Hope is a beautiful word. Hope means we still have reason to keep on moving forward. Hope is the feeling that there is still opportunity for good in this world. We are facing very challenging times right now. According to the BC Gov News website, "toxic drugs claimed the lives of at least 171 British Columbians in September 2022, putting the province on track to surpass 2,000 such deaths for a second consecutive year".
Addictions bring toxic chaos to family, friends, coworkers and most of all, to the person who has the addiction. Once the addiction has begun, it is not always possible for the person with the addiction to think clearly. Sometimes it takes a near-death experience, or a very strong wake-up call. Sadly, we do not always have the resources available to help people when they are ready to make that change. Waiting lists are long, and the crisis is continuing.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with a gentleman who was raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia. His experience with drugs as a teenager turned into a full blown addiction for over 20 years. He shared his story with me on a recent podcast, and it brought me to tears. Now sober for over 9 years, this gentleman is now giving back to the community by coordinating events to raise funds to help people with addictions get into a full rehabilitation program.
Where there is love, there is hope. Love comes in many forms, and sometimes it is that silent touch on our shoulder with a wake up call that tells us we are unconditionally loved. There are times in our lives when an event happens that turns our life around, and we can look back and wonder who or what precipitated that life-altering event. I have my own beliefs, as do many people. We are all human, and real humans make mistakes. Forgiveness can go such a long way to better health and healing. When that wake-up call comes, it's time to listen.
I hope you have the chance to listen to my podcast episode titled "A Story of Hope, Recovery & Sobriety" with guest Mike Manhas. It is a powerful story, and if you have teenagers in your household, I recommend you have them listen to his story. Gone are the days when I was a teenager and it was simply a few kids with a six pack of beer and a pack of smokes. There is so much out there now, and anyone can get addicted so fast.
Here are the links to the episode. Please feel free to share it on your social media. Also I have a reviews page on this website, and any positive feed is always appreciated. You can simply put your initials on the feedback if you don't want your name posted. Have a great week everyone.
Audio Link: https://www.lindysaudiocafe.com/49-a-story-of-hope-recovery-sobriety-with-guest-mike-manhas/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/49-a-story-of-hope-recovery-sobriety-with-guest-mike-manhas/id1597496953?i=1000586209094
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s0HrR0ahVTzXvF2hP9fV1?si=7fb8e7bbb4fc49b1
YouTube: https://youtu.be/wSOtJw34__w
Reference Article BC Government Website: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0069-001656#:~:text=Toxic%20drugs%20claimed%20the%20lives,by%20the%20BC%20Coroners%20Service.
