The One Year Anniversary of Meeting Myself

General purpose: To entertain 

Organization pattern: Award Acceptance

1. Introduction
   1. ATTENTION-GETTER:  A year ago today I was half way through a two month jail sentence. 
   2. THESIS: The only reason why I am standing in front of you all today is because I am sober from alcohol and committed to myself. 

Transition: Today, I celebrate my sobriety, but I also get to celebrate those who stuck around to help me reach this accomplishment.

2. Body

1. I would like to thank Alcoholics Anonymous for holding this ceremony. It took me four years to accept that I had a problem and at the end of the day AA was always there even if I didn’t always agree with their values. I had my one year anniversary last month on October 21st and I couldn’t have done it without my Mother, Sandra. Thank you, Mom, for never leaving my side. No matter who I turned into or what I did you stayed true to me and did your best to get me the help I needed. I love you mom and thank you for never giving up on me. The second person I’d like to mention by name is my best friend Elliot. Thank you Elliot for helping me when I didn’t want to help myself, I love you, always and I miss you. 
2. I never thought I’d go to college or make it to twenty-three. I drank the way I did because I didn’t want to be here anymore. I didn’t have a purpose and sometimes it still feels that way, but It’s been a little over a year and I am so proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. I know now that this year is just the beginning of the rest of my life. I am so thankful to have caught my addiction so young. It took countless hospitalizations, jail visits and DUI’s but on December 16th, when my probation ends, it will all be behind me.
3. If you or anyone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are resources available and I’m willing to bet someone in this room understands what you’re going through. I hope for you all to be kind to everyone you meet, because you never know what they’re going through. 

Transition: I hope you’ve found power through hearing a piece of my story and want to remind you that… 

3. Conclusion
   1. RESTATE THESIS: The only reason that I am in front of you today is because of my commitment to myself and my sobriety. 
   2. CLINCHER: If anyone ever needs to talk, I’d love to listen, and remember that alcohol and drugs won’t fix your problems.