From Shame To Strength—Becoming a Warrior Coach

I was lying in a hospital bed when my partner shared an opportunity with me—going back to school to study something I was passionate about.

Little did I know that I was about to find a place where my life story wouldn’t just be accepted without judgment, but would become a tool to support others.

I had participated in transformational training before. I had learned tools to help others heal. But when I faced my own battles, I found myself in a very dark place—so dark, that seeking professional help became my only choice.

Then, I found ARCS.

I remember my very first class. The first time I shared my story, my Professor looked at me and said, “Thank you for being here. Your message inspires us all.”

Those words stayed with me.

Words are powerful.

For so long, I carried shame about my story. I didn’t believe I was worthy of being in the same space as other survivors. But as I walked through my own self-healing and attended class, I began to see my story in a new light. 

I started to feel proud of it. And in turn, I began encouraging others to embrace their own.

There is no way out except through.

I have been a student of healing for a long time. Every week, when I step into the safe space that my ARCS Coach has created, I honor myself for choosing to continue this journey.

Life happens. And in this post-pandemic world, I am deeply grateful that ARCS has continued to provide a space for healing—no matter where we are.

I am soon to be a Board-Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health, and it is my commitment to help bridge the gap between Addiction and Recovery and the broader field of Mental Health.

Because the stigma that Addicts and Survivors carry is part of what is wrong with this world.

That is why, every time I have the opportunity to share, I allow myself to:

1. Honor myself for using my voice.
2. Acknowledge the others in the room.
3. Remind us all that we are world changers.

We are the warriors and survivors who have chosen to share our stories as a safe space for others to heal. Through practicing our own healing, we show others that they are not alone.

And by far, my ARCS Coach is the one who makes the magic happen in that room. Not everyone has the “It Factor.” But she does.

She doesn’t just believe in the foundation of ARCS—she lives it. And because of her, I look forward to following her path.

As children, we’re often asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For me, the answer is clear.

I want to be like my ARCS Coach — And through this Program, I will become an ARCS Coach, myself!

If you have a passion for sharing your story, and if you want to learn how to use it to help others heal—then I encourage you to enroll in this Program.  Not only is it a powerful place to be, but it provides all the tools you need to become a true "Warrior Coach."

I have been honored to share this space with extraordinary people. And the curriculum—the video-workbook lessons, the flexibility of online learning—allows you to pursue healing while balancing work, career, family, and most importantly... your own health.