of my life and create a Hollywood movie! So I'm working on that. God gave me this blessing because I chose to respect the life of my child by quitting smoking, drinking, and drugs and staying sober. This is why I tell everyone to stay sober because you will be blessed! God sees everything! Congratulations to you for breaking the cycle of alcohol abuse in your family.. You are glowing! ❤
Way to go, Julie! Congratulations on your sobriety. My husband has 13 years of sobriety. I know how hard it was for him, so just live 1 day at a time and keep going back. You never know when you may need a meeting,it may be that you need to share your story to help someone else and that will help you in return.
I'm an alcoholic. I keep it to the weekends nowadays, but it wasn't always that way. Just like you, many of my family members were alcoholics. My grandpa was a cop, for like 20 something years. I remember him getting home in his bullet proof vest smelling of beer. After he probably arrested people for DUI. I see home movies of his mom drinking PBR while holding me as a newborn. Addiction sucks. But congratulations on 7 years sober! That is an amazing accomplishment!! God Bless you, you do amazing work.
Thank you for sharing. I had 2 years and fell off the wagon recently. Its amazing how quickly Im back to the dark depths. My brain is very unwell right now. I feel like I have been pushed out of the drivers seat and the monster has the wheel. But I dont want to be a passenger. You have inspired me to get help and reclaim the wheel. I know right now, Im on the road to nowhere. But life is beautiful. I know that because I saw it, felt it, lived it. I want that back. Thanks for your honesty and vulnerability. Knowing Im not alone is everything.
You can do this. I'm praying you start now. I will continue to pray for you.. Thank you for sharing your story & for being so honest. XO
Sending you love girl!!! 💗💗💗💗
You're starting off from the right place, honey 😀 You actually WANT to be sober, and that's the majority of the battle! Do you have any local AA groups, or any recovery services near to you? Look into SMART recovery also, SMART saved my life. Sending you my love for a speedy recovery ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
❤🙏
Hey, JaniBobs. Like it is said in the program, Take it a day at a time. Hell for me in the beginning I made myself a commitment, for the next hour I’m not going to pick up. No Matter what. I said fuck that to the fuck it attitude. Girl Ill be prayin for ya. You can do this. It is however an inside job. I strongly encourage you to do like Nurse Julie and so many other of us. I am living a life i thought would never be possible. Hey, Sendin DonnyDonBob Hugs
Retired cop. Did my whole career sober. DOS: 12/24/1976. Congratulations 🎊 ODAAT
Loved hearing your story, Julie! Thank God you had the presence of mind - FIRST - to STOP. Man, you’re strong. Love of my life…late husband, a PHYSICIAN…. Ivy League educated. Died from alcoholism at age 61. He retired early to be able to “self medicate” that horrible depression and anxiety. He never accepted any other HELP other than his “drug of choice”, which worked the best…… ALCOHOL. It got him. Knew it would. He’s at peace now…… but robbed us both of potentially a great life.
SO…… your strength is ABSOLUTELY commendable. You saved yourself!!!! How much more proud could you be of yourself!!! WOW! SO happy you did….. your life has SUCH purpose and meaning! Never take that for granted! xoxo
While I can’t relate to this on a personal level, my partner certainly can, and I relate to him. He’s in his 24th year of sobriety and shared his story which sounds exactly like yours. While I can’t say, “I know how you feel” because I don’t, I sure have a tremendous amount of respect for those who fight this fight and win it day by day, every day.❤
Thank you and tell your partner, HI! 🥰
Wow! 24 years!! I hope I get to that milestone 🙏 😀♥️♥️♥️♥️
I am an adult child of an alcoholic and AlAnon and ACA have helped me learn how much courage it takes to discuss these topics! 🎉❤
Your truth is beautiful. I have so much respect and admiration for you. Blessings and prayers...
I was a functioning alcoholic for almost 20 years. I feel like I screwed up my kids. I've been sober for 5 years now. It's taken a while to mend these relationships. My eldest daughter died just before Thanksgiving last year, pedestrian vs. Vehicle. I'm so happy we reconciled.
