Consequence of Habit (CoH) has provided me with a sense of community that runs deeper than I originally thought it would. I have found inspiration in this a group of likeminded individuals who come together to support one another both mentally and physically. The way that we lift each other up and motivate one another to be better people goes far and beyond my expectations.
I am an active-duty USAF veteran and recovering addict. I would continually use substances to escape reality and bury my problems. My goal was always to hide from what needed to be addressed and distract myself from the truth and gravity of my life choices. I began to assume everything I was doing was only affecting myself and no one around me. In 2020 I made the choice to embrace sobriety and focus on self-improvement. I would come to realize the shame of my choices was far more than I wanted to admit or acknowledge. The negative affects my addictions had on those I loved the most would be become clearer with each passing day of sobriety. A little over a year into my sobriety I found CoH through social media and would eventually apply for and become a member of the ambassador program. I wasn’t sure what my original expectations were, but I would come to find a community that embraced me and shared in my experiences.
Over the next weeks, months, and years I would begin to learn more about my fellow ambassadors on a personal level. As I learned more about the team I would be constantly motivated to focus on self-improvement and positivity. The support within the group grows exponentially with each meeting, event, and group/personal message shared. The more I find I have in common and the deeper our relationships grow I find the strength to continue personal growth and sobriety immeasurable. Learning about the adversities, hardships, and struggles with negative life choices we have all made and continue to learn from are continual inspirations for me. The energy and motivation I gain from this close-knit community is a constant reminder for me to improve for the benefit of not only myself but everyone around me.
I look forward to the future I have with CoH and the friendships that have been created. The camaraderie and the support we have for each other is immensely appreciated. I foresee CoH having a continued positive impact on myself, the veteran community, as well as the public.
Thank you,
Michael Whiteside
USAF 2001-2005
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