Giving Voice to Recovery

Ever catch yourself saying,

“I’ll do it tomorrow”…

and tomorrow keeps moving?

Yeah… me too.

But here’s what I’ve learned—

that’s not procrastination.

That’s protection.

Movement without prioritizing… that’s just noise.

Movement without direction… that’s avoidance.

And we’ve been calling all of it procrastination

like it’s some kind of character flaw.

It’s not.

It’s a defense mechanism.

It steps in when something feels too heavy…

too vulnerabl...

“If you feel responsible for everyone’s feelings…

you weren’t born that way.

You were trained.”

And if that hits a nerve…

it’s probably because you’ve been carrying a lot for a long time.

Maybe you’re the one people come to.

The one who fixes it.

Smooths it over.

Holds it together.

On the surface… it looks like compassion.

Like strength.

But underneath?

It can be self-abandonment.

Because...

Ever walk away from a conversation and suddenly think of the perfect thing you should have said? Yeah. That. You’re not weak. You’re not bad at boundaries. And you’re definitely not the only one. What’s actually happening is this: In moments of tension or conflict, your nervous system decides whether it’s safe to speak. And if it doesn’t feel safe? Your brain does what it was designed to do. It protects the relationship instead of protecting your voice. So you: • go blank • say “it’s fine” when it isn’t • take more blame than is yours • or think o...

In 2016 I found myself standing on a stage at the base of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington D.C.. I was looking out at a large group of people who had come together to raise awareness about the opioid crisis. I'd been asked to come there to sing a song I'd written and recorded titled "Where Did Beautiful Go". I too had been affected by the opioid epidemic, but nothing had prepared me for what came next.

As I looked out at the crowd, many were wearing photos of their lost loved ones...

Elizabeth discusses the fifth of the five patterns of Codependency - Low Self Esteem.

Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms.

The Five patterns of codependency:

Denial

Compliance

Avoidance

Control

Low Self Esteem

Here is the YouTube playlist link for this mini series

👉    • Codependency - Five Patterns  

• Codependency - Five Patterns

In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Eliza...

Surrender to Win - Delusions of Control

Several years ago, I wrote a song titled Surrender to Win. This song describes the paradox that has been a deep lesson in many areas of my life. For much of my life, I unconsciously believed that I had some kind of control over others. This was a coping mechanism and a compulsion that gave me a sense of safety. What I’ve learned and now truly appreciate is that when it comes to others, I have influence at best. What I suffered from was “delusions of control” and until I turne...

Use Your Words & Empower Your Life

As a songwriter, I have an intimate understanding of the power of words. I have lived most of my life at the intersection of songwriting and recovery. It amazes me how much these two seemingly different areas of life rely on the power of language. In this five part series, I share my ideas about Codependency Recovery based on my "lived experience". I make a few suggestions that have been helpful in my own recovery, and yes, it's all about finding the words.

In this episode I discusses the...

Elizabeth discusses the second of the five patterns of Codependency - Compliance.

Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms.

The Five patterns of codependency:

Denial

Compliance

Avoidance

Control

Low Self Esteem

Here is the YouTube playlist link for this mini series

👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb-L01QploNM6QMhhHCfPNf8PLh97hG57&si=xEpNFjDD9D_HVTAJ

In this five part ser...

Jim Doyle, author and organizational leadership coach was changed by tragedy through the loss of one of his sons to substance use disorder. Elizabeth interviews Jim and discusses his book, Hope for Life, Being your Best Self When You Need it Most." They discuss the importance of resilience and hope in recovery and the importance of personal responsibility for our own emotional wellbeing.

"This book is lovingly dedicated in memory of #22, Sean Michael Doyle.Your dreams, spirit, and presence live on with us daily to inspire hope for life."

👉Contact Jim

https://www.hop...

Elizabeth discusses the first of the five patterns of Codependency - Denial.

Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms.

The Five patterns of codependency:

Denial

Compliance

Avoidance

Control

Low Self Esteem

Here is the Youtube playlist for this mini series

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb...

In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards will share her experience...

Adriana Marchione, an award-winning filmmaker, director, expressive arts therapist and educator joins Elizabeth to discuss Audriana's latest award winning film about nine artist in recovery.

