The Journey Behind The Sauna Build

Six months ago, my life looked very different. I struggled with alcohol, and almost lost everything that mattered to me—my family, my health, and my sense of purpose. Six months sober. If you’d told me a year ago that I would be sitting here, reflecting on this milestone, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I had hit rock bottom and almost lost everything I love. The road to recovery has been messy, humbling, challenging, and not without failure. Along the way, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. And it’s been the most meaningful thing I’ve done in my life.

One of the hardest moments came recently, when I lost my dad to alcohol. He passed away at an early age, leaving a void that’s impossible to fill. For years, I watched how addiction robbed him of the chance to truly experience life and be present. His absence, even while alive, cast a shadow over my adult life. I see now how deeply the cycles of addiction run in my family, generation after generation. And for a long time, I was following the same pattern that consumed him. Now I am redefining what my life looks like without alcohol, and it's been incredibly positive.

Today, I'm starting something new. This project—"The Sauna Build"— is more than just a construction endeavor; it’s a journey of recovery, learning and growth.  Saunas are envisioned as a place of solace and rejuvenation, crafted with care and intention. It stands as a metaphor for the recovery journey—requiring patience, dedication, and a commitment to creating something beautiful and meaningful. Through this build and website, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own paths of healing and transformation.

This blog post is an open window into my thoughts, my feelings, and my plans. This is something new for me, as is sobriety. I hope that by sharing both my story and the vision for this project, it’ll resonate with you and create a sense of community.

Recognizing Patterns and Breaking the Cycle

Addiction isn’t just an individual struggle—it’s often a family legacy. Growing up, I watched how alcohol consumed my father. At first, it was the occasional drink after work. But over the years, it took hold of him, stealing his health, his relationships, and eventually, his life.

For a long time, I thought I was immune to it. I could handle it, or so I told myself. But addiction has a way of creeping in quietly, until one day you look around and realize it’s about to take everything.

The hardest part for me wasn’t just quitting alcohol—it was facing the emotional patterns that kept me trapped. I’ve always struggled to face emotions head-on. Sharing my feelings? Forget it. Asking for help? Never. My instinct was to isolate, to handle things on my own. Writing this is my pushing hard against these patterns.

Here’s what recovery has taught me: healing is not a solo journey. It takes courage to ask for help and strength to embrace vulnerability. Recognizing the patterns that hold us back is the first step toward breaking free from them.

Starting The Sauna Build

Introducing The Sauna Build

When you set out on the path to sobriety, you need an anchor—something to help ground you. For some, it’s a hobby. For some, it’s journaling, staying active, or spending quality time with loved ones. For me, it’s all of the above—and that’s exactly what this project represents.

Through this project, I’m sharing my journey, not as an expert, but as someone who’s learning alongside you. I want to create a resource for building, a space for learning, and above all, a community.

At its core, The Sauna Build is an initiative to share stories, resources, and encouragement with the community. It’s a space where I can give voice to my experiences and shine a light on the importance of staying committed, even when the road gets difficult. Here’s how I’m approaching it.

1. Creating and Sharing Resources

This site will serve as a living library of resources, tailored for anyone who dreams of building their own sauna or embarking on a similar project. Along the way, I’ll document every step of my sauna design and build process—not just the victories, but the challenges too. By sharing detailed guides, lessons learned, and practical tips, I hope to provide a detailed guide for others to use. Whether it’s sourcing materials, tackling design decisions, or learning from my mistakes, this platform is about growing together. It's not just about the finished sauna; it’s about the process, the creativity, and the resilience it takes to make your vision a reality.

2. Documenting as I learn

I want to be clear—I’m no expert. This project is as much about learning for me as it might be for you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m committed to figuring things out along the way and sharing both the successes and the stumbles. My hope is that this space becomes a collaborative environment where we can learn together, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to keep going, no matter where we are on our journeys.

3. Building a community

One of the most powerful aspects of recovery is knowing you’re not alone. My hope is that The Sauna Build becomes a place for others to share their stories, find encouragement, and celebrate their wins—no matter how small.

5. have Fun

This project will require focused effort, but I’m doing it for the joy of the journey. I want to have fun along the way. Every step—whether it brings success or presents a challenge—is a chance to learn and discover something new. By documenting the process, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own projects, embrace the highs and lows, and realize that the act of creating is just as fulfilling as the final result.

Looking Ahead

This build is going to take time, effort, and patience—just like recovery. But I’m excited to share every step with you. My hope is that this website becomes a place of motivation, learning, and connection.

Over the next few weeks, you will see this website take shape. The journey of building a sauna started and focused material on the initial stages. The sauna information will take front stage, and my personal journey will continue in this blog.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re reading this and connecting with anything I’ve shared, I’d love for you to be part of this project. Whether it’s leaving a comment, sharing your own story, or simply using some of the resources I’ll feature, The Sauna Build isn’t just mine—it’s ours. I encourage open discussions in the comments and look forward to inviting guest contributions or interviews with people who’ve built their own saunas.

If you’re on your own recovery journey, remember this—you’re not alone. Healing takes time, but every small victory matters.