I mentioned I would be posting guest stories on Sunday’s during Lent. Today I am happy to share the story of Ronnie Holly Negus.
Some of you might know Ronnie from the reality television show Real Housewives of Vancouver. I have not had a chance to watch, however I know Ronnie from the positivity she spreads on social media. As we began communicating, I was intrigued by her story so I dug deeper. Ronnie battled alcoholism for years. When she finally had enough, she prayed to God to help her and totally gave her battle over to Him. She is now in full recovery and has not had a drink since that day.
I invited Ronnie to share her story on my blog and she graciously accepted. As someone in the public spotlight, she hopes her testimony will give others hope and let them know “there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Ronnie is not only a “Real Housewife,” she is a real mom, a real woman, and a real survivor doing her best every day with God’s help.
See Ronnie’s message below in her own words.
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive
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I’ve been getting sober for about 3 years now, but checked into Passages in Malibu California 6 years ago. Passages was the first step and a stepping stone that would eventually lead to my sobriety although there were a lot of twists, turns, and bumps along the way.
I found more and more that I could not drink like other people. Even the smallest amounts would lead to a severe hangover, change in mood and behavior. My body cannot tolerate alcohol and quite frankly you never knew what you were going to get with me when I was drinking.
I guess I really just got sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and my own destructive behavior. I find alcoholics to be very selfish people and I only wish I would have found sobriety years ago. However we all have our own journey and I wasn’t ready.
As of now at this stage in my life I can honestly and without hesitation say that I am sober and have never been happier or in a better place. Sobriety has completely changed my life. I could give 100 good reasons not to drink and 100 problems in a single glass of wine, (for me at least).
I am often asked how did I get sober and how does one stay sober?
Well I think the answer is different for everyone. But what I can tell you is this, if you truly want it and desire it…You can have it. But you have to “Want it.” A person can go to 20 AA meetings a week, go to therapy, to group sessions, get acupuncture, check into rehab, whatever it is, and go out and drink the next day. Again it is an “inside job.” It’s a desire within to want to be sober. No one can make you sober, only you can do that.
For me I got to a place where I was sick of the revolving door. Something had to change. I remember kneeling and praying for God to lift the obsession to want to drink, to walk with me, and to give me strength…And so I gave it over…
However I consider myself a more spiritual person rather than subscribing to any one religious denomination…I haven’t drank since… And so I think there is a message here!
I’m public about my issue with alcohol and my journey to sobriety in the hope to help other people who struggle and want to get sober. Through sharing my story, I hope to shed some light because there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
If I never had another martini or glass of wine, not to worry, I have had my fair share and have not been deprived, trust me!
Sobriety is the greatest gift I have ever given myself~
Thanking God daily.
Ronnie
Keep it up Ronnie! Thanks for sharing your surrender.
So why is Ronnie posting photos of herself with glasses of wine?
I cannot speak for Ronnie but I believe in her testimony. I’ve not seen any recent pictures as you mentioned. Thanks for the comment.