Brian J. Clark Blog | Forgiving Myself Took Longer Than Getting Clean

Getting clean is hard. Staying clean is an everyday struggle.

But forgiving myself for things I've done while I was using? — That was a different battle.

I had to face the wreckage I caused and sit with it — the lies, the hurt, the guilt, the shame, the depression, the damaged relationships and all the wasted time.

Over time, I realized I can’t punish my way into peace. I had to understand, accept and forgive who I used to be and learn to love who I’m becoming. That’s how forgiveness begins.

Self-forgiveness isn’t an excuse....

It’s a bridge — and I’m still crossing it.