When I was 20 years old I had a moment of clarity in a crack house. I knew that if I didn’t get up and get out of there RIGHT THEN, my life would never be about anything but drugs and prostitution. I grabbed my jacket and walked out the door.

I have zero doubt that that moment, profound as it was for me, would have lasted about two weeks on its own. A casual drink would have led to a drug and I’d have been back at it.

By a miracle, I was taken to a 12-step meeting that night on a first date. I got a 24-hour coin and started working the program: I went to meetings, got a sponsor, and changed everything about how I live my life. August 9, 2026 it will be 32 years since I’ve had a drink or a drug (or turned a trick).

I didn’t know about implementation intentions. But I stumbled on that same idea organically. Moments of clarity pass, no matter how deep, no matter how impactful. Its actions and environments that change things.

Thank you for this gorgeous essay. I don’t know how I manage to not have any ink on my body but I love hearing how you’ve done yours.

And you may remember that OUTRAGEOUS JOY is a phrase I use and a big deal in my life and the fact that you have that tattooed on your thigh blows my mind. And is so hot! 🔥