Thank you Julie
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter 😔 That's such a violent way to die, how on earth did you cope!! (Rhetorical question) I'm happy that you managed to reconcile before she died, though. At least you have that to hold on to. Sending you my love for a full and happy life to come ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏
Am so so sorry for your loss xxxx
@@vikkiledgard8483 thank you!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm trying to find sobriety. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this. I've passed it along to my son who is also recovering. Sending big hugs from Montreal.
Congratulation. You are very brave to share your vulnerable self to others. I am sure that you helped many people by sharing your experience and what you did to become sober. One day at a time. ❤
Thank you 🥰
Thanks for the "meeting." I can soooo relate. 33 years next month. Don't quit before the miracle. You are an inspiration.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Some people don't even ask themselves about their wellbeing. I'm 6 years clean from drugs myself, and I know that you SHOULD be proud of yourself! Because it's hard work, especially at first. We use drugs and alcohol to self medicate, so when we get clean & sober, all those emotions come flooding back. Then, you have to deal with those emotions and it's incredibly tough 😮 Hats off to you, Nurse Julie, I think you've done brilliantly 👏 😉 👍 😀 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
You are very strong. Your success is now a resource. You can deal with tremendous challenge going forward, and although here's hoping you won't need to, clearly you are able to take on misfortune with grace and talent. You are a great example for us all. We are lucky you are on TH-cam to share it with us.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful journey, thank you for sharing. I know there is a lot of stigma about 12 step programs, but they work. My story is similar, didn’t drink everyday, but when I did it was a crap shoot on the come. Those rooms helped me start and heal through my journey. Alcohol free since 2007, what a beautiful life I have because of that. Sending love to all! 🙏
Same here , happy , joyous and free !
Its great to hear your story. *I am now 60yrs and been sober since 31 years old. I was blessed with a step father who went to meeting and helped me find positive women to help me on my journey. Thanks for sharing this but so many helpful topics. Bless you!
Thank you for sharing 💗💗💗
Thank you Julie. I'm a little over 2 1/2 years into cancer treatment and all I want to do is drink, to run away. I know it doesn't help overall, but sometimes that little bit of relief is worth it! I'm starting chemo again on Friday, the maintenance drugs I was on stopped working, and as much as I try to convince myself that this is my normal life now, I'm anxious and afraid of the side effects. Yippee! I get to feel like shit again! I have stage 4 ovarian cancer, which I'm told is a chronic illness, until it kills you. Your videos have given me comfort in a weird way, so thank you for that. I will need to stop drinking after Friday while on chemo, I did it the first round so I'm sure I can do it again. But I can relate to thinking that stopping drinking would solve way more than it really does, damn it! Not sure what I'm trying to say here, but I know we all have an image in our minds of what an alcoholic is or looks like, and it sure isn't us. It's just a label. Congratulations to you on your sobriety and thanks again for your videos and your positive attitude and beautiful smile ❤
I'm so sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time 😢 If I were in your shoes, I think I'd feel much the same. However, the alcohol might interfere with your chemotherapy, and I'd hate to think your treatment didn't work, all for the sake of that nasty stuff. Alcohol is a depressant, and that will just add to your problems 😢For what it's worth, I'll be thinking of you, and I'm sending you my love for an easier time to come. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you for your kind words!@@vikkiledgard8483
Did you use oral anticonceptives? Did you have pcos? Endometriosis?
I celebrated 26 years sober last month 💥 Your share was probably the best story I've heard in how you explained your feelings and thought process. I knew there was a certain spark in you. 🤟💯
Congratulations! I've been sober 6 years now. ❤
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@@hospicenursejulie feel so safe without alcohol
Good for you Julie! ❤ Thank you for your honesty. You will help others with your story. You are a truly beautiful soul.
Thank you 💗
Thank you for sharing. I've been contemplating a sober lifestyle.
Do it! I think a clean life is a good life 😊♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
It's so good! Not at first but after the work
It's so worth it. Wished I had done it sooner.
