A circle is a symbol of unity, wholeness and equality. It is within the circles of recovery where the addict and/or codependent finds healing. A common denominator for many who choose to embrace a lifestyle of recovery is that they have never quite fit in.
It’s within the circle where we find comfort and a place to belong.
At first when we try something new, naturally, we may feel as if we don’t fit in. The newbie in their first recovery meeting might feel frightened and intimidated by the seasoned addict. Creating “Writer’s Block Rehab” and pushing record I am experiencing the same emotion.
I would like to extend a heart-felt thankyou to both
and for taking their time to converse about recovery and the writing process. It is because of these women that I can soften my square and easily slide into our conversations.The Writer’s Block Rehab
Through writing we learn about ourselves, but it is through other authors where we learn how to be a writer. The Writer’s Block Rehab is a podcast for the aspiring writer to meet with mentors and hear their testimony. It is through the testimony of the writer’s who have successfully navigated their publishing path and the recovery books they have published which provides not just instruction but healing.
An Interview with Caroline Beidler
Caroline is no stranger to recovery or Substack. Her publication Circle of Chairs boasts nearly 13k subscribers and is a valuable resource for anyone in need of healing. After reading You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree, to me it is clear she isn’t just a woman sharing her experience on Substack but an excellent author.
Caroline the Author
If you are need of a book that addresses recovery, look no further. You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree is for you. Memoir is important, as with any testimony, because it’s by sharing one’s experience so other’s don’t feel alone. But Caroline’s book takes it a step further digging deep into the past to not just discuss trauma but offer tools needed to overcome.
You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree
In You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree, mental health and addiction recovery expert Caroline Beidler, MSW, helps you identify unhealthy patterns that keep you stuck and live more freely without your trauma—or your family’s trauma—holding you back. (Excerpt from Amazon description)
Key Points In Our Conversation:
The book is broken down into 5 rhythms: honoring your story, having radical compassion, finding ways to create everyday courage, getting honest with yourself, and living open-handed.
Caroline doesn’t just share from her experience but her mother co-wrote the book.
The books structure including headings and journal prompts allow for ease of navigation, clarity, and introspection.
Caroline shares the impact of her relationship with God on her recovery and writing.
Memoir is important because it helps the reader relate. But when the recovery expert not only shares her story but resources it adds richness and value to the book. Caroline did just that when she wrote You Are Not Your Trauma.
Other Books
Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, March 2023, explores the problem of addiction and trauma for women today and then highlights the freedom—and hope—that can be found in the downstairs church or recovery community. (Excerpt from Amazon)
Spring of 2025, Caroline will be releasing her third book that shares the impact of addiction recovery and family members.
Caroline the Woman In Recovery
Caroline is more than an author but an inspiration for others battling their addictive past. She is fourteen years sober and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She has created ministry and recovery homes for addicts.
Courage to Try Something New
It takes courage to recover. Caroline encourages not just women and men recovering from addiction but trauma and mental health. By sharing with others we empower others to heal from their past.
Caroline and I recorded our conversation mid December and I postponed publishing. The holidays were a good excuse to not work on this project but the truth is I was scared. My insecurities are what kept me from progressing.
Video speaking intimidates me but I am learning to push through what is uncomfortable. Authors like, Kimberly and Caroline, have messages that are too important to not be heard. If I give up on myself and my podcast then I would be giving up on everyone who can benefit from their words.
The Importance of Addressing Trauma
Something to consider is that generational trauma doesn’t stop at its roots but creeps into future generations. It takes recovery to break the cycle. It may have started with a parent but it ends with you!
Abuse It Ends With Recovery, shares my story of generation abuse.
Understanding the Roots
I grew up as a very insecure child. My insecurities manifested into prideful behavior into my adulthood. The past impacted my relationships, not being able to form and maintain healthy bonds. Mainly the most important relationship, the one I have with myself.
Healing From Our Childhood
It wasn’t until after my father’s death that I started my recovery journey. It is through his past where I have learned the most about the woman I had become. After weeding out the unhealthy roots, I am making room for healthy growth.
Caroline’s book, You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree is for anyone in need of being set free from their past. To learn more about Caroline you call follow and subscribe to her
on Substack. Her website Caroline Beidler MSW and purchase her book on Amazon.February’s Exclusive
Butterfly Stitches: The Metamorphosis of Healing recounts Michele Vrabel’s profound journey of healing from emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical wounds. Throughout her book, she reflects on her traumatic experiences with abuse at the hands of her father and other figures in her life. Michele emphasizes that healing is complex, ongoing process that begins at the moment of the wound, not a one-time event. She shares how her faith in her King Jesus played a critical role in guiding her through the darkest periods of her life, helping her to understand and clean out the deep emotional wounds that were inflicted. The concept of “butterfly stitches” is central, symbolizing the delicate yet transformative process of mending these wounds, leaving scars that serve as markers of survival and growth. (excerpt from Amazon)
What books have you read that have inspired you to recover from your past?
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