The Journey Behind The Sauna Build

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.

This past year was a catalyst for change. Losing my father was devastating, but it shook something loose inside me. It made me realize that I couldn't keep numbing myself with alcohol. The grief, the pain, the fear — I had to face it head-on. And when I finally did, everything started to shift.

I want to be honest about this: the first weeks were brutal. The cravings, the anxiety, the sleepless nights. But I kept showing up. I showed up for my wife, my kids, my work. And slowly, the fog started to lift.

Recognizing Patterns and Breaking the Cycle

One of the hardest parts of recovery has been recognizing the patterns that led me here. The stress from work would build, and instead of dealing with it, I'd pour a drink. A bad day became two drinks. Two became four. Before I knew it, I wasn't drinking to relax — I was drinking to survive.

Breaking that cycle meant finding new outlets. I started building things with my hands. I started paying attention to what my body actually needed — movement, rest, time outside. And I started this project.

Starting The Sauna Build

The idea for The Sauna Build came from a simple place: I needed something constructive to pour my energy into. I had been reading about the benefits of heat therapy and cold exposure for recovery — not just physical recovery, but mental and emotional recovery too.

I decided to document the entire process, not just the construction, but the personal journey alongside it. Here is what I hope to accomplish:

1. Creating and Sharing Resources: Building a library of practical guides, material lists, and design considerations for anyone thinking about building their own sauna.
1. Documenting as I Learn: I am not an expert. I am a beginner figuring this out in real time, and I think there is value in showing the messy middle — the mistakes, the pivots, the small wins.
1. Building a Community: Connecting with others who are drawn to intentional building, recovery, and the discipline of doing hard things. Whether you are building a sauna, renovating a space, or just trying to build a better life.
1. Have Fun: At the end of the day, this should be enjoyable. Building something with your hands, sharing the process, learning from others — that is the whole point.

Looking Ahead

I don't know exactly where this project will go. I have plans and blueprints and timelines, but I've learned that life rarely follows the plan. What I do know is that this work — the building, the writing, the connecting — it's keeping me grounded. It's giving me something to wake up for that isn't just obligation.

How You Can Get Involved

If any of this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Whether you're in recovery, thinking about building a sauna, or just looking for a community of people trying to do things with intention — you're welcome here. Follow along on Instagram, join the conversation, or just send a message. We're all building something.