I, too, am a recovering drunk. Alcoholic, whatever word I use, it means the same thing. 24 yrs sober...
Congrats! You're an inspiration to many! ❤
Thank you 🙏 for sharing your story . I am a type 2 Diabetic. Hence, I stopped drinking 2years ago. My A1C levels dropped from 8.5 to 6.0. I don’t want to ever go back to 8.5. I am healthier & happier now at 63 & plan on living at least 20 more years. Stay sober, you are a role model to so many. Love ❤️ you👍🏼.
Shredding the shame!!!! Girl- YES, YES, YES!!! Here I am with you. Oncology Social Worker here that had to examine my relationship with alcohol and determined- damn, I'm an alcoholic! So true if you dont know why you drink...stop- and then you'll know. Love your posts- u are amazing! 🎉
Julie , thank you for your courage to share your experience. I can relate to your story.
I am a nurse also and sober since 6 years. Many of the nursing and caregiving community are in recovery. I never got a traffic ticket , raised 4 children and was a hard working nurse , never missed a day of work. I drank at night , secretly .
Finally at 65 yrs old , I ask God for help . The help came immediately , my church opened up a 12 step program and I was the first woman there. I am retired now , my Passion is to help other woman recover I live a happy, joyous and free live. Soo grateful to live my best life now in my seventies.
I wish you all the Best , you are strong , through your courage and humility you are helping others. God bless you !
Thank you for being vulnerable and open with your challenge. Love this channel. ❤
Very relatable. I am also a "problem drinker" (and a hospice nurse) but AA has always turned me off. I've been doing it on my own, but maybe I can find a different type of support group in my community. Thank you.
Totally- everyone finds their own way- im pretty sure there are other groups out there 💗💗💗
Maybe look into SMART Recovery? Wishing you the very best on your journey. And Thank you for the care you give as a hospice nurse. ❤️
Read waiting by Marya Hornbacher. I'm an athiest in AA. There's a few of us
I hung onto your every word, Julie. You give me hope. Thank you for sharing your personal life. You are a beautiful soul.
❤️🤗
Thanks Julie! I've been in recovery since 1990 and I'm almost 34 years clean. I can really relate to what you're saying. Through my first few years I was really "white-knuckling" it. I was miserable, and I was miserable to be around. It wasn't until I really started working the 12th step seriously that I began to find joy in my life. Now I am grateful to be an addict in recovery, because without that experience I would not have been able to do the work I did with other addicts or alcoholics for so many years, most of whom fit the stereotype you mentioned. I'm now retired and I miss my work, but I'm at a different stage in my life where I can no longer handle the physical demands of living and working in a group home. This is my next challenge in life.
Congratulations for being strong and doing so much good for others.
Each month of sobriety brings another new perspective on the life you lived, and with it comes an overwhelming mental pain. Confrontation alone usually fails, but with a little help you can fly.
Thank you so much for your service!! You are brave and beautiful!!
I love you videos they bring peace to my heart!
I have had the privilege of caring for patients and family members in their last moments of life.
And I do feel like it is a privilege!!
18 years One day at a time❤️
The most important thing I have found in recovery is my higher power!!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wow! 18 years!! Bravo, honey, bravo 👏 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
What an honest share and so full of hope, Julie! I am right here with you…I’m celebrating sobriety too! I love your channel and the way you are educating us and sharing yourself. I think you’re great.
Love your words, and your soul, I can relate to everything you are saying. Thank You so much for talking from your heart. I still struggle but listening to you helps so much.💙🐞
Thank you- so glad you're here and you're not alone 💗💗💗💗
Thank you so much for sharing your story. That took some courage. ❤ Could you do a video on the end of life outcomes for alcoholics, as in alcohol causes of death, and taken too soon as a consequence of alcohol or their mental states and perhaps regrets about their life choices when facing their mortality?
So cool of you to share something so personal. I am glad you are feeling better and have made it this many years. Wishes for you with continued success on this and everything you take on.
