You would think after almost 10 years of speaking that I would be tired, bored or that it would really feel like a job. Honestly, after 10 years it still feels the same to me. I love what I get to do and every time I take the stage I get that rush I got the first time I shared my story. I think the biggest thing that has come from my speaking is just how much my speech has grown in terms of depth. I didn’t share much about mental health when I first started this journey but that is because at that time I had not done a ton of work on myself. I was still under 5 years of sobriety and there is so much to learn about yourself and your behaviors. I’m currently in my 12th year of recovery and moving towards my 13th. The last 3-4 years have without a doubt been the most enlightening. I have learned to understand early childhood trauma in my own life which has give me compassion and empathy towards others. I have really learned that emotional trauma is literally the backbone of all substance use. Gaining this knowledge has allowed me to share my story at a much much greater level and I think that keeps the spark high because it’s not the “Same story” all the time.
This trip called me into the Wisconsin area and I love being there. There is a lot of work being done in Wisconsin around mental health and substance abuse. This trip was spearheaded by a officer in blue who was apart of the substance abuse unit. I really need to say this, I don’t think they could have put a better person in charge when it comes to the mentality it takes to understand what’s going on and how to exercise it in the field. Officer Peterson truly has a heart for people and that is what it takes!
My first stop of two speeches I was scheduled to give was in Mineral Point. They brought several schools into Mineral Point High School to hear my first speech. As typical, everything went smoothly and the questions and answers portion was extremely beneficial. Following Mineral Point I headed over to Dodgeville High School. To my surprise the assistance Principal was so on point with his thinking and dealing with the students. I really get pumped up when people “Get it” because so many don’t and it can be upsetting or frustrating knowing that the kids aren’t getting the best they could, especially those at-risk. After my youth presentation I had an opportunity to speak with staff a little more in depth about early childhood trauma and my thoughts on how to keep troubling students into perspective. It’s not easy for teachers that have 20-40 students in a classroom to handle a student that is disruptive but often the teachers don’t understand what that disruption means. It’s not personal, something is missing at home.
My trip to Wisconsin was wonderful! Thank you Iowa County Health Department and Dodgeville High School for hosting me! Till we meet again!