When Kristi Younkin first became sober, she faced a self-reflective question: “What comes next?”  

Recovery had given her a new beginning, but filling that blank area she had never known with purpose required focus, effort, and vision.

Kristi knew she had to start smaller. She started with a simple yet effective self-task: writing down her goals. One of her primary goals was to regain her physical health. As a member of the Air Force, she always struggled with the annual physical training test, often just barely making her way through it. Sobriety offered a chance to regain her strength

On a small notepad, Kristi began documenting her daily workouts. 

Every day, she journaled her progress: Push-ups, sit-ups, jumping rope without stopping, running. For Kristi, tracking her progress became a ritual and a way to stay accountable to herself.

“It felt so good to be motivated and to be working towards something positive, instead of against what was unhealthy for me.”

Over time Kristi saw the improvement, not only in her physical appearance, but in her mindset too.

“I lost 15 pounds during that process, and it made such a difference—not just physically, but mentally too,” she said “Seeing my progress on paper reminded me that I was capable of change and growth.”

Looking Into The Future

Sobriety was not just about letting go of the past; it was about looking into her future self. She encourages anyone in recovery to start visualizing their better self. 

• What goals excite you?

• What’s something you’ve always wanted to achieve?

Kristi realized early on that focusing on the possibilities ahead could help quiet the pull of old habits. “I stayed so busy pursuing my goals that I didn’t have time to think about using or drinking,” she explains. “Your future is this amazing opportunity—you just have to step into it.”

For some, those goals might be their relationships at home, or getting a degree. For others, it might mean finding a fulfilling career, traveling the world, or simply creating a life founded in stability theyve never had. Whatever the vision is, Kristi believes the key is to focus on realistic, and manageable goals. 

“Don’t waste your energy rehashing the past,” she advises. “Instead, pour everything you have into building something beautiful. Your future is yours to create.”

Navigating the Journey

Recovery is not an easy journey. Kristi is the first to acknowledge that the emotions of early sobriety can feel overwhelming and scary. But over time, she has learned to view feelings as temporary waves—intense but fleeting. 

“Feelings are just feelings,” she says. “They come and go, and that’s okay. Don’t let them derail you.”

For her, connecting with others in a recovery community is another ongoing and vital part of her journey. She finds strength and stability in the friendships she intentionally cultivates at her church, in recovery spaces, and in the greater community. By focusing on relationships and being an active participant in her community, she not only supports her own sobriety journey, she also finds joy and meaning in helping others on their path to wellness.

“Just because you’re starting your recovery journey doesn’t mean you can’t support someone else along the way,” she explains. “Sometimes, sharing your story or lending a hand is exactly what you need to stay grounded.”

A Life Transformed

Today, Kristi reflects on her journey full of gratitude. Sobriety not only helped her get back into shape but also gave her the tools to build an impactful life for herself and others. From setting goals to making new connections, she’s found purpose in the process she wouldn’t have otherwise.

“This time in your life is so exciting,” she says. “You’re building something incredible, one step at a time.”

Her advice to others is to start simple: Dream big, start small, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. 

Kristi now travels the world in her retirement, a dream she once thought was out of reach. She hopes her recovery story will inspire others to embrace their own recovery journey with hope and determination.