Why I do what I do…

When I was given this blog prompt, I thought this is going to be a piece of cake.  My whole being lives for my work.  I was born to do this.

And then…

How do I put words to all that is inside of me?  How do I articulate the pain I feel when I hear stories like – a woman I met in the program years ago has been incarcerated?  Last time I saw her she tried so desperately to convince not only me, but herself that this time was it.  That her pain was so palpable that no one could endure without medicating.  Each and every time she went out she was held in disdain by her community that “doesn’t take inventory”.

How do I put words to watching women as I grew up settle for abuse and neglect while medicating with alcohol?  I could see their hope getting dimmer and dimmer with every drunk and an affirmation of yes, I am worthless and undeserving.

How do I put into words that I am infuriated with the fact every woman who turns for help is directed to a one size fits all solution designed and populated majoratively by men.  That the very people who take oaths to heal are turning women to find healing in shame, guilt, and claiming powerlessness.  Thereby perpetuating the problem.

What about the facts?  What about all the studies that have been done and not just opinion based?  How about the traditional treatment has been questioned and challenged for decades not by opinion, but by research and science?

How do I express to you my dear reader that I know how you feel?  That I have seen, felt and lived the struggle of a learned behavior, a relentless habit, a coping method that held me captive for over 20 years.  I remember the allure of just shutting down all the shoulds that I was avoiding.  I remember watching my bright future collapsing before my very eyes as though on a movie screen in my head.  And being led to the “only option door”.

Why do I do what I do?

To be a life coach that empowers women to make the changes they wish to see in their life.  To accept and know that they are worthy, deserving and capable of those changes.

To change the discussions we have and the programs we offer around women and alcohol.  Women do not come off conveyor belts.  A one size fits all approach will no longer suffice.  Shame, guilt, regret and the powerlessness of the traditional program is not helpful.  It’s harmful.  The traditional program has less than 5% success rate and only 34% of members are women.  It’s time for a change.

That’s why I’m a life coach!

Are you living successfully sober?  Or still struggling?

Feel free to share a bit about yourself or your thoughts by commenting below or  contact me to be interviewed for the Pink Cloud Coaching – Freedom Interview Series.

– Teresa Rodden, Certified Life Coach