Source: Prince Williams / Getty
It’s been one year since
Ari Lennox announced her sobriety journey. And today, the songstress, whose real name is Courtney Shanade Salter, celebrated with a carousel post on Instagram.
The post includes four recent pictures of the singer and two graphics with words from Ari. In the images, Ari looks fabulous in a shimmering rhinestone bustier top, bedazzled rhinestone jeans, and glamorous makeup and curls.
Addressing herself by her real name, Ari “Courtney” Lennox shares terrifying moments that led to her decision to give up alcohol. She says the substance was her crutch when flying. She used it to subside flying fears.
But 365 days later, though still challenged, the 32-year-old realizes she never needed it.
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“I never needed alcohol to get through the flight. I thought I needed alcohol to escape my reality and to cope,” Ari writes on Instagram. “I needed an excuse to drink and not feel the pain of every day life and trauma. It was my numbing to avoid my purpose in my truth. I needed it to fake pretend like I was in control. And alcohol was fun until it wasn’t.”
Ari continued the post by shouting out EMTs who cared for her during a low moment, thanking fans for telling their stories and experiences, and giving herself virtual roses (and grace) for her accomplishments. We applaud Ari for being so kind and candid and join her in shedding light on a
challenging journey for many. This can be especially true for sufferers when triggered by something as common as flying.
Ari wrote in a graphic, “So I’m posting this little fake deep post on my one year sobriety anniversary. I just knew it would be impossible to be sober if I was still flying. But wow look at me. I did that! I love you Courtney. You are so damn strong and fine as hell god damn. growing looks wonderful on you. Bravery is sexy on you. You go girl!”
The “Shea Butter Baby” singer is among other celebrity favorites on their sobriety journey
. Blac Chyna, Naomi Campbell, Nicki Minaj, and
Jada Pinkett Smith have all been public about their road to substance freedom.
In honor of Ari’s one-year accomplishment, we are sharing every picture posted on the artist’s Instagram page this year. From slaying concert stages to shutting down events and appearances, Ari “Courtney” Lennox is glowing. Congratulations, Ari!
