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 LevineIn 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 addictshttps://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/12-step-programs/nar-anon/Publicly funded residential rehabs in Ontariohttps://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/Public FB group Parents of Drug Addictshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/212315748795808