Hey thanks for sharing I am really happy for you and appreciate all you do. I just celebrated 14 years sober😊
I started watching your channel a few months before my mom passed away and boy did they help me through the whole process especially the one about how they were in life they are in death! There was no talking about the past or any apologies and she passed away Medically assisted and that was it. I grieved by myself, no one cared about my aching heart except your videos. Thanks so so much and now you're going to help other people in life not just death 🎉
Lots of love and light
Congratulations on your sobriety 🎉🎉 I love this channel, thank you for the amazing work you do ❤
Thank you!
Julie, you’re the best and so inspiring❤ thanks for sharing your journey - I admire your strength ❤
Thanks megs
I Love You! You are an ascended spirit. Congratulations on Your Sobriety, keep up the Good Work.
Thank you 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for telling your story. It took courage and you will never know how many people you have helped by doing this. Most importantly, talking about mental health will help take away the stigma.
Congratulations on your Recovery Julie. I am confident that by sharing your story so many other addictive persons will be helped. It helped me and I am 38 yrs sober. Thank you! I am also a retired RN. Keep doing what you are doing and God Bless You!
👍Thank you dear Julie, you broke the cycle in your family. You are so special may God protect you.
You are awesome. Thank you, Nurse Julie. 🎉❤
I'm soooo glad that you didn't start drinking again and that you started this youtube channel. Thank you so much.
I am in recovery as well. It will be 19 years in Jan 24. I am 69 now. I had other stints in sobriety. Once for almost 6 years. Other times with one year a couple of different times. I am convinced that had I not gone to treatment when I was 23, I would have died long ago. When I went to treatment and stayed sober for a long stint, this gave me a leg up for living, even though I went back to drinking and it got bad. I am so grateful today. It is good news you have your life back as well, one day at a time.
Thanks for your story. I’m 31 years sober this month and 70 years old. I started following you because I’m older and have major health issues. I wanted to understand the end of life and you’ve been a great resource. Good to know we share a solution to life.
I love how you stuck to the traditions, and did it effortlessly. What a lovely story of hope.
I have watched alcohol ruin alot of families. Its sad..as is any type if addiction. It can grab ahold of someone easily & make it so hard to quit. Congratulations on your sobriety. Well done! I am going on 6 mths of not smoking now
I smoked for 47 yrs. Cold turkey. Its been tough. But i know i can do it now.
Congratulations on your sobriety and healing!!
I'm glad you pointed out that not all substance abusers are on skid row - many are high functioning and flying under the radar of those around them - even those relatively close, like siblings.
Congratulations Julie!
Thanks for your story.
I am a friend of Bill's, also, and it's a pleasure to meet you.
We live in a society where socialization often centers around drinking. We met friends after work at the 'nice' bar. We hit the pub before the game. We had cocktails before dinner when we went out. Moderation can get lost. Good for you...changing your habits when you felt they were dangerous in your life. Personal decision.
Thank you for that. Im also a recovering Alcoholic and a recovering Addic. Just over 8 years. After meny years of relaping i just couldn't take anymore. Ive also been diagnosed with severe heart failure and i now have a Pacemaker and Defibrillator fittered. You have helped me so much coming to terms with the health situation. At the moment my blood circulation is 45%. Before having been fittered with a Pacemaker and Defibrillator. Glad to say no fluid on my lungs. Blanch was my mother's name who died of breast cancer when i was 9 months old. My recovery is the most important thing in my life today. Without that i wouldn't die. God bless and thank you so much for sharing 🙏 i will sign off now from Kevin D.
Thanks for sharing your experience, strength and hope. I am also in recovery for disordered eating and working with people with serious illness made me realize that I needed to be at peace with myself to be more present for others in crisis. It really is a blessing to have fellows in recovery at meetings that I can be fully transparent with and to learn from. We have a design for living that works in rough going.
