I was twelve when I had my first drink of alcohol. The year was 1972. The Beatles had just broken up. The best TV shows were The Waltons and Kung Fu. I was in my parents’ basement, which was decorated with red shag carpet and the gaudy colors of the 1970s. The basement had three cool features: a pool table, orange leather chairs, and a bar in the corner stocked full of liquor. I was with my friend David, an aspiring musician and a good-looking guy (although I’d never admit it to his face). David had the perfect features typical of a rock 'n roll star. He looked like Jon Bon Jovi. All the girls loved him.

That night, David pulled out a pint of brandy from the bar. He held it to my lips and told me to drink it, saying it was good. I remember the nervous feeling in my stomach when he said that. At that moment, I lost some degree of innocence. Peer pressure can be very powerful at that age. I secretly wanted to be like David—so popular, attracting the girls, living the rockstar life. For a twelve-year-old, that was all one could ever hope to be.

I had never had a drink before. Not even sure I wanted a drink, I knew I wanted to please my friend. The anxiety pulsed through me. Have you ever done something just to impress someone else? The truth was that I was desperate to be accepted.

I took my first sip. The burning sensation of the brandy washed down my mouth and throat. Almost instantaneously, a giddy and dizzy feeling coursed through my mind. For me, it was like an elixir of truth. This was what I had been waiting for to give me courage and make me feel accepted. I was finally on my way.

As the alcohol settled in my stomach, a sense of calm filtered through me. For the first time, I didn't feel nervous. I felt confident and able to interact with other people. I had spent much of my childhood being a solitary person, embroiled in reading and science. The thought of approaching girls or speaking in front of people terrified me. I now had the intestinal fortitude to walk into a party and not have a panic attack. I became a pretty cool dude—or so I thought.

Alcohol became my best friend. It was there during the highs and the lows. It took me down dark and dusty roads, but it also nearly took my life. To move forward and succeed, I had to say goodbye to my secret best friend. Many of you have stories like mine. I continued that dark journey with alcohol for thirty years until I made the life-changing decision to stop. This was the first essential step of many to come.

How does one change the trajectory of their life for the better? It takes courage to admit that you fundamentally have to change. It takes fortitude to take the steps forward and face the challenges that will occur. It requires extreme resilience to stay the course. Remember that taking the first step toward that monumental change must be followed by daily commitment. There is nothing that can detract you from your goal. Each of us has the power to decide. This fateful decision has led to success and happiness beyond my comprehension.

We all have within us the power to change. You are not alone in your need or desire to do so.