EPISODE SUMMARY:
Explore the messy, miraculous intersection of sobriety, inner healing, and self-forgiveness.
This is for you if you’ve ever...
- Used coping mechanisms (weed, alcohol, scrolling, busyness) that left you emptier than before
- Felt your past trauma creeping into your parenting
- Wondered why healing isn’t linear (or fast)
- Needed permission to not have it all figured out
Through raw stories and hard-won wisdom, guest Nicole and host, Ashley reveal:
- How alcohol and other numbing behaviors often mask deeper wounds (generational trauma, unmet needs, identity struggles)
- Why "rock bottom" is optional
- The uncomfortable truth: Sobriety isn’t the finish line—it’s the first step toward reclaiming your voice, faith, and family legacy
- Addiction isn’t the root problem—it’s the symptom of what you haven’t processed
- Breaking cycles requires awareness + action
- Community isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary for lasting freedom
KEY MOMENTS:
[10:15] The Lies We Inherit
- "What’s wrong with you?" → breaking generational language patterns
- Nicole’s daughter’s "Get away from me!" moment (and the hug that healed them both)
[22:30] Sobriety as Sacred Rebellion
- Why labels like "alcoholic" can limit your healing
- Your host’s confession: "I chose my kids over the bottle"
[35:40] Parenting While Healing
- How unprocessed trauma shows up in discipline and connection
- The *"3-Second Pause"* for triggers (Nicole’s go-to tool)
[45:00] Faith Meets Therapy
- How EMDR and Internal Family Systems helped rewire deep wounds
- The prayer that shifted everything: "You need to forgive yourself"
[55:20] Your Freedom Toolkit
- Practical step: Say "I need…" out loud (even to your mirror)
- Join the Her Identity Project Sisterhood to keep growing
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Healing begins when you stop numbing
- Try this: Name one emotion you’ve been avoiding this week.
- Your kids are your mirrors—not your judges
- When triggered, ask: "What did little-me need in this moment?"
- Sobriety reveals what you’ve been escaping
- Journal prompt: "What pain was my [drinking/overworking/etc.] protecting me from?"
- Community is your lifeline
- Text a friend today: "I’m struggling with ___. Can we talk?"
- Freedom is a daily practice with Identity rooted in Christ
- Declare this week: "I’m not who I was. I’m becoming who He says I am."
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
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