Part 1 of this discussion – https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe7c6505

In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon continues her previous discussion with Marina, a participant in the Archways' Family Threads program. Marina shares her journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and stability as a new mother. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and having a supportive network to help prevent relapses. Marina and Michelle also talk about the resilience and growth mindset that helped Marina and her partner overcome obstacles and build a new life for their family.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 – Intro

01:33 - Speaking Your Truth: Marina emphasizes the importance of using your voice and setting boundaries to stay in recovery, even when faced with resistance, manipulation, or guilt from others.

02:35 - The Power of Therapy: Marina discusses the value of seeking professional support, like therapy, to heal from past trauma and cope with new emotions in recovery.

04:00 - Resilience in Action: Michelle highlights the family's resilience, noting their journey from homelessness and addiction to finding a stable life and a home.

04:47 - Archways' Support: Marina explains how Archways connected her family with essential services that put them up in a hotel until they secured housing, which was a huge relief during her high-risk pregnancy.

07:52 - Breaking Generational Cycles: Marina and Michelle discuss how the family has interrupted generational cycles of poverty and violence. Marina expresses her determination to ensure her son does not experience the same struggles she went through.

09:19 - Healing Past Pain: Marina shares how having her own child helped heal the pain of feeling like she didn't fit in with her adoptive family and contributed to her feeling heard.

10:25 - Recovering as a Team: Marina and her partner's recovery journey together fostered a lot of compassion, love, and growth for each other.

11:40 - Identity-Based Motivation: Michelle explains that recovery is often more successful when tied to identity-based goals, such as wanting to be an amazing parent, rather than just checking boxes or avoiding consequences.

18:58 - Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Marina's advice for others in recovery is to not be afraid to reach out for help and to give yourself a chance.

This episode offers a direct and honest look at the realities of long-term recovery. Marina's story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about abstaining from substances: it's about building a new life and healing from past trauma. It's about setting new goals, creating a safe family environment, and having a support system that sees you as a whole person, not just an addiction. Her journey from crisis to stability shows that with genuine support and unwavering effort, a family can change the trajectory of their lives and create a beautiful, sober future for themselves and their child.

If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at [email protected] or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers.

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