The nine stories in The Creative High reveal the transformative quality of the creative process, empowering us to wake up to our true selves. The documentary offers insight, resources, and solutions for artists, their families, recovery communities and those in the behavioral health field around the globe. More about The Creative High and Audraian can be found:

https://thecreativehigh.com/

If you would like to more formally support...

Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards and Jeremiah Gardner, the Director of Communications & Public Affairs at the nonprofit Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation have a conversation about recovery from addiction; music before; during and after recovery; and their mutual admiration of former First Lady and recovery advocate Betty Ford. Jeremiah is a licensed addiction counselor, media and government relations professional, and recovery advocate with a background in journalism, business, and music. Sober since 2006 and grateful for what recovery has meant to his health, relationships, and spirit, he now devotes his career to educating others about the promise of recovery, smashing the stigma...

Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards share their tips on rebuilding self esteem in early recovery and the importance of continuing to build self esteem to sustain long term sobriety.

For more about the work of Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and her story told through her book The Lost Years, visit the links below:

Website

https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter....

The Lost Years

https://amzn.to/3FJKZuv

Check out other interviews and videos from Giving Voice...

In this episode, Elizabeth and Kristina discuss The Lost Years, the critically acclaimed addiction memoir Kristina wrote with her mother Candice Curry.

The Lost Years surviving a mother and daughter's worst nightmare is a story about a mother and daughter who survive addiction, codependency and each other. Told from two points of view, The Lost Years maps out in detail how both Kristina and her mother Candice found recovery and each other. Kristina shares the story behind the story as they discuss other insights about parent child dynamics when addiction is involved.

Kristina is the...

In this episode:

Mark and Elizabeth share their definitions and experience with their own codependency and addiction recovery. They discuss codependent relationships, the relationship between codependency and addiction. They have a good laugh at themselves about their struggles with their own boundary problems. Join us!

Mark Lundholm has performed in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. From world-renowned musicians, heads of state, fortune 500 companies to rehabilitation centers and convicted felons, Mark has truly entertained on the world's stage.

He's appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime, A&E, CBS, and...

In this episode, Elizabeth and Kristina explore three important questions to ask yourself when you love someone who has an active addiction. These questions help so that you can find and live in the solution not the problem.

Kristina is the author of the critically acclaimed addiction memoir The Lost Years surviving a mother and daughter's worst nightmare. Her work on TLCs groundbreaking show Addicted went on to win the prestigious Prism award for the most accurate depiction of drug addiction. Her latest project was the television docu-series Codependent, which premiered on Lifetime and A and E...

Elizabeth and Kristina discuss the importance of working on your emotional sobriety and how it affects our relationships in recovery.

Kristina is the author of the critically acclaimed addiction memoir The Lost Years surviving a mother and daughter's worst nightmare. Her work on TLCs groundbreaking show Addicted went on to win the prestigious Prism award for the most accurate depiction of drug addiction. Her latest project was the television docu-series Codependent, which premiered on Lifetime and A and E. The riveting reality show documents Kristina's intervention work with addicted couples. The 6 episode series premiered as one of...

Elizabeth and Kristina discuss the difference between abstinence and recovery from addiction. There is more to addiction recovery than just stopping the substance abuse.

Kristina is the author of the critically acclaimed addiction memoir The Lost Years surviving a mother and daughter's worst nightmare. Her work on TLCs groundbreaking show Addicted went on to win the prestigious Prism award for the most accurate depiction of drug addiction. Her latest project was the television docu-series Codependent, which premiered on Lifetime and A and E. The riveting reality show documents Kristina's intervention work with addicted couples. The 6 episode series...

Staying sober during the holidays - Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards discuss how to stay sober during the holidays. They offer practical suggestions especially for those new to recovery.

Kristina is the author of the critically acclaimed addiction memoir The Lost Years surviving a mother and daughter's worst nightmare. Her work on TLCs groundbreaking show Addicted went on to win the prestigious Prism award for the most accurate depiction of drug addiction. Her latest project was the television docu-series Codependent, which premiered on Lifetime and A and E. The riveting reality show documents Kristina's...