My 35 yr old son passed 8 months ago from alcoholism. We had been estranged for 2 years - his wife allowed my daughter and I to see him for one hour already intubated in the icu - he passed 14 hours later - completely devastating to me. We didn’t know he was an alcoholic - apparently he’d been ‘sober’ for 42 days unsupervised - he and his wife had been living isolated in a shared psychosis and didn’t get help - he was a chef in S.F. - I think he lost his way when Covid came and restaurants closed . Thank you so much for sharing your personal story and giving me the hope that he’s ok wherever he is now . I’m a new subscriber ❤
Congratulations, we all have a story, ❤️
Bless you for sharing. My husband died three years ago Thanksgiving night. I’ve watched all your videos and read people’s comments. I’m doing better but something happened when my husband was dying that I still do not understand and no one can seem to know. I have a feeling it won’t be long before all of my questions will be answered. I’m 77 for one thing and we are on the brink of WWIII which we have no control over. Just trust the Lord Jesus Christ ❤
Retired cop. Did my whole career sober. DOS 12/24/76. ODAAT Keep up the good work.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Congratulations for sharing on such a personal level. I’m sure you are touching many lives with your message. Thanks Julie!
That's wonderful! Congrats to you! I'm proud of you!🎉
thank you for your honesty.....a lot of courage....you go girl.....
Thank you,
Congratulations. We do recover. One small point. You said that you are recovering, but if you've worked through the program then you are recovered. You're back on an even keel and ready to start growing again. You don't have all of that baggage tying your feet down. Recovering is cutting that baggage loose enough for you to get on with your life. When you say you're recovering, I think what you mean is that you are positively working on growing into a better person. Remember, if you read the big book, the word recovered is used something like 26 times, and the term recovering is used twice, once to the employer and once in the chapter to the wives. Small point, food for thought. I've been in those rooms since 1980 but crazy disease that it is, I've got 8 years. But I did buckle down and do the work and I am recovered right now and I'm growing old with some peace.
Julie, thank you for being so brave and sharing these moments of your life with all of us. I've learned so much from you. I was my Dad's caregiver while he was under Hospice care. He did have a wonderful nurse. I had so many questions that I didn't get to ask his nurse at that time. You have answered so many of them.
Julie, thank you. Thank you for sharing your personal story and all the wonderful information you've shared about Hospice.
You are a gift to all of us. ❤
Love how you describe “The bondage of self”! Are you familiar with Paul Hedderman? He says the original addiction is the addiction to self.
Oh wow- no - not familiar- but I'll google him 🥰🥰🥰
I'm not familiar either! I'll give him a look over, thanks 😊 ♥️♥️♥️♥️
An Al-anon lead stated he went to AA to get sober but came to Al-non
to learn to live. He was an adult child.
I learned to take what I need and leave the rest. Glad you found your group.
Thank you for sharing Julie. I can relate, 6 years for me. Thankfully for you, you are 26 years younger than I. You didn’t mess up your life nearly as long as I did. God bless you…
Woohoooo! I love sobriety! I’ve been sober for a bit over 2 years! Love your content! Congratulations on 7 almost 8 years!🎉
I like you even betterer Hospice Nurse Julie 😊♥️❗
Respect to you. We're on this planet to experience and work through (IMO). Long story short, I defo used alcohol (even food) as a coping mechanism. It was only when I became a Mum (best thing ever) and then my baby great nephew was murdered, my life turned upside down and I saw 'the bigger picture' and I worked through my issues, built healthy coping mechanisms and resilience (wasn't easy), I retrained, did a degree and worked in mental health and trauma support. Julie you're an angel on earth. Thanks for speaking about this, we all benefit from each other (IMO), be kind to ourselves as well as others🙏
Hi Julie, thanks for sharing MY story. I’ve heard our story told in many support rooms over the years. We are so blessed to have been given the gift of sobriety. And now you have given it away so that you can keep it. If only our troubled world could accept help and be loved back to being well again. I pray for that daily. I became a hospice volunteer 6 months ago, and I swear it has done more for me than I have been able to do for it. I know you know what I mean. Thank you for your videos. They broaden my knowledge of what to expect when I am with a person dying in hospice. I’ve had Maggie Callanan, now I have you. ❤😊🙏🏻
Julie, I am glad for you. To avoid the pain or boredom of reality is a natural as self-defense. I ran from reality to alcohol for 30 years. Something was missing. I never knew inner peace, only momentary escape and madness. Yet I functioned, worked, and raised kids. 16 years sober. I quit drinking hundreds of times. Only rehab and AA helped me. Your story illustrates how just stopping drinking is not enough. We must discover what caused us to become alcoholics in the first place. If your story helps one person get help and begin to recover, how wonderful is that. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story. I encouraged several nurse buddies to watch this vid. Your honesty & way of sharing is much appreciated. Thank you Julie!
