As we navigate the trials and tribulations of life, it's essential to remember that we're not alone. Like many of us, our guest for this episode, Elizabeth Cirrito, has journeyed through the dark tunnels of addiction, grief, and trauma. However, even in the bleakest of times, Liz found her guiding light in the power of community, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Liz's story resonates with the shared human experience, the fear of vulnerability, and the formidable 'shame monster' that lurks in the shadows of our psyche. In our candid conversation, Liz courageously opens up about her childhood exposure to addiction, the sudden loss of her stepdad, and the unfolding trauma that led her to seek refuge in substances. But amidst the chaos, Liz discovered the transformative power of resilience, support, and the healing potential of Internal Family Systems that allowed her to regain control and start rebuilding her life. From navigating the intricacies of mental health stigma to the complex dynamics of grief, this episode is a deep exploration of the human spirit's strength. Liz's personal experiences offer genuine insights into addiction as a response to suffering, and how acknowledging and taming the 'shame monster' can facilitate healing. Listen in as Liz shares invaluable lessons learned from her recovery journey, her commitment to aiding others, and the affirmation that we are all worthy of healing and support. An episode sure to touch hearts and inspire, it's a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting challenges. In this episode, you will hear: Power of resilience in addiction recovery Trauma and taboo of mental health Overcoming grief and addiction Overcoming shame and building community Internal family systems and healing Healing and helping other people heal their pain Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices