Is Spring Break Really a Break?

Spring break used to mean something very different to me.

In my head, I told myself I was present. I was FINE.

But there is a hard truth here.

I was constantly thinking about how I could slip away to the store by myself.

Wondering if anyone was watching what was in my cup…araid I’d be found out.

Planning where I could hide the alcohol in the rental so no one would see it.

Even in the middle of “family time,” my mind was somewhere else.

Consumed. Preoccupied. Managing it all.

This wasn't freedom… it was a dark obsession. Or oppression? I will go with both here.

And all of it—every bit of it—robbed me of what I wanted most:to be fully present with the people I loved.

You promised yourself last year this was the last spring break you would be drinking.

Twelve years into sobriety, spring break looks very different.

I don't cry (or explode) over spilled milk. Literally. I can handle those things.

I want to be in the midst and not on the outside. I don't want to miss a moment a memory might be being made.

It’s remembering conversations instead of trying to piece them together the next day. It is being the wife, moma, and grandma that is showing up fully—for my family, for my life, and for myself.

And yet, if I’m honest again… the painful memories don’t completely disappear.

They soften.They lose their grip.But they don’t vanish completely.

I'm sorry if you are reading this and your thought is "good for you, I tried and I failed. I feel hopeless in this endless cycle of failure."

I truly am sorry. I know how you feel and its so daunting to think about breaking free.

You promised yourself last year this was the last spring break you would be drinking.That next year would be different.And now here you are… it’s next year.

And that realization?It’s heavy and it hurts. Not to mention the rising panic that follows every failed attempt with the thought of "I can't do this forever!"

Because the weight of not changing doesn’t just sit there… it gets heavier. And the longer you carry it, the harder it feels to lift.

Maybe this spring break doesn’t feel like a break at all.Maybe it feels exhausting trying to hold it all together.Maybe you’re tired of starting over… again.

I know you to well, your thinking about trying on Memorial Day to cut it off for a sober summer.

I want you to hear this clearly:

You don’t have to do this alone. No more empty promises to yourself.

At Selah House Recovery, we walk with women just like you—women who are ready for something different, something real, something lasting.

Not just behavior change… but heart change.Not just getting through… but being transformed.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

That verse isn’t just comforting—it’s an invitation.

An invitation to lay it down.An invitation to stop striving.An invitation to finally rest.

Listen to the words of someone else who has walked your path-the words of from two of our Selah House graduates.

"Sixteen months ago I said my best yes . There is no doubt in my mind that God placed Selah House in my path at His perfect time. Selah House Recovery of West Michigan is more than a beautiful, comfortable house. It is a place that radiates Gods peace, love and goodness. Where there are women who share in your journey as you dig into His word and promises. It is where my walls of shame were torn down and I became a new creation in Christ."

"Through my experience with my addiction and choosing Selah House Recovery of West Michigan, my eyes have been opened through my sobriety and recover and seeing more of Gods goodness every day."

What if this summer could be different?

Not just something you get through…But something you experience fully.

Imagine a summer where:

• You don’t have to think about when to stop drinking to drive

• You wake up with clarity instead of regret

• You have the energy to show up for the people you love

• You feel proud of the life you’re living

• 
  

That’s not just a dream, it's possible.

And it can start now.

For the month of April, we’re offering 25% off tuition to help you take that first step toward a Sober Summer.

Use code: SOBERSUMMER

Because 30 days is a small investment compared to the years addiction has taken.

And more importantly… you are worth it.

Selah House Recovery of West Michigan is here.

Lets make your dream a reality.

Love,

Sherry Hoppen

ED of Selah House Recovery