Finding Peace: Embracing Forgiveness During the Holidays
Forgiveness is a difficult thing, but powerfully healing. Forgive yourself first, because addiction is a complex disease to understand and it's not something that you caused.
The holiday season can be a minefield of emotions, especially for those with loved ones struggling with addiction. Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of InterAct LifeLine, opens up about the profound impact of forgiveness in this heartfelt episode. Sharing her personal journey, Carolyn recounts the loss of her daughter Laura to an overdose just before Christmas, a tragedy that marked her second holiday season without her.
Through her story, Carolyn addresses the complex emotions of guilt, anger, and sadness that often accompany addiction within families. She emphasizes that addiction is a disease, not a failure on anyone's part, and stresses the importance of forgiving oneself and others. Carolyn's insights highlight how forgiveness can be a powerful tool for healing, allowing us to redirect our frustrations towards the disease rather than the person.
She provides practical advice on setting boundaries and asking for help, making this episode a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction. By sharing her experiences, Carolyn offers hope and inspiration, showing that forgiveness can lead to peace and meaningful connections even in the most challenging times.