Introducing "A Moment With Mark", a podcast series featuring conversations with Comedian Mark Lundholm and Singer Songwriter and Host of Giving Voice to Recovery, Elizabeth Edwards.

In this episode:

Staying sober and coping with covid, humor and mental health and focusing on "What's good about it?" are just a few of the topics in this moment with Mark. Enjoy!

Mark Lundholm has performed in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. From world-renowned musicians, heads of state, fortune 500 companies to rehabilitation centers and convicted felons, Mark has truly entertained on the world's stage.

...

Kristina Wandzilak & Elizabeth Edwards discuss the many resources for recovery from addiction, barriers to treatment and what you can do to start the process of recovery now. They share their ideas and name the many places that individuals and families can reach out to find help for addiction. They emphasize that different people have different needs and the importance of meeting people where they are with compassion and kindness.

Elizabeth and Kristina share a passion for behavioral health awareness, sobriety and recovery from addiction. They discuss 12 step programs and other paths to recovery as...

Kristina Wandzilak & Elizabeth Edwards discuss codependency, boundaries and communication. They share their ideas on the importance of having difficult conversations as an act of love and self care. And they discuss the power of gratitude year round as a tool for staying sober.

Elizabeth and Kristina share a passion for behavioral health awareness, sobriety and recovery from addiction. They discuss 12 step programs and other paths to recovery as well as the tools that have worked for them. Both women are in long term recovery. They advocate for education, a compassionate non judgemental approach to solutions for addiction...

Staying sober during Covid, the gifts and challenges. Reflecting on the tools of early sobriety, relapse prevention and more. Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards talk addiction, intervention, sobriety, codependency, substance abuse, 12 step programs, hope recovery and healing. This is the first in a new series - Coffee with Kristina.

Join Us!

For more about the work of Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and her story told through her book The Lost Years, visit the links below:

Website

https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter....

The Lost Years

https://amzn.to/3...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Recovery Elizabeth interviews Kathy Stolecki. Kathy is a singer/songwriter and a health coach. She is also the author of the book Waking Up Sober in a Convent.

Kathy shares how she came to that moment of clarity and realized that she needed and wanted to get sober. She takes us on her personal spiritual journey and shares her Spiritual awakening. A journey from devout Catholic to finding a broader spiritual path that is still central to her life and recovery. From a novice in a convent to an empowered wo...

In this episode of Giving Voice to Recovery Elizabeth interviews Jenn Beninger, the CEO and founder of Genius Unlocked Coaching Institute. Jenn has refined the art of coaching others on how to delve into what's holding them back and live in their purpose by calling on their intuition.

Jenn explains that the best way to get long lasting and permanent results in any area of life is to cultivate an unshakable trust in yourself by evolving your intuition! 

She shares her personal recovery story and how these tools helped her move forward in her own l...

Love Without Martinis - How Couples Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery - Chantal Jauvin Interview

Check out my interview with Chantal Jauvin, Author of a new book titled Love Without Martinis, How Couples Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery, Based on Real Stories.

As a person in long-term recovery, who is also in a long-term marriage to another person in long-term recovery, I absolutely appreciate Love Without Martinis! 

When we are as committed to our recovery as we are to our partnerships, there is no shortage of digging deep and continuing to work on ou...

Join Elizabeth as she interviews David Malow Recovery Coach.

David's mission is to provide a bridge of guidance and support for individuals and their loved ones who are struggling with chemical dependency, while helping to facilitate the action steps which are necessary to maintain a happy, healthy sober lifestyle.

David enjoys long-term sobriety and is a current member of CAADAC, CCAR, Recovery View, and The Sober Living Network.

In 2009, David worked as a consultant to the Betty Ford Center and wrote the policies and procedures manual for their BFCSL Sober Living program. He...

As we start a new year a lot of people will be declaring new year’s resolutions. I used to do this and it did not work, now I know why.

A resolution is when we resolve to quit something, something that’s not good for us. Addiction easily falls into this category. “Swearing off” is rarely effective because it doesn’t deal with the complex underlying issues involved.

However, the main reason resolutions are rarely successful is that just quitting isn’t enough. In recovery we make a decision to change. We decide to take a new di...

