Kimberly Alexander on Finding Strength in Vulnerability During Recovery
When someone else intervenes in your world, they always make decisions for you that you would never make.
Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges can make it hard to see a way forward. In this episode of 'Stories of Recovery', Kimberly Alexander, MBA, LPC, CPCS, dives deep into the importance of asking for help when you're in recovery. She opens up about her own experiences with self-medicating using drugs and alcohol, revealing how these behaviors can lead to serious mental health issues like psychosis.
Kimberly stresses that taking the initiative to seek help is always more beneficial than waiting for someone else to step in. She encourages listeners to gather as much information as possible and understand that recovery is a personal journey that requires voluntary commitment. One of the most striking aspects of Kimberly's discussion is the paradox of recovery: focusing on your own healing often involves helping others along the way.
She talks about the need for endurance and stamina, emphasizing that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Community and environment play crucial roles in recovery, and Kimberly highlights their therapeutic value. She also touches on the importance of addressing family of origin issues, which can be deeply intertwined with addiction. But it's not all heavy topics—Kimberly brings in some lighter, yet equally important, elements like gardening and cooking.
She shares how these activities can be powerful tools in moving away from unhealthy habits and towards a healthier lifestyle. Cultivating a garden and cooking with fresh herbs can provide a sense of accomplishment and well-being, helping individuals to reconnect with themselves in a positive way. This episode offers a blend of raw honesty and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone on their recovery journey or supporting someone who is.
Kimberly Alexander's insights are both heartfelt and enlightening, providing a comforting space for those seeking the courage to ask for help.