In honor of National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, Pastor Larry and I will be having an open an honest conversation about some of the myths and stigmas surrounding suicide. It can be a very difficult topic to discuss, but the way we choose to talk about mental health can change lives. It is important to discuss suicide and it’s prevention as that is the only way to eradicate the stigmas. Here are some additional resources to help as well: https://www.bethe1to.com https://afsp.org htt...
Sep 07, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Pastor Larry Grawey and I have been exploring the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9; Luke 8:4-15) and how it relates to recovery. We started with the seed that fell on the footpath and how it illustrates the resistance to change. Next we examined the seed that fell among the rocky soil and the importance of having a strong support system. Then we talked about the seed that fell among the thorns and the parallel to the distractions that interfere with our growth. In our last episode we talked ...
Aug 31, 2022•22 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Over the last few episodes we have been looking at how the lessons taught in the Parable of the Sower can be applied to recovery. We started with the hard soil which is representative of the unteachable spirit. Then we looked at the rocky soil and saw the importance of developing a strong foundation to help support us when we face the obstacles that can leave us feeling discouraged enough to give up. In the last episode we talked about the thorns and other weeds that sprout up and create distrac...
Aug 17, 2022•32 min
We have been examining the Parable of the Sower and how the lessons apply to our every day lives. First we looked at the seed that fell along the footpath and how it represented a resistance to change. Next, we explored the seed that fell among the rocks and how easily it can be to get discouraged without a strong support system in place. In this episode we discuss the seed that fell among the thorns which inhibited their growth. Join Pastor Larry and I as we dig into ways to push past the distr...
Aug 03, 2022•33 min
How often in our own lives do we find ourselves getting excited about something only to give up later when it gets to be too difficult to continue? In our last episode we started exploring growth using the Parable of the Sower as a life lesson focusing on the “Rocky Path” and the resistance to change. In this episode we continue the conversation by looking at the next part of the story, where the seed fell on the hard soil and grew but then quickly died because it wasn’t able to establish strong...
Jul 20, 2022•34 min•Season 2Ep. 16
The overarching theme for this year is growth. Over the next few episodes we are going to explore what that looks like using the Parable of the Sower as a life lesson. In this episode we focus on the “Rocky Path” and look at how to navigate through those situations in life where we’re confronted with a resistance to change, either in our own hearts or when interacting with others. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't...
Jul 06, 2022•30 min
Please join us for our conversation with the Kennesaw Chief of Police, Bill Westenberger about mental health and recovery. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
Jun 29, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 14
We have been discussing the 5 Stages of Recovery over the last 3 months. In this episode we provide a recap and explore each stage in a little more detail. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
Jun 15, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 13
We have been exploring the 5 Stages of Recovery over the last few months and in this episode we examine the last stage, “Actions for Change.” For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
Jun 01, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Over the last 2 months we have been breaking down the recovery journey and showing how it applies not only to living with a mental illness or disability but how it can apply to various situations that occur during the course of one’s lifetime. We started with the “Impact of Illness” and discussed how these events can change the way a person views themself. Then we examined the “Life is Limited” stage and showed how the loss of hope and lead to people to a dark place. In last week’s episode, we f...
May 18, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 11
We are continuing our conversation about the 5 Stages of Recovery and in this episode we are focusing on the “Change is Possible” stage. It’s during the stage when you start to recognize that things can be difference and the small spark of hope is ignited. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
May 11, 2022•38 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Episode 9: Lost Hope The focus of our second quarter of this podcast is to breakdown the recovery journey and how it applies not only to living with mental illness or disability but how it can apply to various situations that occur during one’s lifetime. During one of the first episodes of this podcast, “Recovery Defined,” I gave a quick overview of the 5 Stages of Recovery as they had been taught to me during my training to become Certified Peer Specialist in December 2014. In our last episode ...
Apr 20, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 9
During one of the first episodes of this podcast, “Recovery Defined,” I gave a quick overview of the 5 Stages of Recovery as they had been taught to me during my training to become Certified Peer Specialist in December 2014. Over the course of the next 3 months we are going to break it down a little further and focus on one stage at a time. It will be a combination of the information I received but also what I’ve learned over the last few years through lived experience. In this episode, Pastor L...
Apr 06, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 8
I changed it a bit at the end especially - so make sure it still says what you want We have officially wrapped up the first quarter of Season 2. And in this episode we do a quick recap of acting with a purpose. Our plan for this “bonus” episode was to have a special guest but unfortunately, we weren’t able to coordinate our schedules so he will be joining us for our Second Quarter Bonus Episode on June 29, 2022. In this episode, we decided to give you a quick preview of what we will be covering ...
Mar 30, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Over the last few months we have been talking about the how to act with purpose. The conversation started with the importance of defining your “Why” and creating realistic goals. Then we talked about the value of having a strong support system in place to help with accountability. In our last episode we continued the discussion taking about how to deal with setbacks. In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and define the differences between setback and obstacles and ways to overcome both.. For more...
