Dos and Donts of Telling Your Story

With transparency and humility, individuals reveal their struggles and triumphs with amazing authenticity. Their stories inevitably touch everyone in attendance. Within thirty minutes of being introduced, sharing your story in recovery you know their whole life story and you wonder why they’re sharing so much. When talking to people who are not friends, family, colleagues or close acquaintances, less if often more.

Since most meetings begin with literature readings and group meditations, you should actually shorten this to about minutes. Many people who’ve battled addiction feel as though they’re the only ones who’ve had the challenges they’ve gone through – and sometimes it can feel lonely. ” Even when we don’t realize it, it’s this type of thinking that perpetuates further isolation, when truly we all go through pain. The structure of your story matters in terms of when you gave your life to sobriety. This one should be most natural for you as you share your story. It is impossible to tell this piece without including a moment of clarity when you realized what was happening. If your story includes relapse, then it may be a bit different but you can focus on why things are different now than they were before.

Why is it so meaningful to give to Cumberland Heights?

If you have trouble opening up to people or you’re not sure how, or even if you want to share your story, this blog is for you. Telling your story is a powerful resource in your recovery, not only for others but also for yourself. Your experience holds so much power, and it deserves to be heard. Your story https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can help break the stigma against mental illness and substance abuse, helping to educate others against the prejudice they so often hold against those struggling. Your story can also help others by affirming that recovery is possible and proving that even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome.

In detailing your pre-addiction past, you are essentially focusing on the aspects that have defined you the most. Not only will this keep you from engaging in too many war stories, but it will also help you refine your focus to the most important aspects of your story overall. Prior to his current role as Chief Community Recovery Officer, Randal served eight years as Assistant Commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

Refining the Details of Your Recovery Story

It teaches you to be more receptive, sensitive, and to put yourself in another person’s shoes. Hearing the experiences of others also keeps you motivated in whatever program you’re involved in for recovery.

• This includes everything from the physical changes you have made to the emotional and spiritual growth you have experienced.
• It allows you to be better at your job and helps you touch the lives of more people.
• It’s important that in the process of listening, you refrain from comparing yourself to others.
• When any of us are struggling, all we’re really looking for is hope.
• Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out to help you get started.

Talking about your own addiction can bring up unpleasant memories, and the goal is to use your experience to empower your clients, not scare them off. Be open about your struggle with addiction, but respect your personal boundaries. Focus on sharing your experience related to your client’s experience and looking for similarities that can help them relate to you.