Aaron Lee Perry: Art, Recovery, and Finding Solace in Creativity
"If the toaster is going to keep you sober, then pray your ass off to the toaster."
How does one find solace in the midst of addiction and depression? In this episode of 'Since Right Now', the Recovery Renegades sit down with Aaron Lee Perry, the creative force behind SobrSoldier.com. Aaron's journey is anything but ordinary. As a visual artist and writer, he has used his talents to navigate the turbulent waters of recovery, turning his struggles into powerful expressions of art.
He opens up about his battles with addiction and depression, shedding light on the often-overlooked intersection between mental health and creativity. Through candid conversations, Aaron and the hosts tackle the heavy stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, and how these issues ripple through family dynamics. They discuss the importance of community support in recovery and how finding your tribe can make all the difference. Aaron also shares practical advice on overcoming creative self-judgment and finding inspiration in the mundane.
He emphasizes that recovery is a deeply personal journey, often requiring unconventional methods. As he humorously puts it, 'if the toaster is going to keep you sober, then pray your ass off to the toaster'. This episode dives into serious topics like coping with grief and loss, the opioid epidemic's impact on addiction treatment, and the benefits of therapy and medication. Aaron's story is a testament to the healing power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a blend of heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a touch of humor that makes it a must-listen.