How-To From Surviving to Thriving Professional SupportI’ve found that working with qualified professionals is incredibly helpful. Whether I’m exploring therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-informed counseling, having a trained guide allows me to process my emotions in a safe environment. In addition, staying consistent with my medical or addiction care team helps me monitor my progress and tailor my treatment plan when needed. Peer Support GroupsConnecting with others who share similar experiences has been invaluable. In these groups, I feel both validated and understood, which helps to reduce isolation. Listening to others’ journeys and sharing my own struggles and triumphs also…

Resentment is the number one offender, wreaking havoc on the lives of those struggling with substance use and addictive behaviors. When you let myself get stuck in resentment, the chances of recovering from addiction diminish significantly. Resentment often feels like a wave of anger, bitterness, or dissatisfaction when we believe we’ve been wronged, treated unfairly, or disrespected. This emotion usually stems from a perceived injustice or insult, sometimes something as small as a look, and it has a way of lingering, festering over time. The more we hold onto it, the more it fuels negative feelings toward the person or situation we believe caused my pain. Recognizing this pattern is…

Courage to Heal : My Transitioning from addiction and receiving a cancer diagnosis to becoming an adventurer Transitioning from addiction and receiving a cancer diagnosis to becoming an adventurer has been an extraordinary and deeply transformative journey for me. It’s a path filled with overcoming both physical and mental challenges while embracing a new way of living, focused on exploration, freedom, and personal growth. Here’s how I navigated such a profound shift: This transformation has been nothing short of heroic. By staying committed to my health, well-being, and adventurous spirit, I’ve realized that life can be truly lived, and it’s filled with possibilities I once couldn’t have imagined. Sometimes, the…

“Recovery is Inspirational, and Inspiration is Contagious” captures the transformative power of personal growth and resilience When someone goes through a journey of recovery—whether it’s from illness, addiction, trauma, or any challenge—their strength can inspire others. That inspiration, in turn, spreads like a positive force, motivating those around them to pursue their own paths of healing, self-improvement and change. It’s a reminder that one person’s courage and determination can ripple outward, creating a chain reaction of hope and encouragement. This contagious inspiration helps build a supportive community where everyone lifts each other up, reinforcing the idea that no one is truly alone on their journey. My recent experience at the…