The Decision That Changed Everything, Starting With Me

(Week 1 of 4 The Road to 2500 Days)

Welcome to part one of a four-part series where I’m sharing a deeply personal experience with alcoholism and addiction. Just over 6.5 years ago, I made a decision that quietly but completely changed the direction of my life. On December 18, 2025, it will be 2,500 days since I started my sobriety.

Starting vs Stopping: Why Language Matters

I say “start” rather than “stopped” because language matters.

The word start creates momentum, it opens a doorway.
The word stop can feel like a dead end.

When we start something, we give ourselves permission to grow and measure progress. When we only focus on what we’ve stopped, we often stay stuck in the loss rather than moving toward the gain.

In my opinion, this is one of the reasons many people struggle to stay true to their desire to change. They try to stop rather than start.

A Different Kind of Freedom

When I decided to start my sobriety, I had no idea of the ripple effect it would create. I just knew I was ready for a different kind of freedom. One that didn’t come from the bottom of a glass or bottle.

This decision wasn’t a dramatic, movie-style moment. It came through reflection, honesty, and a growing desire to feel more alive in my own skin.

I wanted to wake up with energy.
I wanted to remember my nights.
And I wanted to give 100% of myself to the things I love: -

My children, My music, My friends, and my commitment to being a better human.

What Sobriety Gave Back to Me

What I didn’t expect was just how much of myself I would find in the process.

Sobriety stripped away the noise and left clarity.
It gave me back time, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around me and belief in myself to pursue what truly matters.

A lot of this journey was about reclaiming what I had lost in the moments when my body was running on autopilot. Alcoholism is a disease. It is an addiction. And it’s also one of the most accepted and accessible substances in our society. Some cultures even celebrate it as a rite of passage.

That cultural acceptance makes it even harder for people who struggle.

The Mirror Moment

The truth is, when you remove something that has become part of your routine, you finally discover who you are without it.

That’s where real change begins, not with the world around you, but with the person staring back in the mirror.

For me, that shift opened the door to everything I have today. Had I not made that decision all those years ago, I honestly don’t know where I would be — or who I would be. I don’t even want to imagine the collateral damage I may have caused along the way.

What I Would Have Missed

It’s safe to assume I wouldn’t have gained the following:

• Becoming a better father
• Becoming a better musician
• Being truly present
• Meeting Carol
• Creating LiVan Life Co

There are many more, and I’ll unpack those in the chapters ahead.

A Message for Anyone Who Needs to Hear This

If you’re reading this and wondering what change could start with you, know this:

The smallest decision can lead to the biggest transformation.

If this story brings something up for you whether personally or through someone you care about, there are many organisations ready to support you.

You’re also welcome to reach out to me personally if you feel it could help.

And remember:

When you choose yourself, everything else follows.