In 2017, I won the award for my county. It was for leading the way in behavioral health recovery. This award was given by our Behavioral Health Managed Care Organization (BM-HCO). They manage the mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. These services are for those in selected counties in Pennsylvania that have medical assistance or Medicaid. I have been involved in some way since its beginning, over two and a half decades ago. This was the award of a lifetime.

I was not perfect, even on the day of winning that award. I had a deep conflict with my parents about wanting a soda. I was matching the energy given when I did not get what I wanted. Still, that day was fairly good compared to the next several years. During those years, I lived mostly on my own and neglected my mental health. Thankfully in the latter part of 2025, I fully accepted the necessity of taking care of my mental health. I did what I needed to do to live a fulfilling and thriving life.

I lived through some of the worst moments of the past years. I saw how close I was to flirting with disaster. Yet, I did not feel the dangers of what I was experiencing. My mental health showed its power by making me realize that I did not have things under control. Eventually, I learned again how important and crucial it is to care for my mental health. We are not to take the future for granted. I have to do what it takes in the here and now. This ensures I can live the best life that I can. I know how fortunate I am. I have found what works. This has made my life the success that it has been.

I have lived independently for a year now and it has been the best year. I now realize there is no turning back to the old ways. Returning would only destroy the progress I worked so hard to achieve. Going back to the old and destructive ways is costly. It scares and causes concern for others about my well-being. While sitting on my couch at home, I see the award. It reminds me to keep doing the right thing no matter what. It matters to so many people beyond myself. There is value in my mental health treatment and recovery from those really bad times. I have what it takes to be the leader in recovery that I was nominated to be.

In reality, it has been proven that taking my medicine is simple. It keeps me being my best. It is crucial in keeping me mentally stable. It has taken a lot for me to see that in the past several years. When I was not taking my medication, everyone was scared and concerned. They knew I was not taking care of myself. I finally had to realize that it was best to stop playing the games. I had been playing them for far too long. It was time to start doing the right thing. I needed to act once and for all for the right reasons. By being the leader in recovery, I can be more responsible.