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 #23 The Weight of the World with Melissa Clark and Kathy Moffat
Inspire Me Forward, Episode #23 entitled The Weight of the World with guests Kathy Moffatt of Merrickville, Ontario, Canada, and Melissa Clark of Barrie, Ontario, Canada was an honest and authentic discussion about the realities of the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Melissa shared her personal story in Episode #21 and Kathy shared her journey in Episode #22. When they heard each other’s story they realized they had commonalities. The main one was the use of alcohol to cope with life’s stressors. Different catalysts to make change but common journeys nonetheless.
In this panel discussion, each of these courageous women shares their unique relationship to alcohol, how they were able to relinquish the ties they had to it, and find healthier coping strategies. Many emotions were shared in our conversation, from those that keep us bound to our dependencies to those that calm the nervous system and release us from the judgment and blame of alcohol use. We can create new neural pathways with education, information, action steps, community, and support.
In her TED Talk, Ann Dowsett-Johnston states, “Our secrets keep us very sick.” I think we could add, sharing our stories helps us become healthy and alleviates the weight of the world off of our individual and collective shoulders.
Please find here, each of these women’s personal statements of wisdom and connection.
Melissa’s personal message: “Sometimes later becomes never.” From doing a simple chore to making lifestyle changes. Melissa can be contacted via Instagram @offmy_chest_
Kathy’s personal message: “Playing the movie forward.” If anyone needs someone to talk to about their alcohol use, or if they have a friend or family member who would benefit from some non-judgmental support, I am happy to connect. Send email to kathymoffatt@me.com. We can set up a call using whatever platform is suitable.
Thank you, ladies for a powerful and healing discussion.
~*~
Resources. This list includes some resources we spoke of and some that both, Melissa and Kathy have shared.
Canadian Cancer Society: Some sobering facts about alcohol and cancer risk
TED Talk: Drinking and how it changed my life with Ann Dowsett-Johnston https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqtZjpI1oVQ
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health https://www.ccsa.ca/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health
The Feminisation of Alcohol Marketing https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200924-the-feminisation-of-alcohol-marketing
Books
Alcohol Explained - William Porter
Alcohol Lied to Me - Craig Beck
This Naked Mind - Annie Grace
Quit Like a Woman - Holly Whitaker
Podcasts with good support communities
“ Over the Influence”
“Tribe Sober”
“ One Year no Beer”
You might have heard mention of the LCBO – This stands for Liquor Control Board of Ontario but also we refer to our liquor stores as the LCBO.
For Substance Use Support in Canada: https://www.ccsa.ca/addictions-treatment-helplines-canada