Cheyenne Arroyo’s journey is one of quiet determination. She recognized early on that her relationship with alcohol was shifting from social to problematic, as it began to cloud her passions and create a barrier between her and the life she wanted to lead. What started as a weekend habit gradually seeped into weekdays, and the things that once brought her joy—simple routines, hobbies, and time with friends—became harder to prioritize. She felt herself withdrawing, becoming a spectator in her own life.
Her decision to change wasn’t marked by a dramatic breakdown or an ultimatum. It arrived more subtly, during a quiet evening alone. The thought, “I can’t keep living like this,” didn’t shout; it simply settled in, clear and undeniable. That recognition became the foundation for everything that followed.
The path of recovery was her most difficult undertaking. The initial physical withdrawal was demanding, but it was the mental and emotional routines that proved most challenging to rewire. Cheyenne learned to measure progress in fragments: a full day navigated with a clear mind, the act of showing up to a support meeting even when she sat in silence, the conscious choice to call a friend when she felt isolated. These small, daily victories were the bricks she used to rebuild her sense of self-trust.
Over time, consistency created momentum. She found purpose and structure in a new role at her local Goodwill. Here, she wasn’t defined by her past but was valued for her present effort. Alongside work, she established a morning routine of exercise. This practice became less about physical fitness and more about reclaiming discipline—a tangible reminder that she could commit to herself again, one morning at a time.
Cheyenne now reflects on her journey with a sense of earned perspective. “I didn’t get my life back overnight,” she explains. “I built it, brick by brick, especially on the days I wanted to give up the most. The hard days are the ones that really laid the foundation.” For her, recovery has meant more than removing a substance; it has been a process of rediscovery, leading her to a place of self-acceptance. “I’m finally comfortable in my own skin,” she says. “I know who I am, flaws included, and I’m at peace with that.”
Now, Cheyenne is focused forward, channeling her hard-won resilience into new goals. As a participant in Goodwill’s Manager’s Training program, she is developing the skills to lead and inspire others. Her story stands as a quiet testament to the power of perseverance—not as a miraculous transformation, but as the cumulative result of showing up, day after day, and choosing a different path.
