Silence: Raising Vibrations Through Recovery

Podcast Episode Description
After some much-needed silence, I’ve made the decision to emerge from solitude and speak my truth.
This season of my life has tested me from every angle. From my spiritual perspective, I’ve felt as though I’ve been battling forces determined to keep me anchored to old patterns—and unfortunately, I haven’t passed every test. I’ve stumbled. I’ve made mistakes. But those failures didn’t come without some hard and necessary lessons.
I also reflect on ideas associated with Carl Jung concerning addiction, spirituality, the unconscious, and the possibility of finding meaning within our struggles. For me, relapse and addiction have forced me to confront parts of myself that I may have otherwise ignored. Rather than allowing those experiences to have the final word, I’m choosing to look at what God can teach me through them.
Through my faith, I believe that when I surrender the battle to God instead of trying to fight everything alone, the things that once held power over me begin to lose their grip. Getting back to a place of empowerment hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning that sometimes you can lose a battle without losing the war.
I also foreshadow the possibility of losing one of my employers—and let’s be clear: this has absolutely nothing to do with addiction! Well… unless we’re talking about my addiction to getting my hair done. That’s another conversation.
I also address my frustration with Podbean after not receiving the residual payment I expected from my livestreaming shows. I discuss my experience connecting my PayPal account to the platform, the assistance I received during that process, and why I’m disappointed with how the payment situation ultimately unfolded.
This episode is about accountability, faith, addiction and relapse, difficult lessons, employment, money, frustration, and finding the strength to speak again after a period of silence.
I’m back—and I have quite a bit to say.

"I Quit, You Can Have It." is an honest conversation about reaching the point of emotional and mental exhaustion. In this episode, I share my personal experience with stress, burnout, and fatigue, along with insights I gained from an ADHD awareness magazine that discusses ADHD-related fatigue and ME/CFS awareness. I also reflect on the demands of corporate America, a nearly 10-hour mandatory workplace training, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect your mental health. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of work and life, this episode is a reminder that your well-being deserves to come first.

Before we get started, I want to mention that I've now surpassed the sobriety milestone I refer to in this episode. I'm also uploading this a little later than I originally intended, but I believe the message is still worth sharing.
This episode is a personal reflection and a reminder of God's faithfulness through life's challenges. I recorded it as a way of acknowledging the tests and temptations I've faced and how, by God's grace, I was able to overcome them.
On the day this episode was recorded, one of my cell carrier's towers in my area was down, disrupting both my phone and internet service. I needed to take care of a few important things—pay my rent, return a phone call from my roommate, and access the internet—so I left my apartment in search of a stronger signal.
That search led me to a familiar park where I knew the connection would be better. As I pulled in, I noticed someone standing near a picnic table. At first, I didn't think much of it and focused on the phone call I needed to make. But before long, that individual made his way to the driver's side of my vehicle, and what began as a routine stop quickly became something much more.
As followers of Christ, we're reminded that our adversary is always looking for opportunities to tempt, distract, and test us. In this episode, I'll share what happened that evening, what I learned from the experience, and several other topics that I hope will encourage you to remain watchful, grounded in your faith, and steadfast in your walk with God.
Thank you for listening, and I hope this conversation encourages and strengthens you.
Disclaimer: All rights to the music featured in this episode belong to their respective copyright owner(s). No copyright infringement is intended.

Arriving home yesterday after a nearly ten-hour unpaid mandatory training session for one of my employers reminded me of how corporate America often leaves people feeling as though they don't have a life outside of work. Although the training is required for my field, it was incredibly time-consuming, and by the time I arrived home, I was mentally exhausted. I was so drained that the plans I had made for the rest of the day never got completed.
It made me reflect on how burnout has become a reality for so many hardworking Americans. Between demanding work schedules and the rising cost of living, many people are forced to work longer hours just to make ends meet. When grandparents who have reached retirement age are still working because they can't afford not to, that speaks volumes about the challenges many people face today.
Although I believe God has called many of us to serve and care for vulnerable populations, the cracks within the systems designed to support them are a conversation of their own. Working in this field has given me a greater understanding of what burnout truly feels like. When caregivers are overwhelmed and unsupported, the people they serve can also be affected, sometimes resulting in neglect or various forms of abuse.
This experience reminded me of something I must continue telling myself: I have to remain a priority in my own life. If I'm not taking the time to refill my own cup, how can I effectively help fill the cups of others?
Thank you for joining me as we discuss these topics and so much more.

