Prank Calls to White Jumpsuits
I spent a lot of time outdoors. I had a secret prayer life and an "Mormon" friend in elementary school. I began to find my own faith in Jesus Christ through a prank call. We had a naughty routine during the summer nights but we never expected missionaries to show up at our door. Yet in time some of us got baptized anyways into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 11. I spent about six months primary before joining the Young Women’s program. When I felt ready I qualified for a limited use temple recommend. I began a Personal Progress competition with my dear friend and I earned my madalion in 2003 which was unheard of in my homeward. During my senior I received my patriarchal blessing, graduated from seminary and then high school in 2006. A mission was the next step in my church membership but I was also enrolled WOU and I went to visit my sisters. Along the way I stumbled across UVU and completed my bachelor's degree there. Shortly thereafter I began to travel to spend time with family in different parts of the United States. I received my endowment in the Louisville, Kentucky temple. A few months later I began serving as an ordinance worker. A few years later I served relocated back to Utah, worked in the Lehi Family Search Center and Temple Square. I served as an ordinance worker in the Bountiful and later Orem Utah temples.
Social Anxiety
In college I discovered self-help books, began exploring women's support groups, empowerment programs and individual therapies but I had never tried addiction recovery meetings. I had a really hard time finding the courage to start because I did not want to go alone. Taking the first step of just showing up was the hardest. When I finally did two years ago, I realized it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Social Butterfly
My first 12 step meeting instantly felt like a safe place. After that I took some time to get to know the facilitators. Once I became more familiar with the information it began to it feel like home. I started attending 4 meetings a week and accelerated my healing dramatically as the 12 steps and principles were modeled before me I was able to put them into practice. I wish I had gotten involved sooner!
I realized was lovable and worthy of love. Being around people who had a testimony of the gospel and knew my character weaknesses but also saw my character strengths helped me learn how to accept myself. Which was the beginning of self-compassion and forgiveness. I was able to study the 12 steps for recovery and the 12 principles of family support. Together I could spot every pitfall and I was able to see not only what my mistakes were but how to resolve each one. I could also gain new insights and validation. As the 12 steps and principles were modeled before me I was able to put them into practice. The detoxification process can be very uncomfortable but during Covid-19 I did not have much else to do. I leaned in and week after week I could see changes. As I became healthier with the additional structure lots of boats began to be rocked. I was able to stay grounded and keep progressing despite setbacks. I became more prayerful. I became closer to Heavenly Father. I became joyful and peaceful.