Fans Flood 'Dancing With the Stars' Cheryl Burke With Congratulations After Reflective Life Updateoriginally appeared onParade. Congratulatory messages are pouring in forCheryl Burkeafter the dancer shared a vulnerable life update with fans. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, July 23, theDancing With the Starspro revealed that she was celebrating seven years of sobriety. In an 8-slide photo gallery alongside a lengthy caption, she shared a poignant reflection on what she thought she'd miss in sobriety, but actually does not. Some things she included were "the ability to numb everything," the "confidence boost" (otherwise known as "liquid courage"), being "the life of the party," "the fake intimacy," and more. Related:Cheryl Burke Fans Rally Behind Her After She Sets the 'Record Straight' About Her Appearance "7 years ago, I thought sobriety would mean losing everything. The fun. The freedom. The fearless version of me I thought only showed up after a drink," Burke opened. "But what I didn't realize back then… Was that the escape I craved was really from myself. And the girl I ran from? She was the one waiting to save me." The social media update continued: "I used to believe alcohol gave me confidence, connection, and control. Turns out, it stole those things quietly — day by day — until I couldn't recognize my own reflection. Today, I no longer chase chaos dressed as fun. I no longer tolerate connections that require me to abandon myself. And I no longer mistake numbness for peace. What I thought I'd miss in sobriety? Was never real to begin with." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cheryl Burke (@cherylburke) Burke has often opened up in the past about her struggles with alcoholism and maintaining sobriety since 2018, describing her former self as a"functioning drunk"in 2021. Now, though, she has seemingly chosen an intentional lifestyle of clarity: "I've gained… Presence. Peace. Self-respect. And a relationship with my Higher Power that reminds me I was never walking alone — not even in my darkest moments. God didn't take the pain away… He held my hand through it and gave me the strength to rise." TheDWTSpersonality ended her sentiment with a callout and word of encouragement for others who may be facing similar difficulties, writing, "If you're reading this and wondering if it's possible — I promise you, it is. There's a whole world on the other side of rock bottom. And it's so much more beautiful than I ever imagined." "Here's to 7 years sober. Here's to choosing clarity, wholeness, and me. One day, one hour, one minute at a time. 💫," she concluded. Related:Cheryl Burke Makes Bold Claim About 'DWTS' Judges: 'You Have to Know What You're Talking About' Fans in the comment section piled on a heap of congratulatory messages, sending her well wishes along her journey. "Congratulations! That's very inspiring! 🙌🏼👏🏼," one applauded, with more adding things like, "So proud of you Cheryl ❤️ I'm sure it wasn't an easy road but you've clearly accomplished a lot more than you lost," "Hooah, congrats! Keep up the fight," "Huge congratulations," and "Congratulations@cherylburke! That's such a great accomplishment, and you're such an inspiration to others looking to do the same thing." Next:'DWTS' Pro Reveals Scary Health Emergency Suffered on Live TV Fans Flood 'Dancing With the Stars' Cheryl Burke With Congratulations After Reflective Life Updatefirst appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.