As I'm slowly building Silent Light and Support Co., I find myself appreciating small businesses more than ever. Like any business owner—whether you're running a large corporation or just getting started—you hope your organization is supported by the community. That's one of the reasons I wanted to create this Hidden Gem episode.
Sometimes it's not always about the biggest companies. In my experience, supporting a local business can lead to more personalized customer service and genuine care. It's often the little things that leave the biggest impression.
For example, after having my vehicle serviced, M&M Auto Repair placed a reminder sticker on my windshield for my next oil change. It's a simple gesture, but it's one I appreciated and haven't always experienced at larger auto service centers.
Recently, I needed some work done on my vehicle, so I took it to M&M Auto Repair on North 32nd Street here in the Valley. That's where I met the owner, Alain. During my visits, he has always treated me with kindness, explained the repairs, and worked with me to find fair pricing on parts and labor whenever possible. On more than one occasion, he even helped me save money, which I truly appreciated.
Because it's a smaller shop, the customer service feels much more personal. I never felt like I was just another number. Based on my own experiences, Alain and his team have been honest, professional, and respectful.
Depending on the type of service needed and how many vehicles are ahead of yours, they work efficiently to get you back on the road as quickly as they can. While you wait, they also offer complimentary water, coffee, and snacks. And if your repair takes a little longer, there are several restaurants and shopping options nearby.
If you're looking for quality automotive service and friendly customer care, I'd encourage you to consider giving M&M Auto Repair a try. They've earned my trust through my own experiences, and I wanted to recognize them as one of my Hidden Gems.
The team knows me as Dee, so if you decide to schedule an appointment, feel free to let them know I sent you.

Three days ago, what began as a routine shopping trip to Dollar Tree quickly turned into a test of my endurance and sobriety.
As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed someone searching through the dumpster area. At first glance, I didn't realize it was someone I had previously engaged in drug activity with on several occasions. Once inside the store, I grabbed a shopping cart and prepared to head down one of the aisles. Before I could, that same individual walked in and approached the cashier to ask a question.
The moment I recognized their face, I did everything I could to avoid being seen. Moments later, after they finished speaking with the cashier, I heard a voice call out, "Hey, friend... remember me?"
In that instant, I knew my sobriety was being tested.
Music Disclaimer: Any music featured in this episode is the property of its respective artist(s). I do not own or claim any rights to it. The music is included solely for entertainment and expressive purposes.

I want to take this opportunity to clarify a few things. In this episode, I mentioned that another podcasting platform was the beginning of my podcasting journey when, in fact, that credit belongs to Podbean.
In yesterday's recorded upload, I also forgot to mention another meaningful experience. While checking out at the same Goodwill where my sobriety was nearly put to the test, the cashier noticed my sobriety bracelet. What began as a simple observation quickly opened the door to a meaningful conversation. Looking back, that interaction played a significant role in prompting me to create this episode.
I want to make it clear that I'm not here to condemn 12-step meetings or the individuals who attend them. Many people have found support, healing, and community through those programs. However, when your eyes and ears become open to certain things involving systematic organizations, it can be difficult to ignore what may exist beneath the surface rather than focusing solely on what is visible on top.
I understand that some of the viewpoints expressed in this episode may offend individuals who enjoy attending these groups, and that's okay. We can agree to disagree. My purpose is not to simply go along with the grain. I believe in asking questions, challenging perspectives, and examining what society often accepts as normal—especially when those things could potentially be harmful in certain situations.
If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing, liking, and commenting. I would sincerely appreciate your support and engagement.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any music included in this episode. All rights belong to their respective creators. The music is used for spiritual reflection and entertainment purposes only.

Yesterday, what was supposed to be a routine trip to Goodwill after getting my car's oil changed turned into a major test of my sobriety.
While browsing through the store, I noticed an individual who appeared to be under the influence of a substance. Throughout my visit, we exchanged conversation on and off, which initially seemed harmless enough. As time went on, however, I noticed this person interacting with someone else who also appeared to be struggling with substance use.
Eventually, the individual I had been speaking with ended up near the same aisle where I was shopping, and that's when the situation began to feel different. What started as casual conversation slowly evolved into a temptation that challenged the progress I have worked so hard to achieve.
This content was recorded yesterday while the experience is still fresh on my mind because I felt it was important to share just how quickly an ordinary day can become a serious test of recovery.
Long story short, if it weren't for the cashier at Goodwill who recognized my sobriety bracelet during checkout, the support of those looking out for me such as the invisible, my faith in God, and the memory of voices such as Regina Wells that have encouraged me to stay on course, I very well could have made a decision that would have cost me my sobriety.
This experience reminded me that temptation often appears when we least expect it. Recovery requires vigilance, discernment, and the willingness to walk away from situations that threaten our peace and progress. Sometimes the greatest victories are the ones no one else sees—the moments when we choose not to give in.
If you're currently struggling, please know that one decision can change the direction of your day. Stay alert, stay grounded, and never underestimate the importance of protecting your recovery.
Please feel free to support this content by commenting, sharing, and passing it along to someone who may need the reminder. Thank you for your support, and take care.
Music Disclaimer:
The music featured in this content is not owned by me. All rights, ownership, and credit belong to the respective artists, musicians, producers, and copyright holders. This music is used for inspirational and entertainment purposes only.