Mar 16, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Over the last couple of months we have been focusing on how to act with purpose. We started with the importance of defining your “Why” and how to create effective goals. Then we continued the conversation by discussing the importance of putting action to your goals and having people in your life to help you accountable. In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I talk about how to overcome the obstacles that life throw our way. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join...
Mar 02, 2022•27 min
Acting with a purpose requires a lot of hard work and can be difficult at times. The first step is to define your “Why” and creating effective goals. Then it’s time to start putting action to your goals. But how do you stick with it once you’ve gotten started? In this episode we continue the conversation and discuss the importance of having people to hold you accountable to your goals. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please ...
Feb 16, 2022•38 min•Season 2Ep. 4
For the first quarter of 2022 we decided to focus on acting with purpose and goal setting. We started with the defining your “Why” and the importance of setting realistic goals. In the last episode we talked about the importance of finding a team to support you in reaching them. In this episode we continue the conversation and discuss how to start working toward achieving your goal. Specially the importance of putting action to your goals by simply getting started. For more information about the...
Feb 03, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Creating goals and working toward them is an important part of living a life in recovery. In this episode, Pastor Larry and I talk about how to create effective goals and the importance of having a team to support you in reaching them. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
Jan 19, 2022•32 min
Welcome to Season 2 of MY Look At Recovery. It’s officially a new year and a time when many people recommit themselves toward making positive changes in their lives that all too often fall to the way side by the end of the month. So how can we change that? In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I talk about the importance of Defining your “Why” and the importance of setting realistic goals. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode ...
Jan 05, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The holiday season can be a stressful time for people. Especially for those who have recently lost someone they care about, have a strained relationship with their family or perhaps aren't able to get home to spend time with their loved ones. In today's episode Pastor Larry Grawey and I discuss different strategies for remembering self care to help get through the holidays. But we also provide some suggestions on how to help those in your life that you notice might be struggling. This episode wi...
Dec 01, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Pastor Larry Grawey and I continue our conversation about understanding the importance of connecting with others and building relationships. At the core of these is the importance of communication. In this episode is we focused on understanding non-verbal communication and recognizing that we don’t always get it right, which is ok as long we also learn to acknowledge it. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on an episode please don't hesitate to sho...
Nov 17, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 15
This episode is a continuation of the conversation we started on October 6 about understanding the importance of connection and building relationships. Today Pastor Larry and I discuss the importance of building trust and understanding boundaries in relationships, especially when dealing with a crisis situation. As always, our goal is to encourage others to have an open conversation about mental health, recovery and suicide prevention. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd lik...
Nov 03, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This episode is a continuation of the last. Today I was joined by Pastor Larry Grawey to continue our conversation on the importance of communication and our focus is more on prejudice and unconscious bias. And as always, we want to encourage people to have an open conversation about mental health recovery. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on an episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us...
Oct 20, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 13
The format of this episode is a little different but the goal is still the same, to encourage people to have an open conversation about mental health recovery. Today I was joined by Pastor Larry Grawey who asked me to share part of own story and we will be continuing the conversation in the next episode. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on an episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us...
Oct 06, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 12
There are times when communicating your needs can be more difficult than others, especially during difficult times. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to find someone who was able to help me create an easier way to communicate my needs when I struggle to find the right words. And for more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on an episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us...
Sep 15, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Joined by Pastor Jennifer Grawey we discuss building connections and the 2 photo essays she helped me edit. The first one, "Words Are Hard" was published in January 22, 2021 and the second one, "Friendship: Making Connections" was published on September 1, 2021. For those who are interested in checking them out they can both be found on Amazon: Words Are Hard and Friendship: Making Connections And for more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on an episode p...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 10
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Bree Jackson, the executive director and founder of Puzzle Pieces of Love which is a local and virtual Support and Advocacy Group for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. We discussed the various challenges of supporting those who live on the spectrum, including the limited resources available for adults. For more information about Puzzle Pieces of Love please be sure to visit her You Tube Channel: Why? Puzzle Pieces of Love For more info...
Aug 18, 2021•54 min•Season 1Ep. 9
I lost my father on November 5, 2020, and have had a rough time finding a way to grieve and process the loss so I decided to do the most logical thing I could think... take a cross country road trip to visit my Uncle Colin (dad's youngest brother) who I hadn't seen since I was a little kid. Growing up I spent a good number of summers driving cross country with my mom and siblings, usually because we were moving from one state to another, and it has had been a life long goal to drive across the U...
Aug 04, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 8
I recently got the opportunity to sit down and talk with Kristin Joy Dillon about how art has helped in her own recovery journey. She is an expressive mixed media artist in recovery. She uses painting and drawing for wellness-focusing on mindfulness, processing emotions and spirituality. She also teaches creative wellness workshops and hosts splatter paint parties. For more information about Kristen, go to www.kristinjoyart.com https://www.facebook.com/kristinjoyart/ https://www.instagram.com/kr...
Jul 21, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 7
