Matt Hales: From Rock Bottom to Building Wells in Africa
Deep down, every single person out there who's shooting up right now. And that's what the thing is that we've got to do for these people who are suffering, because they will understand better what they are capable of if we allow them to succeed and fail.
What does it take to turn a life marred by addiction into one of purpose and hope? In this episode of the Finding Strength Podcast, Matt Hales shares his extraordinary journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope. Matt’s story is nothing short of miraculous. Battling childhood trauma and a deep sense of loss, he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which spiraled into a life of addiction and self-destruction.
But Matt's resilience shone through, allowing him to claw his way back to sobriety time and time again. Now, he runs a non-profit organization that digs wells in Africa, providing essential resources to vulnerable communities. Throughout the episode, Matt speaks candidly about his struggles and the pivotal moments that shaped his recovery.
He delves into the profound impact of relationships, sharing how his bonds with his mother and daughter were strained by his addiction but ultimately mended through his journey to sobriety. Mindfulness and meditation played crucial roles in helping him stay present and focused. One of the standout messages from Matt's story is the importance of allowing people to succeed and fail in their recovery journey.
He believes that everyone has the potential to recover, but they must be given the space to learn from their mistakes and grow. As Matt puts it, "Deep down, every single person out there who's struggling needs the chance to understand their capabilities through both successes and failures". This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how far down the path of addiction one may go, there is always a way back.
Tune in to hear Matt's inspiring story and discover how he turned his life around to make a meaningful impact on others.