”HIDDEN GEM: MUSTARD SEED OF FAITH!”

While taking inventory of my YouTube platform and deleting old posts, I came across a powerful reminder of just how brutal addiction can be. About two years ago, I worked as a housekeeper at the Hilton Phoenix Airport here in the Valley. During that period, I was also deeply trapped in my addiction. There were many days when I arrived at work under the influence. As a result of my substance abuse, my skin would break out severely, especially across my forehead. Working in a four-star hotel surrounded by bright lighting certainly didn't help. During those years, all I wanted to do was hide from the world like a vampire and remain in complete darkness. Instead, I was expected to interact with managers, coworkers, and hotel guests on a daily basis. Fulfilling guest requests and working in close proximity to others often left me feeling exposed and uncomfortable. One thing that helped me navigate that difficult chapter was the makeup experience I had developed earlier in life while living as a transgender woman. Those skills, along with hairstyles that covered my forehead, helped conceal many of the wounds caused by the repetitive cycle of addiction and self-destruction. In this recording, I also share a recent experience involving a test that could have easily led me back into relapse. Recognizing what was taking place, I intentionally put protective barriers in place and remained mindful of the situation. By choosing silence, maintaining healthy boundaries, and staying focused on my recovery, I was able to overcome the temptation and remain sober for another day. What makes this experience even more significant is that it occurred during a weekend—a time when many people in recovery find themselves most vulnerable to relapse. Since recording this episode, I have continued to move forward in my sobriety journey and am now well beyond the sobriety date mentioned in the recording. This is exactly why sharing these small mustard seeds of faith and hope is so important to me. Far too many people are still struggling in silence. Far too many lives are being lost to addiction. If sharing my story helps even one person choose recovery over relapse, then every difficult chapter of my journey has served a purpose. Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any music featured in this episode. All rights belong to the respective artist(s) and copyright holder(s). I truly appreciate your support through your likes, comments, shares, and continued encouragement. Happy sober living, and much love to each of you.