Russ Herndon's Journey to Self-Love and Recovery
Episode Overview
Russ shares his journey from addiction to recovery. A chance encounter made Russ question his fragmented life. 'If nothing changes, nothing changes' became Russ's mantra. Connecting with others played a crucial role in Russ's recovery. Russ now loves the person he sees in the mirror.
If nothing changes, nothing changes.
Russ Herndon shares a gripping tale of transformation in this episode of the 217 Recovery Podcast. Russ, an addict and alcoholic, recounts his journey from the cold streets of Traverse City to a place of self-love and recovery. With a sobriety date of May 23rd, 2024, Russ takes us back to a pivotal day in his life - a day that seemed ordinary but marked the beginning of his path to sobriety.
Covered in flour after a long shift cooking pizzas, Russ had a chance encounter with an old friend that made him question his lost memories and fragmented life. This moment of clarity didn't lead to immediate change, but it planted the seed for his recovery journey. Russ's story is filled with relatable moments and raw honesty. He talks about the struggle of facing the same corny sayings in treatment until they finally made sense.
The phrase 'if nothing changes, nothing changes' became his mantra, pushing him to overhaul his life completely. Moving to Traverse City and becoming a resident at ATS Housing, Russ found solace in connecting with others and breaking out of his introverted shell. His message is clear - reaching out and talking to friends can be a lifeline in recovery.
Russ's heartfelt narrative is both inspiring and relatable, making it a must-listen for anyone on their own recovery journey or supporting someone who is. His candid reflections offer hope and practical advice, reminding us that change is possible and that we don't have to face our struggles alone. So, if you're looking for a story that resonates with the highs and lows of recovery, this episode is for you.