Terri M: From Despair to Beacon of Hope
Episode Overview
Terri's early life was marked by an alcoholic and abusive father. She struggled with feelings of inadequacy and depression. AA meetings played a crucial role in her recovery journey. Finding a personal understanding of God brought her peace. Service work became a cornerstone of her healing process.
The greatest gift I've got from this program is that it could be a God of my own understanding.
In this heartfelt episode of Recovery Radio Network, Terri M shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the ups and downs of life. Terri begins by reminiscing about her childhood in a small town in Indiana, painting a vivid picture of a home where alcohol was a daily fixture. Her father’s mean streak and the fear he instilled in the family set the stage for Terri’s own struggles with self-worth and substance use.
As Terri narrates her story, she takes us through the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From the painful memories of her father’s drunken episodes to her own battle with depression and eventual check-in to a mental health facility, Terri’s candidness is both raw and relatable. She talks about her desperate attempts to maintain a facade of perfection while internally battling feelings of inadequacy and fear.
Terri’s journey towards recovery is marked by significant turning points, including her husband’s struggle with alcoholism and their joint effort to seek help through AA meetings. Her recounting of these experiences is peppered with moments of frustration, hope, and eventual spiritual awakening. One of the most touching parts of her story is when she describes her realisation that she needed to find a God of her own understanding and the peace that brought her.
Throughout the episode, Terri emphasises the importance of service and staying connected with others in recovery. Her active involvement in service work, from chairing conventions to being on the World Service Board, highlights how giving back has been a cornerstone of her healing process. This episode is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the strength found in community.
Terri’s story is not just about overcoming addiction but also about finding oneself amidst the chaos and learning to live a life grounded in faith and service. If you’re looking for a story that blends humour, heartbreak, and hope, this one’s for you.