Inspire Me Forward
Inspire Me Forward is a series of conversations where guests from all walks of life and every corner of the world Share Their Stories. Inspirational stories of life, love, and everything in between. They share their journey and the profound wisdom that comes along the way. We inspire others when we share our story and just maybe we share a collective connection. You are not alone in this big beautiful world. "The courage it takes to share one's story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to hope."
Inspire Me Forward
Inspire Me Forward Episode #22 Finding The Ground with Kathy Moffatt
Inspire Me Forward, Episode #22 entitled Finding the Ground with Kathy Moffatt of Merrickville, Ontario, Canada was a true mother’s journey through the realities of life.
We have moved into Season 3 Inspire Me Forward with the title of Share YOUR Story. Staying open to receiving the stories that wish to be told. Sharing journeys of life, love, and everything in between. Exploring what it means to be the pilot of our own life journey and live in community with others.
Kathy shared her journey of adopting, raising, and supporting her boys, as well as the journey back to herself. We spoke of expectations, nurturing, and supporting a child who has lived with drug addictions, incarceration, and homelessness. Kathy shared the realities of childhood trauma and mentioned the concept of trauma stacking (https://fountainhillcenter.org/traumastack/ ).
A few books on trauma that Kathy suggests:
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Mate
We also spoke of community, both on the judgmental side as well as the supportive side.
Kathy then shared the day when she broke open and the light began to shine in. When she found her ground, her boundaries, and her own light. And how life changed for her after that.
A few things from our conversation that resonated with me.
• The importance of community and the realities of community. Seeking support in a community of like-minded people.
• Learning to say no and let go with love.
• That letting go leaves space.
• Look after yourself first, you are no good to someone else if you don’t.
As Kathy stated: The more we share these experiences the more we take the stigma away from it. Addiction knows no social status or race.
Kathy thank you so much for sharing your heart and your journey with us. I found both windows and mirrors through your story and for that, I am truly grateful. I am sure others will find information, wisdom, and a reflective mirror in some way through this conversation. As we so often hear: These words were exactly what I needed to hear. Your story will do that for many, I am sure.
Please, if Kathy’s words touched your heart, do drop her a message. Kathy’s contact information can be found on her website. ~*~
Kathy's website
https://rideaubreezestablesandwellnesscentre.com/
Other suggested resources:
Nar-anon resources for family members of drug addicts
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/12-step-programs/nar-anon/
Publicly funded residential rehabs in Ontario
https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/
Public FB group Parents of Drug Addicts
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212315748795808