He had the world by the tail.  A loving wife, beautiful children, a nice home and he was climbing the corporate ladder through hard work and determination.
He was a community man, serving as a volunteer wherever there was a need. He took good care of his extended family. Known as the family “fixer,” he worked on everything from cars to appliances, making sure everyone’s needs were met.

As life flew by and his bank account grew, he found his acquisition of assets left him empty. Although well-paid, his job was more stressful than ever as his industry found itself in decline. The harder he worked, the higher the stress, until he found an outlet – alcohol.

It was his new friend; his best friend. One drink led to another and another until this was his favorite pastime. The world around him began to crumble as he lost control of life and alcohol began to control him.

This young family man who was always positive, always helpful and a well-known asset to his community went from a local firefighting hero to ground zero as he found himself sitting behind bars for drinking and driving. Sitting in his jail cell, he wondered how it had gotten this far.

He had it all, according to the world: a beautiful wife, great kids, a six-figure income and a positive image. But now he had nothing. His wife left, taking his kids and everything that meant anything to him.

He served his time and went back into the community a homeless, jobless, family-less alcoholic. He had nothing but three people who walked alongside him and helped him get back on his feet again.

With absolutely nothing to lose in life, this man decided to do what he wanted. He began his own business, hoping the people who saw his name in the paper under the police record would actually afford him the opportunity to make a living.

Six years later he is a recovered alcoholic business owner whose phone rings off the hook for home repair. When people need something repaired, he is the man to the rescue.

He is one of the most positive people I’ve met, with an outlook on life that is crowned with freedom. His tenacity and determination are infectious and his perspective on the challenges in life is inspiring.

Why? Because he knows the bondage of an addiction and the control it can have in his life. He’s been to the bottom. He’s been the loser. Knowing the value of each new day, he takes nothing for granted and lives his life in total freedom.

With gusto, he can now grab life with a new sense of strength, knowing how blessed he is and how bright his future shines.

What about you? How much gusto do you have for life? How free do you feel? Don’t wait until you have nothing to find how freedom tastes. Drop the chains of whatever bondage you are under and grab life today.
Taking nothing for granted, embrace life, run with it, live it and love it!

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers who have any questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.