About Haler Smith

Why Haler Smith

I began my sobriety journey at just 20 years old in 1999. I landed in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), went to countless meetings, worked the 12 Steps of AA, found a Higher Power, and today I do my best to give it away each day. My AA experience has taught me that recovery is about more than just showing up — it’s about living a spiritual life and serving others.

When the pandemic hit and shut the world down, in-person meetings disappeared. I imagined that’s what it must have been like for the pioneers of AA — not many meetings, just phone calls if you were lucky enough to know someone else in the program. In those moments, you prayed like hell to the newfound Power in your life. “Meeting Makers Make It” works in the beginning, but if you don’t work the Steps and maintain a relationship with your Higher Power, you risk relapse. At best, you’ll be miserable; at worst, this disease can be fatal. Recovery truly is a matter of life and death.

I want to create a recovery community where we not only celebrate sober milestones and promote the basics of early sobriety, but also share real experiences of spiritual growth and maintaining a connection with a Higher Power. Many sites celebrate milestones — and I want to do that too — but I also want to go deeper. I’ll share how I show up in life and sometimes fall short of the ideal, where I acted in fear instead of faith, and what actions I took to set things right.

I also encourage others to share how they leaned on their Higher Power for strength and guidance. Failing and learning is part of living life on life’s terms — it’s what the principles of Steps 10, 11, and 12 are all about. None of us are perfect, and that’s okay. Failure is part of sobriety, and our Higher Power is the one who gives us the strength to move forward.

My hope is that my personal experience — and the experiences of others in this growing recovery community — can help someone identify as an alcoholic and find the courage to attend their first meeting. Or perhaps it will reignite a spark in those already on the path who aren’t as happy, joyous, or free as they wish to be.

My Story (short version)