Since 1976, when I hit my bottom and was going to commit suicide, I have been transforming substance abuse into a legacy. Some of that legacy is good, some  is bad, but my mission is to use all the bad things that I have been through to offer a legacy of HOPE to those who are thirsting for change. Our legacy is in our story.  Good stories aren’t just sunshine and rainbows; they’re full of drama, mystery, intrigue, villains, and tragedy.  From the first stories in the bible to the ones we tell around the dinner table, our stories create our legacy through the lessons they teach and the lives they touch. But to get to the lesson, people want to be captured.  Your challenges in life create that story!

Many of us have been victims of bad things that have happened to us that we had no control over. We have found ourselves caught up in addiction, or were born with physical, cognitive, or mental health illnesses that have made life challenging.  When we hit that critical moment and begin to wonder about what our life would be like if things were different, we find ourselves wanting to take back control and create lasting change. Sometimes the change we need is in our own behavior, sometimes it is the feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, anger, fear, and sadness. Sometimes it is in the thinking and negative self-talk.  You know what I’m talking about, that inner voice that plays messages to you about how you will never amount to anything, that our life is too messed up, and it is too late to turn back the clock and start over to change it.

It’s hard to create transformation when things feel out of control, and we can’t control our own thoughts.  This is the work we must do in order to create change.  The mindset changes and perspective shifts that we go through are the things that create our legacy in lessons.

I’ve met many addicts, including myself, who struggle to know how to change. We feel we have tried everything to make the change, and nothing is working. Well, I have a solution that has proven to be effective, life-giving, and has turned my life around.  I went from a “hopeless alcoholic, addict,” and “divorced, dumb blonde, airhead” who had done so many unspeakable things.  I felt there was no point in going on, and yet, there was. Now, I have a master’s degree with 30 years of experience helping people make the changes that I have made.

But Change is everywhere, even when we stay the same, we are still changing.  For profound change, it takes active commitment, and I go over many of my processes for change in my 5-day challenge and in my 12-week group extension.  It helps when you understand that your brain is unique and wired differently from others.  It helps to accept where you are right now and work with your shame-free truth to empower that change.  The 12-step program changed my life, and the methodology has and does help millions of people every day.  I find, however, that there are so many complex emotions that come from each step that it’s helpful to have a guide in that process.

Eventually, after finding help and support, I changed my life and found my purpose.  Since that night I wanted to commit suicide, I’ve dedicated my life to helping others work through complex problems and addictions into recovery and beyond.  I even received the Red Cross Community Hero and the Athena Award Trophies. (They’re sitting on my mantle next to a plaque from the Governor of Wisconsin, a framed letter from him, and the Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development.) How did that happen??? It’s really a lot simpler than you think, and I’m here to help.

If you’re ready to find more support for your changes, there are a few options for working with me.

1) If you’re ready right now, then I invite you to go to the 5-day sobriety challenge and sign up right now. You can start today, and after the 5 days, you will schedule a free call to see how you’re doing and go over the next step. No judgment, just help.

2) Sign up for my free strategy call so that we can talk through what you need and make sure you’re supported in whichever next step you choose.

3) If you’re ready to get started but need 1:1 support, I offer ongoing coaching packages. Book that call from step 2 to discuss.

4) Pick up my book, Speak to Me God, I’m listening, and work through the daily pages of hope and inspiration to help you on your journey.  While you’re looking at that, join my free Facebook group.

5) Follow Me on YouTube! There is a library of videos there with stories from others and information I’ve shared on how to get the change you’re looking for.  (PS There are podcast recordings coming soon too!)

You’re the one, the only one, who can make the changes you need to see the results you want.  If you want to stop drinking, only you can do that, and you have to take the first step in admitting you need help and looking for it. If you want to stop watching so much news, eating, or really any other behavior you want to change in your life, it’s the same thing – you have to admit when you need help. Regardless of what your vice is, you must take the first step.  

When you take that first step, let go of expectations, and let whatever will happen, happen.  Trust in God, because He led you to this page for a reason.  He knows that you are worthy of something amazing. He knows that you have a purpose, and He’s just waiting for you to find it and live it. Every day has its own set of challenges, so choose the kinds of challenges that foster growth and connection with God. Let me help you find your legacy.

 

Comment “I’m Ready” on this post if you are ready to find your God given purpose and live a story you want to share with others.