Yes yes yes- and thank YOU
You hit the nail right on the head. I'm an addiction counselor at a methadone clinic and some of our patients just want to get their methadone and don't want to do the individual and group therapy that are required as part of their treatment. I tell them that if they don't address the issues that let them to using in the first place they are less likely to be able to stay clean. The other thing I tell them a lot is that as human beings we're wired for connection. Some of us need more, some need less, but we all need it. Connection with others is such an important factor in recovery. Thank you for being open about your experience and helping dispel the stigma that people struggling with SUD are weak, immoral, and incapable of change.
Thank you, Julie. I am also a nurse who currently struggles with substance abuse. I admire your vulnerability and thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️
So many of us who work in careers like nursing have substance abuse issues. For me, I had no idea I was clinically depressed and using a depressant to “help”. Once sober, I spoke with my doctor and she prescribed an antidepressant. Wow! I have 32 years sober and am grateful for my life every day. With medication and AA, my life has been amazing!
I found your channel awhile ago and I love it. I don't always get your videos in my feed, but the most interesting and important to me was there today. Something i needed to hear.
I have drank light beer all my adult life. I've been wanting to stop but make excuses when 5:00 comes. I drink 3-4 a night every night. I'm happier. Calmer. I related so much to what you said. I have to admit I was a bit surprised, for you are so together, smart and loving. How could someone so together have so much in common with me? (Drinking and drugs) I admire you even more for this frank discussion. I've never thought to seek help. I get depressed and sad with my life. I am quite a bit older than you, I'm 70 and a widow. My blood work is great, I have energy and feel good most days. But its a monkey on my back and I can't afford it on social security. You've given me renewed courage to try again to stop. Thank you Julie.
Congrats, 3 months in for me, now to quit smoking. I started exercising and that is really helping. Also changed my diet to carnivore, sleeping way better.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻- sending love, I know it's tough!
Three months, honey. Bravo!! You're off to a great start 😊 Soon, the months will become a year, and you'll wonder where the time went! Good luck to you, and please accept my loving and healing thoughts for you ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
@@vikkiledgard8483
Thank You.
@@hospicenursejulie Thank you.
Alone and fast. That was me too. 38 months sober here. Thanks for sharing, Jules. You are awesome
Congratulations on your sobriety! I have 16 1/2 years of recovery. Getting sober was the best thing i have ever done. Hopefully, anyone who watches this video and needs help, will feel moved to seek help.
Oh man, I NEEDED to come across this video today! THANK YOU for sharing! ❤
I quit drinking when I was 32, the month before I turned 33. This coming March 18, I will have 38 years sober. My story is so close to yours. Alcoholism runs in my family as well. I went to AA. I met lifelong friends. You can do this...😊
I'm so grateful you've shared your story, Julie. I've been sober many years and I'm still inspired when someone like you (or anyone!) shares their recovery story. I love your channel, but now it's risen to a whole new level. Congratulations on your journey. You're helping a lot of people on a lot of levels. God bless you.
I’m 12yrs sober! Feels wonderful!
Wow, Thank You!! ❤🙏
It’s SO amazing to hear you open up, so vulnerably, 💗about the struggle and shame that so many of us are going through/have gone through (especially women?), because of the awful stigma of addiction.
Your hospice channel is groundbreaking (!!) 🙌 and so, so helpful, educational and reassuring about a topic that has been toxically taboo for too long!
