This is a picture of my best friend Tracy who passed away in 2011 from a drug overdose. She is missed by so many family and friends. Her picture in my office and at home is a constant reminder of why I am committed to helping others achieve long term recovery.

Recovery to me, is the changes I have made in my life to create a whole new lifestyle. I entered treatment three years ago and have realized recovery is work in progress. Recovery has given me the ability to live a fulfilling life with the help and support of sober connections, family, and friends I have now become the person I have always wanted to be, by living a healthier lifestyle.

Recovery gave me a 2nd chance (or 10) at life and because of that, I was able to help give Charlie girl a 2nd chance at life and nurse her back to life. She was abandoned by her mom and left to die cuz she the runt with a heart murmur and infested with worms, ear mites, and a yeast infection in the ears. Now she's the Queen of Hart House 👑 I owe my life to my Creator, and to the staff at Hart House. Without them and the time I've had to just be, I don't know that I'd have made it this far. Clean N Serene since 3-26-18

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The things that filled me with suicidal and self destructive shame have become gifts that I can use to help others find hope and connection. It's my responsibility to carry the message. To give to others what was so freely given to me! The gift of Hope, Willingness and Recovery!! Through my community recovery meetings, family recovery supports, treatment centers and The Way Out Podcast; I share my experience, strength and hope. I pray that this helps some people receive the gift of recovery in their own life! #RecoveryWorks #Wedorecover

Zeus seemed to know what I couldn’t explain to any human. Part of my recovery is dealing with lifelong anxiety and depression. Early in recovery, lying awake in silent, desperate rumination, Zeus woke up, ambled over, and stretched himself across my legs (something he had never done before). It snapped me out of it for a moment, and I looked up. With a satisfying doggie sigh, Zeus fell asleep on me. He reminded me that I’m not alone. Gradually, I have learned the importance of connection and mindfulness, but I will always remember the seemingly hopeless night that Zeus taught me both.

Because I Have Surrendered My Will To The Power of Gods Will....I Am Sober, I Am A Mother, I Am A Daughter, I Am A Sister, I Am A Grand Daughter. Taking It One Day, One Step At A Time. Sobriety To Me Means Having My Life Back And Most Importantly My Kids And My Family Back In My Life....By The Grace Of God I Am Alive And Living My Life Sober.....

Recovery isn't that much different than climbing a mountain which I do frequently. Had this thought on my last hike where this photo was taken Broads Fork Trail // Salt Lake City, UT: "Don’t focus on the hill ⛰ Concern yourself with the steps in front of you. Those steps build stamina and contain their own wisdom. Their summation will lead to the summit or perhaps a path you discover and choose along the way. Pay attention." That's what 20 years of recovery has been for me <3

This is Joseph John Cooper, my great great grandfather. Despite the many interpersonal cruelties on that side of my family and the many addiction issues, he stands as a shining beacon from my past: hard-working, an inspiration to others, tender support to his mother, brave soldier in the Civil War who led his company when his commander fell, who passed up offers of fame and fortune in order to return to his hometown and continue the business he'd started before the war. I have this picture over my desk, and I converse with him in times of trouble about what to do next.

Recovery has given me the opportunity to adopt this beautiful girl! Zena is my emotional support animal, reminding me to take care of myself first in order to share the love I have for the world around me and carry the message. In her spare time Zena enjoys napping, learning new tricks, and chasing her laser. Zena holds me accountable to stick to my routines and program and show up to support her like she supports me!

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Recovery has given me the ability to be the wife and mother that my family deserves. I am able to give my son the tools I was never given as a child; to be the person for him that I needed when I was younger. Because of my recovery, I am able to teach my son how to deal with big emotions, how to talk about our feelings, how to cope in healthy ways, and to always stay true to who he is. Through recovery, I have also discovered my true and authentic self. I have discovered my purpose, and found success in a way that fits MY life. Recovery has given me goals, dreams, inner peace, and self love.