Cheryl Burke marked a significant milestone on July 23, 2023, celebrating seven years of sobriety. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, the former *Dancing With the Stars* professional dancer reflected on her journey, discussing the misconceptions she once held about sobriety and the unexpected benefits she has experienced.
Burke, 41, expressed her initial fears that sobriety would mean losing her sense of fun and freedom. “Seven years ago, I thought sobriety would mean losing everything,” she stated. “The fun. The freedom. The fearless version of me I thought only showed up after a drink.” Her revelation highlights a common struggle among those dealing with addiction, where the allure of alcohol often masks deeper issues.
Through her journey, Burke realized that her desire to escape was actually an avoidance of her true self. “The girl I ran from? She was the one waiting to save me,” she wrote. Alcohol, which she previously believed provided her with confidence and connection, had quietly taken those qualities away. “Turns out, it stole those things quietly — day by day — until I couldn’t recognize my own reflection,” she added.
Burke emphasized how sobriety has transformed her life, describing it as a newfound superpower. She stated, “Today, I no longer chase chaos dressed as fun. I no longer tolerate connections that require me to abandon myself.” This shift in perspective has allowed her to redefine her relationships and prioritize her mental health.
Reflecting on what she thought she would miss about drinking, Burke shared that those perceived losses were never genuine. She recalled thinking that being the “fun one” or the “life of the party” was essential, but she now understands that these notions were rooted in addiction. “What I thought I’d ‘miss’ in sobriety was never real to begin with,” she remarked.
Since her decision to stop drinking, Burke has gained invaluable aspects of life, including “presence, peace, and self-respect.” She also spoke about her spiritual journey, indicating that her relationship with a higher power has been a constant support. “God didn’t take the pain away, but he did hold my hand through it and gave me the strength to rise,” she stated.
Burke used her milestone to inspire others facing similar struggles with addiction. “If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s possible — I promise you, it is,” she assured her followers. “There’s a whole world on the other side of rock bottom. And it’s so much more beautiful than I ever imagined.”
Her post concluded with a personal toast to herself, celebrating her journey. “Here’s to seven years sober. Here’s to choosing clarity, wholeness, and me,” she wrote. “One day, one hour, one minute at a time.”
Since quitting drinking in 2018, Burke has been open about her challenges, particularly following significant life events such as her engagement to actor Matthew Lawrence and her father’s death. She confirmed her two-year sobriety in September 2020 and later stated that her decision to quit was spurred by personal reflections and health concerns, including breaking out in hives when intoxicated.
With her divorce from Lawrence in February 2022, Burke reiterated her commitment to sobriety, sharing that she was thriving as a four-year sober individual by late 2022. Her candidness about her alcohol dependency and recovery journey resonates with many, as she continues to advocate for awareness and support for those battling addiction.