I would love, if/when you’re ready, to see another channel dedicated to this other chapter of your life and how you learned to navigate it! (Currently trying and failing daily to quit Red Wine too. 🥺)
Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world! You have NO idea the impact it will make!
🙏🌈🌟🩷
Great job 🎉 I think sharing may be one of the hardest things next to admitting there's a problem. Kudos to you ❤
It's a very slippery slope to be a functional wino who loves to cook. I've learned to love the taste of food in it's truest of form without wine...Kudos to you for sharing your insights...I can see how you healed and evolved WITHIN first...cause the outside won't make it Alone. much thanks for all your videos!
Thank you for being so open ❤ I can relate so much. It's so very helpful to know I'm not alone in this journey
Judy
Julie, your testimony has brought me to tears, and I'm pretty heartless! Thank you for sharing. I've been watching you for a while and would never have thought you'd been anything other than 'perfect' all through life. You've done so well!
You go girl you are an inspiration to all the people that are going through this 👏🏻👏🏻💕😳🌹💐
Julie, you are so vulnerable and authentic!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. ❤
I have a dear friend who was an RN, worked in hospital nurse management, very conservative, became hospice nurse, home health management and an alcoholic. She is sober now. You would love her.
How brave you are to have shared your story. You explained it beautifully, I'm sure you haved helped many people. You are a lovely young lady. God bless you.
Thank you for being here. I'm a life long addict,alcohol,food, shopping, etc. Your personality somewhat mirrors mine. You said it..."help with things I drink about". That"s where I'm at now. 2 months sober, and angry I can't drink. I want to give in, but I can't, to many health problems. So...Thank you for you for your story. I am hitting up my therapist on Monday to plan for the future. Kepp on doing these videos!
You are an amazing human! You helped me when my mom was on hospice it was a hard thing to sit back and try not to "save" her and do all of the things. This video of full exposure was just so powerful. Congratulations on your 8 years!
Very proud of you 😊
As you do this you can begin neural plasticity in how your brain can find ways to heal. It becomes apparent to others. Also we reinforce and strong healthy relationships. By sharing your radical self-acceptance you gain a deeper self acceptance. The freedom to choose a better way. You will very much like a flower begins to bloom. So without words you share and you gain from those who are now free to bloom Thank you Nurse Julie for sharing.
Thank you Julie, somehow I know I was meant to hear this today. Your vulnerability is really really appreciated, thank you.
Congratulations on 7 years of sobriety! 🎉❤ That is an amazing accomplishment that deserves recognition and celebration! So many blessings arrive in your life when you choose to respect life and your health. I remember you saying that you were blessed with a book deal. I have a lot of faith that has to do with you choosing to stay sober. I had a near-death experience in 2006 and saw a bright white light that communicated with me. Basically I was having a visioning experience. The light told me that I am to take the story of my life and create a Hollywood movie! So I'm working on that. God gave me this blessing because I chose to respect the life of my child by quitting smoking, drinking, and drugs and staying sober. This is why I tell everyone to stay sober because you will be blessed! God sees everything! Congratulations to you for breaking the cycle of alcohol abuse in your family.. You are glowing! ❤
YOU ARE VERY STRONG!!! I’m asking my Heavenly Father to make me as strong as you are !!
Way to go, Julie! Congratulations on your sobriety. My husband has 13 years of sobriety. I know how hard it was for him, so just live 1 day at a time and keep going back. You never know when you may need a meeting,it may be that you need to share your story to help someone else and that will help you in return.
I'm an alcoholic. I keep it to the weekends nowadays, but it wasn't always that way. Just like you, many of my family members were alcoholics. My grandpa was a cop, for like 20 something years. I remember him getting home in his bullet proof vest smelling of beer. After he probably arrested people for DUI. I see home movies of his mom drinking PBR while holding me as a newborn.
Addiction sucks. But congratulations on 7 years sober! That is an amazing accomplishment!! God Bless you, you do amazing work.