“Fairly Little Liars” actress Lucy Hale has rather a lot to be pleased with today. In an Instagram submit, Hale celebrated reaching the four-year mark in her sobriety journey, calling it “the best reward” of her life.

Lucy Hale, 36, has been open about her former struggles with alcohol, recalling a second she described as her “all-time low.” Now, she’s utilizing her personal journey to encourage others to take step one as she did.

“4 years in the past, I reached a really darkish chapter and my private all-time low,” Hale captioned an Instagram submit of a calendar that confirmed the precise time, right down to the hour, that she’d been sober. “It is wild to say, however that ended up being the best reward and largest turning level in my life.”

Hale defined that reaching the four-year mark in her sobriety journey hasn’t at all times been straightforward, describing the ache and discomfort she felt alongside the best way. In response to the “Highway Between” artist, pushing previous her discomfort “handed me again my life.”

The poignant Instagram submit included a hopeful message to those that may additionally be battling dependancy. “Please know this: there may be at all times an opportunity to start once more.” The actress urged anybody pursuing sobriety to maintain going and proceed talking about their tales.

Concurrently, Hale inspired them to be brave sufficient to ask for assist. “And keep in mind that you’re so worthy of a life you are pleased with,” she wrote, including an much more essential message. “Your existence issues, and so does the story you carry. It DOES get higher.”

On the finish of her message, Hale shared a key perception she’s gained over her four-year journey. “I’ve realized that darkness is not at all times one thing to concern,” she wrote. “It is usually the very factor that leads us towards the sunshine.”

“The Hating Recreation” actress has spoken overtly about her previous relationship with alcohol and what it took for her to start pursuing a sober way of life. In an interview with PEOPLE, Hale defined that she’d at all times had the “need” to alter, however did not have the power to maneuver ahead.

Persevering with, Hale stated that she needed to method sobriety in her personal approach, admitting that there have been many instances she took steps backwards.

At age 32, nevertheless, Hale determined to take management of her life after “hitting all-time low.” The “Bionic Lady” performer stated that she made the promise to herself on January 2, 2022. “I knew if I continued on that path, I’d’ve misplaced every little thing I cared about. It was the scariest alternative in my life, but additionally it has been the perfect reward,” she stated.

On Valentine’s Day 2023, Hale garnered the eye and help of many public figures when she celebrated her one-year sobriety anniversary. “Bear with me, that is another Valentine’s Day submit,” she captioned the February 14 submit of a purple-iced cake with sprinkles that stated “1 12 months” on it. “It is a submit about self-love and concerning the biggest factor I’ve ever completed. On January 2, 2023 I celebrated one 12 months of sobriety. Whereas this journey has largely been personal, I felt compelled tonight to let anybody who’s struggling know that you’re not alone and you’re cherished.”

Celebrities, together with Demi Lovato, Lili Reinhart, Lily Collins, Troian Bellisario, Janel Parrish, Tyler Blackburn, Shay Mitchell, and Sasha Pieterse, all commented in help of the “Cinderella Story” actress.