Sometimes, we just need a little reminder to be gentle with ourselves. It's important to remember that we are only human and that we all make mistakes or have difficult moments in life. It's also important to recognize that being kind and compassionate with ourselves is just as important as being kind to others. Here are some tips for practicing self-compassion and being gentle with yourself.

1.     Treat yourself like you would treat a friend who is going through a tough time. Be kind, supportive, and understanding.

2.     Practice mindfulness and self-awareness to better recognize your emotions and needs in the moment.

3.     Take care of yourself physically by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise.

4.    Practice self-care activities that you enjoy, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to music.

5.    Challenge negative self-talk and practice positive affirmations.

6.     Set realistic goals and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Remember, it's okay to take a break, ask for help, and give yourself the time and space you need to heal and grow.

Amy's journey towards recovery from drugs and alcohol started when she hit rock bottom. She was using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of her past traumas and cope with the stress of her everyday life. However, her addiction had reached a point where it was negatively impacting her relationships, her job, and her health. One day she realized that she needed help and couldn't do it alone. Amy reached out to a close friend who had been in recovery for several years and asked for their advice.

The friend suggested that Amy attend a 12-step meeting and offered to go with her for support. Amy was hesitant at first, but she knew that something had to change, and she was willing to try anything. Amy began attending 12-step meetings regularly and found a sponsor who helped guide her through the twelve-step program.

Over time, Amy's life began to change. She developed new friendships with sober people who supported her in her recovery. She found a new sense of purpose in life and began pursuing her goals and dreams.

Today, Amy has been clean and sober for over 1 year and is living a happy, healthy life. She continues to attend 12-step meetings and give back to the recovery community by sharing her experience, strength, and hope with others who are struggling with addiction.

This is my experience of having a lifelong trauma bond with my Mom. For some, this episode may require a trigger warning.

Trauma bonding is a type of dysfunctional attachment that occurs in some relationships where a victim becomes bonded to their abuser as a result of experiencing intense and repeated abuse, manipulation, or mistreatment. This bonding occurs as a result of a cycle of intermittent reinforcement, where the abuser alternates between acts of kindness and abuse, causing the victim to become emotionally dependent on them.

Trauma bonded relationships can be incredibly difficult to break free from, as the victim may feel a deep sense of loyalty, love, and attachment to their abuser, despite the harm they have caused. The victim may also feel isolated, ashamed, and afraid to leave the relationship, as their abuser may have convinced them that they are the only one who truly understands and cares for them.

Therapy and support from loved ones can be helpful in breaking free from trauma bonded relationships. It is important for victims to recognize that they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, and that they are not responsible for their abuser's behavior. It may also be necessary for the victim to distance themselves from their abuser, to create a safe and supportive environment in which they can heal and move forward.

Learning to accept ourselves is an ongoing process that can take time and effort. Here are some steps you can take to start:

Remember, self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort, but with practice, you can learn to accept and love yourself for who you are.

It's important to note that a spiritual awakening can be a highly personal and subjective experience, and can take many different forms depending on the individual. Some people may experience a sudden, dramatic shift in consciousness, while others may experience a gradual unfolding of spiritual awareness over time.

A spiritual awakening is a profound shift in consciousness that involves a deep realization of one's true nature and a heightened sense of connection to something greater than oneself, such as a higher power, the universe, or the divine. It is often described as a sudden, transformative experience that leads to a deeper understanding of life's purpose and a new sense of meaning and fulfillment. For many people, a spiritual awakening is accompanied by a profound sense of peace, love, and compassion, as well as a release of negative emotions and limiting beliefs. It can also involve a greater awareness of one's thoughts and emotions, an increased ability to live in the present moment, and a greater sense of interconnectedness with all living beings.

This is the story of my latest encounter with a spiritual awakening, I hope you are able to find something that you can relate to!

Many people who struggle with addiction, mental health conditions, or other challenges often describe their lives before recovery as chaotic, unmanageable, and filled with pain and suffering. They may have experienced a sense of powerlessness, shame, and guilt, and struggled to maintain healthy relationships and fulfill their responsibilities. This is the story of how my recovery journey began, and a glimpse of what my life used to be like before I found hope. Entering recovery is a courageous step, and it takes time and effort to achieve sustained progress. Celebrating the progress you have made so far can help you stay motivated and hopeful for the future. It's also important to remember that setbacks can happen, but they don't have to derail your progress. With perseverance and support, you can continue to move forward on your journey of recovery. I invite you to be a part of my journey.

My name is Heather I am a recovering alcoholic and addict, recovery and life coach and I am here to share some of the things I have struggled with which at one point also felt impossible until they were done. My goal for you is to hear something relatable and gain something from my experiences. My mission for this podcast is to provide a safe space for people to connect with experiences, and the hope of creating a community of support and encouragement for those who are currently struggling.  I encourage listeners to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and compassion, while also providing practical advice and resources for those seeking help.  Throughout the podcast, topics will be ranging from mental health challenges, addiction, trauma, and other life struggles.  Through these conversations, you are given a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience and the resiliency of the human spirit.