For those of us that are blessed with recovery, gratitude becomes a daily practice. Developing an attitude of gratitude is a powerful spiritual principle that helps heal our mind, body and soul. 

I believe that substance use disorder (addiction) is, among other things, a soul sickness. The remedy for soul sickness is a spiritual awakening. Spiritual connection, regardless of how you achieve it or what you call it is an important part of the healing process. I respect all forms of spiritual practice because what might work for one person, might not work for another. The most i...

The word Stigma was borrowed from Latin meaning "mark or brand”.

Stigma in English first referred to a scar left by a hot iron. In modern use the scar is figurative: stigma most often refers to a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society has about something—such as the stigma associated with addiction.

Words are powerful. How we talk about ourselves and to ourselves, matters. Negative labels such as – Addict, Alcoholic, Drunk and Junkie become part of our identity. People tend to label a person by their behavior, fair or not. It is...

My worse day turned out to be my best day. It was the day I had my moment of clarity. It was the day I woke up from my “story”, the story I told myself every day, the story that justified self-destructive behaviors.

It was the day I woke up from my lie, the lie I had been telling myself for years. “My drinking doesn’t hurt anybody.” “If I ever get as bad as so in so, I’ll quit.” “I can quit anytime I want.”

Up until that point, I had referred to myself as “a wine co...

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change

the courage to change the things I can

and the wisdom to know the difference

Amen

*There is a longer version of this prayer but the short version has been popularized and is the subject of my focus.

 Although there are earlier versions that captured the concept of the serenity prayer, the actual prayer, as we know it, is credited to the sermons of Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) an American theologian.

Focus on Hope

I think most people would agree that we are living through challenging times. The Corona Virus Pandemic and all that comes with it including, lost loved ones, health anxiety, financial stress and forced lifestyle changes just to name a few, are taking their toll. Additionally, many of us are dealing with extreme weather events all while navigating the choppy waters of a deep political divide during an intense election cycle. How on earth are we to stay sane much less sober and serene?

I have never been more grateful for my sobriety...

Guilt vs. Shame

Guilt is the emotional signal that says, oops I messed up, I did something wrong, I made a mistake, I need to clean that up or walk it back.

Shame, on the other hand is the core belief that says, you are not good. It’s that subconscious feeling that there is something fundamentally wrong with you. It’s says “you are bad”, “you are a mistake”, “you are less than” or “you don’t belong”.

Shame is the fuel of addictive behaviors. It’s the thinking that says “you need to outdo everyone els...

One of the guiding principles of the many 12 step programs is “Progress Not Perfection”. This is a vital concept to recovery for several reasons and when you employ it you will immediately benefit from the change of focus.

Perfection is a false standard. I’m not “perfect”, You’re not “perfect”, life is rarely “perfect” and because perfection has little to do with objective reality it is useless, in fact it can be harmful to use as a measuring stick for human beings.

Perfectionism goes hand in hand with procrastination. The result is that nothing gets done and nothin...

It is so easy to fall into "Learned Helplessness" during times of stress. Before I got sober I lived in a state of "learned helplessness", that frame of mind that looks and feels like "life is happening to me and I can't do anything about it". Basically a stuck, frozen victim mentality that leads to defeat and despair.

One of the many tools I've learned along the road of recovery is to "Ask a Better Question", because when I do, I get a better answer. I learned this important technique from Tony Robbins and have been forever...

This one is for anyone who has ever loved or cared about a person who is hurting themselves with an active addiction.

It is a mind boggling and terrifying experience to watch someone ruin their life, their health and their future opportunities because of an addictive behavior.

Why can't they see the danger they are in? Why are they not ashamed of themselves? We beg them to see what they are doing to their family, friends and employers but they don't seem to care. Nothing seems to make a dent, we cry. "Fearing" and Shaming...

Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

Elizabeth explores the value and power of cultivating an attitude of gratitude as a cornerstone of recovery from addiction.

Addiction, among other things is a form of "Soul Sickness" and spiritual practice opens us up to a spiritual experience that can help us heal.

Gratitude is the most sincere form of prayer and teaches us t...