"Trust your heart, because in addiction, we lose faith in our own judgement and what we see as right or wrong," says “Taylor”, the name he gave himself after he embraced sobriety After years of struggling to leave addiction behind, he works to help others find their way to a sober life. "Have faith in yourself,” he says. “Believe in yourself because that's the only way that you're going to get sober and stay sober."
Born in Sedalia, Missouri in a segregated community, his early years were marked with the traumas inherent in racism. At 10 he witnessed an event that would change the trajectory of his life, casting him into an abyss so deep it would take years to dig himself out.
But dig deep he did. Now, more than seven and a half years sober, he is grateful for the life he has and for the family, both biological and chosen, who have loved and supported him. Today he has built a life he is proud of, one in which service to others is central.
As you listen to this episode, consider:
We all have times of struggle, when we need someone to listen. Who do you depend on?
Taylor speaks about the importance of having someone to listen. Learning to listen means meeting people where they are, without judgement or expectation. How can you be truly present for someone who is struggling.
Life is filled with challenges. Focusing on what we are grateful for helps keep us steady and puts life into context. Practice finding one or more things to be grateful for each day. Consider keeping a gratitude journal.
