I started covering Supreme Court cases — in person, as part of my job — in the last year that I was drinking, so I know that there is no way that my career would have been able to progress as it had if I had stayed on that path.
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In fact, of the two cases I covered that term — Christian Legal Society v. Martinez and Doe v. Reed — one of those decisions came down in the last week I was drinking and the other came down the day after I stopped drinking.
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So, in all, of the many decisions I’ve now covered at SCOTUS, only one of them came when I was still drinking. ... That’s no coincidence. If I had kept drinking, I wouldn’t have the job I have, I doubt I’d still be in DC, and there’s more than a chance I’d be dead or in jail.
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This week, though, I’ve gone through my days, writing stories and tweeting about all of these big things happening at the Supreme Court — but also from within the administration and in courts around the country. I even got out for a run last night.
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Today, preparing for the last day of the term and the possibility of retirements, I also awoke 8 years sober. Which is a miracle. I never would have imagined a week without alcohol back when things were at their worst — which was for a while — let alone a year. Eight, impossible.pic.twitter.com/jzraMB4BvK
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This was not a milestone of my making. Reaching out for help — and accepting that help — made it possible, and I am so grateful each day for the people who did and continue to make each day possible ... one day at a time.
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It’s honestly a helluva thing, living the life I get to live now, and my gratitude is genuine. ... If you think that alcohol or any addiction is an issue in your life, reach out to someone, seek a group, talk to a doctor — just find someone. You don’t need to deal with it alone.
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When I wasn’t quite ready or sure what to do, back in the spring of 2010, there was someone on here — who I’d known from blogging and was open about his sobriety — who I talked with about my drinking concerns. He listened, was there, and told me what worked for him.
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In a handful of direct messages over a few months, he really helped me at a critical moment when I felt really scared and lonely. (So, yeah, despite my criticisms of Twitter, it also helped change, or even save, my life.)
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Before and since then, of course, many others have provided much needed advice and help and friendship and love. I am truly blessed.
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Now, it’s now a new day — another day to stay sober, live my best life, and do all that I can to contribute positively to the world. Right now, though, that means I need to sleep! ... Night, all, and let us try to be good to one another — and ourselves.
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thank you for the work you do and, far more than that, the person you are!
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Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
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Solidarity brother, good for you. I recently quit drinking as well and it's been one of the best decisions of my life.
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Keep it up! It’s so worthwhile.
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With a deep bench of fans (both known and known only via Twitter) squarely behind you.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
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One day at a time.
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Congratulations. Long may you win the daily battle.
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