A recovery reflection by Erika Solberg

As I just celebrated six months of sobriety, I wanted to pause and reflect on this journey using a framework that’s helped me process both the wins and the struggles: Rose, Thorn, and Bud. For those unfamiliar, it’s simple:

• Rose: The highlights and victories
• Thorn: The challenges and pain points
• Bud: The opportunities and possibilities ahead

I’ve never felt more alone than when I was in active addiction. But recovery doesn’t happen alone, and for that I am deeply thankful. Even though I still have work to do, I’ve climbed mountains since getting sober—both literally and figuratively. I’ve done things I couldn’t have done alone, and especially not while my life was consumed by alcohol.

The roses: what’s blooming

Clarity returned

After that trip to Stanley Hot Springs, something clicked. I remembered who I really was. I had clarity, and I wanted more of it. That wilderness adventure became a turning point—a moment when I realized I belong in wild places and that my sense of adventure wasn’t lost, just buried under years of substance use.

A sober partnership

Being the mom I want to be

Summiting Scotchman’s Peak

In September 2025, Lawrence and I decided to tackle Scotchman’s Peak—a notoriously difficult 8.3-mile hike with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. My friend Meagan was joining us, and we were all excited. It was a bucket list item, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Still, we pushed on to Clark Fork, losing cell service as expected. We finally made it to the trailhead nearly two hours late. Our friends had already started up without us—which I was glad about. Before we started, Lawrence and I made a pact to leave the stressful morning behind and just enjoy the hike.

I’d hiked this trail once before while I wasn’t sober, so I was eager for a new perspective. We hustled up, hoping to catch my friends at the top. About three-quarters of the way up, I suddenly felt sick—lightheaded, blurry vision, like I might pass out. I told Lawrence I didn’t think I could make it further.

We stopped, I had water and dark chocolate, and almost immediately felt better. We continued, and shortly after, we ran into our friends coming down from the summit! We chatted briefly, then pushed to the top.

The summit. This is why we came. Incredible, breathtaking views and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was all worth it—the chaotic morning, the stress, everything became insignificant in that moment.

A fresh start

Two months into sobriety, my roommates and I got notice that we had to move out of our rental. With help from loved ones and by the grace of God, I found a place of our own. A place for the boys and me to have our own space again. This felt like the fresh start we needed.

Spiritual growth

Through this journey, I’ve relied heavily on my higher power. Jesus has carried me through, and my relationship with Him has begun to grow. I no longer carry the guilt and burden of my mistakes and past. It’s such a relief to have that weight lifted off my shoulders.

Rediscovering running (and breathing)

Finding my support system

I’ve found AA meetings to be extremely helpful. Recently, I even found a sponsor to help me work the steps. This journey is not meant to be walked alone, and having that community support has been invaluable. I’ve also started therapy again, and the power of that cannot be overstated.

Volunteering and giving back

I’ve had opportunities to volunteer with the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative, and serving others has been incredibly rewarding. It’s shown me that my struggles can become strengths that help others.

Rediscovering writing

I’ve remembered how much I truly enjoy writing. It’s like reuniting with a long-lost friend. Even after all these years, the love of writing never left—it was just buried deep inside my heart. It has taken the clarity of sobriety to rediscover it.

The thorns: what still hurts

Let me be clear: things have not been perfect since getting sober. But I’m able to handle issues in a much healthier and more productive way now.

The cravings still come

There are still times when I want to drink or smoke. The urges don’t just disappear because you’ve made a decision to get sober. This is where my support system—AA meetings, my sponsor, my inner circle—becomes critical.

Financial strain

Having to move was extremely difficult and really stretched my finances. Even though it was a fresh start, the financial pressure has been real. Add to that being a realtor in a tough market, and the stress can be overwhelming at times.

Single mom challenges

Juggling single mom life, my real estate career, and co-parenting my boys is an ongoing challenge. Their dad and I don’t always see things the same way. One of my boys has special needs, and sharing custody has been extremely trying. However, I’ve been able to deal with these things with the support of my inner circle instead of using.

Learning to sit with feelings

I’m learning to be comfortable in my own skin and sometimes just sit with my feelings instead of trying to hide from them by using substances. This is harder than it sounds. For years, I used alcohol to numb discomfort. Now I have to actually feel everything, and that’s not always pleasant.

The buds: what’s growing

Running Bloomsday

I’m planning to run Bloomsday with Lawrence this year. It’s something I never thought I would do. But I have a new sense of confidence and self-worth now. I’m realizing what I really want and deserve in life.

Continued growth and service

I’m looking forward to continued growth and more opportunities to serve others. I’m excited about expanding my volunteer work with the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative and finding other ways to give back to the recovery community.

New opportunities

The clarity of sobriety has opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me—in business, in personal relationships, and in discovering new parts of myself. I know there are new opportunities waiting. I will do this one day at a time.

Writing more

Now that I’ve rediscovered my love of writing, I want to do more of it. Sharing my story might help someone else find their way, and that makes every word worth it.

Present parenting

With more clarity in my life, I’ve been able to identify my blessings and areas of improvement. Being more present with my kids is at the top of that list. I want to be the best version of myself for them, and sobriety is giving me that chance.

Living one day at a time

Every day, I wake up and find something to be grateful for. This really helps set the tone for my day. I try not to stress about tomorrow because we may only have today. This has put things in perspective for me. My recovery journey motto is simple: one day at a time.

Having Lawrence in my life has been refreshing. When we met, I was already considering a sober lifestyle. I was tired of being sick and tired. Law gave me the push and encouragement I needed to get and stay sober. I am forever grateful for his presence and influence in my life. I love you, Lawrence!

Law and I have been on several adventures over the last six months—Stanley Hot Springs, Scotchman’s Peak, the San Juan Islands—each bringing us closer together and helping me remember how strong I really am.

My hope with this reflection is to encourage and inspire others. Recovery isn’t linear, it isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely not easy. But it’s worth it. Six months in, I’m grateful for every rose I’ve experienced, every thorn I’ve overcome, and every bud of possibility that’s beginning to bloom.

If you’re considering sobriety or you’re early in your journey, know this: you don’t have to do it alone. Find your people, embrace your roses, learn from your thorns, and keep your eyes on those buds. They’re there, even when you can’t see them yet.

One day at a time.