I’m still writing and you’re still reading…

All those years ago, my life was really a mess. I had made a lot of bad choices, hurt myself and so many others with my actions. In fact I wrote a book about what it was like and what happened. The title is: “Don’t Look Back, You’re Not Going That Way” Before I get back to that book and what my life is like today, I would like to share something that happened just this week.

I have been a member of Toastmaster’s for several years and as time moves forward, it was my time to move on from being President of our local club. (I had been President now for 3 years). Our club has grown and finally another member could step into that role, I am happy to move forward now. As we exchanged officers for our new 2025-2026 fiscal year, I was surprised when our area director called on me to receive an award for my service. That was not a big surprise, but rather the words of introduction our area director read to all in attendance.

Here is what she said.

This next award will come as a surprise to the recipient and he has no idea that it is coming. I am proud (she said) to honor Craig Petersen as our Toastmaster of the year. A well deserved recognition for a leader whose impact has been felt across every meeting, every member and every milestone. As three-time Club President, Craig has led with vision, steadiness, and heart. His commitment to excellence, mentorship, and growth has helped shape the success and spirit of the Mesquite Silver Tongued Toastmasters club. Whether guiding new members or modeling what it means to serve or just showing up, Craig’s leadership has elevated us all.

“Maya Angelou” Once said: I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Craig, your leadership has made every person who walks through the door feel empowered, supported and inspired. Your legacy of service continues to shine.

I cannot begin to ever express what these words meant to me or even that someone else would see me as this person.

You see on March 30th, 2002 this is what I woke up feeling and knowing. From the opening first chapter “The Demons Came” of that book I wrote…

F..k, !!, I can’t believe it’s 6:00am? God what have I done? I am so f..ked! I so f, ing broke, everyone is pissed at me. God, another day. I need to rustle up some cash for my landlord and car payments before they are both repossessed! I wonder if I can float a check until nest week? I think I’ll call mom…

This is who I was all those years ago. I just finally stopped that day. I stopped it all, the lies, the self-pity, the booze, everything! I had no integrity, no standards and I really did not who I was.

Why did I write all this today? Perhaps because a friend once said to me many years ago, “If just one day at a time you don’t pick up a drink, surround yourself with positive people, help others and be present. One day you will become the person you are meant to be.” Perhaps someone you may know or even you may have come to that point of just being lost. I was 50 years old then and frankly what happened a few days ago I could never have imagined all those years ago. My life changed, I surrendered to my demons and found freedom to find me. I attest that anyone has the power to surrender and change their life, no matter your age.

I am grateful for the life God has given me, I will always share with others a hand up, a kind word, a hug, a smile and an open heart. Integrity and compassion is so much more rewarding and joyful than living as I did years ago. I never thought anyone would ever say those kind word about me to so many, thank you.

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