The greatest way to be inspired is by inspiring others. Time after time I can not tell you about the importance in helping others no matter where it is at. Ever since i got into recovery my life has been a major turnaround all because I became willing to accept some help. An old man with great wisdom by the name of Murphy came up to me one day and said "Justin, you don't ever have to drink or use drugs again. You can change the way you think right here right now, and your life can be beautiful with brightness rather that darkness and despair." In that moment a seed of hope split wide open deep in the depths of my soul." I knew it was the Truth. When I looked up into his eyes they shined with a light. Something had happened. What truly was it? I don't fully know. But one thing I do know is that I was inspired.

Ever since that moment I have been clean and sober for several years. What a joy, and what a challenge it has been too. Now I know they say "Change doesn't happen overnight, and actions speak louder than words." But honestly, the beginning of change can take place in a moment. After all miracles happen in moments right.

That man also said " the way you repay me is by passing it along helping others in need." This made sense to me. And so I tried, and so I did. Over these years of good living I have developed a sense of freedom and Love I can't even explain. Let me rephrase that "Over these past years of good living WE have developed a sense of freedom and Love WE cant even explain." If it weren't for all the people in my life I would definitely not be where I am today. Because of you I get to be me. The true me and the real me of who I always really wanted to be. So thank you for inspiring me. Especially you Murphy.

At 30 days into my recovery Murph told me to "go home and just write something" he added "just write anything you want, anything at all". So I did with much excitement. When I wrote this poem that night, it was as though the pen wrote itself. No thinking, no pondering, just the words falling freely. So here is a poem that will hopefully inspire you all.

The life of sobriety was meant for me
where i see before in the past drugs and alcohol
only drifted me further out to sea

not only that when I first caste my little ship
I was such a dipstick, I forgot the anchor
the bank slowly but surely faded away
and at first I say the five year float was one heck of a joke

however the laugh only lasted so long
now things eventually began to go totally wrong

i was lost living a lie
then one night i began to cry
why me, o why me

the self pity brought upon one enormous storm
the clouds collided and the waves raged
on this old rough rugged worn out little ship

i then became very, very sick
so i puked that night away with one huge headache

as the sun began to rise the next day
I began to pray for a change in my everyday lifestyle

by the Grace of God he was there within one second
as he carried me back to land
and laid me upon the soft shimmering sand
as my eyes opened wide,
his hands raised pointing towards the sun
clearly now i could see
The life of drugs and alcohol is just not for me

Justin