I’ve been reminded of something over the past few months: Stories of hope are all around us, even if we don’t hear them. Just last week, I got to speak to my coworker from a former life, Steve Andrews, whose son had a frightening brush with death during the throes of his substance abuse. Both Steve and his son are now living fulfilling lives, and Steve himself has become the caretaker of our men’s community, The Woods. Since then, I was also contacted by today’s guest, Matt Elliott, a client of mine from my life in the corporate world. Until he got in touch, I hadn’t seen or spoken to Matt in five years. I had no idea that he had his own recovery story to share. In this episode, we talk about the traumas Matt put his family through as a young man, the role substances played in his perception of his own value as a human being, how his recovery played out, and what his younger self needed to hear at the time.  This National Recovery Month, it’s worth pausing to reflect on just how many families we interact with daily who’ve endured substance use in their families – and how many come out the other side stronger, wiser and more compassionate. _________________________________ The podcast is now part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community: www.hopestreamcommunity.org Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms, at www.hopestreamcommunity.org/the-stream/ Find us on Instagram: @hopestreamcommunity Download my free e-book, HINDSIGHT: Three Things I Wish I Knew When My Son Was Misusing Drugs: www.brendazane.com/hindsight Join my email list: www.brendazane.com/email