The Guiding Light Podcast

1,200 DAYS SOBER AND DRUG FREE Recovery is possible. After over 20 years of addiction, I can’t describe what it feels like to be truly free. Here are a few tips that have helped me stay strong in recovery: 🤝 Give back – Helping others in recovery has been key to my healing. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of my progress. 🔗 Stay connected – Surround yourself with people who lift you up and support your journey. 🌱 Allow yourself to be YOU – Don’t be afraid to embrace who you are, flaws and all. Recovery is about rediscovering and accepting yourself. ⏳ Take it one day at a time – Don’t overwhelm yourself. Each day is a victory. To anyone struggling out there. keep going. You are worth it. My Sober time is 31st of May 2021 (@6.21AM) Wouldn't be my autistic self if I didn't have it exactly to the second on 1,200! #EmbraceYourSelf #RecoveryAwarenessMonth #SoberLife #OneDayAtATime #RecoveryIsPossible #GratefulForLife #AddictionRecovery #GivingBack #BeYourself #MentalHealth #Autism #ADHD

Next Episode: Of The Guiding Light Podcast In this episode, we're sitting down with the incredible Ben Howard to discuss his personal battle with gambling addiction, which led him down a dark path of theft to fund his habit. With a looming prison sentence, Ben opens up about his struggles with his sexuality and how peer-to-peer support became a lifeline that not only transformed his life but also deeply impacted both myself and Chris Gilham This is a raw and honest conversation about the challenges of addiction, self-acceptance, and the power of community in finding hope and redemption. #Poscast #Gambling #MentalHealth #Recovery

Autism & Suicide: A Hidden Mental Health Crisis 💔 As someone with personal experience navigating life on the autism spectrum, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges that come with it. The struggles with communication, social isolation, and constant feelings of being misunderstood can weigh heavily, and many in our community face similar battles. What many don't realise is that autistic individuals are up to 9 times more likely to die by way of suicide compared to the general population. This tragic statistic highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and tailored mental health services for those on the spectrum. Factors like depression, social isolation, bullying, and the lack of appropriate support can drive feelings of hopelessness. On a day like World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th), it’s especially important to raise awareness about the heightened risks faced by the autistic community. We need to work together to create more inclusive spaces, encourage open conversations, and ensure access to the mental health care that autistic individuals need. We can all be part of the solution by showing compassion, supporting neurodiversity, and advocating for better mental health care for all. Together, we can break the stigma, raise awareness, and save lives. 💙 #AutismAwareness #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #Neurodiversity #SupportAutism

Did I mention we are launching The Guiding Light Mental Health Charity this month. Fantastic experience at my first ever professional photo shoot! #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealth #WeDoRecover #WorldSuidicePreventionDay

I struggle with my mental health and addiction sometimes. I want to remind you #WeCanRecover and #YouAreNotAlone September is Addiction Awareness Month, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey of recovery and the importance of mental health. Why this month and tomorrow #WorldSuicidePreventionDay is important. We need to encourage openness and discuss all year around. I am incredibly grateful for the second chance I have been given in life. It’s a reminder that healing is possible and that we all deserve support and understanding. As we focus on mental health health tomorrow. I encourage you to reach out to friends and family. A simple check in can make a world of difference. Remember, you are enough, just as you are. For businesses, it’s crucial to ask yourselves: Are you doing everything you can to support individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues? Lastly I wanted to share a few Thank Yous to those who have guided, supported and helped me on my journey. Chris Gilham John Gilham Alice Hendy MBE Joe Clarkson Julie Martin with out you I would not have made it to day 1,197 sober and free from drugs. #AddictionAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #ADHD #Autism #SupportEachOther #Gratitude #MentalHealth #Recovery

Addiction Recovery Month. This Seat is Empty for a Reason. As we honour Addiction Recovery Month, let's confront a harsh reality this empty seat belongs to someone who should be here but isn’t. They fought bravely against addiction, but the battle took them from us. A loved one, a friend, a soul we lost too soon. Their absence is a gut wrenching reminder of how brutal this journey can be. Some of us make it out, but far too many do not. That’s why The Newcomer is the Most Important Person at any Meeting. For those of us who’ve found our way to recovery, we know that the only way to keep what we have is to give it away. The newcomer’s first step into a meeting isn’t just about their survival it’s about ours too. Their courage fuels our own, and their hope is our reminder of why we fight to stay sober every day. So, let’s honor those we've lost by fighting harder for those still with us. Let’s welcome every newcomer with open arms and open hearts because what we share with them could be the difference between an empty seat and a life reclaimed. Together, we can save lives. 💙 #AddictionRecoveryMonth #YouAreNotAlone #EndTheStigma #TogetherWeRecover #WeDoRecover #MentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone

ADHD Truth: Embrace Your Unique Rhythm. Living with ADHD and Autism means you might dance to a different beat, but that beat is yours and it's powerful. Some days are full of focus and energy, while others might feel like a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. And that's okay! Remember: it's not about fitting into someone else's mold it's about embracing your unique rhythm. Celebrate the small wins, lean into your creativity, and give yourself grace on the tough days. You're not alone in this journey, and your ADHD and Autism doesn't define you it empowers you to see the world in a way that no one else can. #ADHDAwareness #Neurodiversity #EmbraceYourRhythm #ADHDLife #Autism #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealth

Hey, I'm Ben, an addict. Today marks 1,187 days sober and is #IOAD2024 (International overdose Awareness Day) I've been incredibly lucky to survive my overdoses, and every day I'm grateful for the chance to share my story. On this Day, we remember that "Together we can" make a difference. On the 8th of August 2015, my sister and I overdosed. I survived, but she tragically lost her battle to this illness. I carry her memory with me every day, and this journey is for her as much as it is for me. This picture represents my tattoo of a heartbeat, a semicolon as the story continues, and the date of my last injected drug. It’s a reminder that every moment we’re here, we have the chance to rewrite our story. #WeDoRecover and the promises of AA and NA do come true. . AA's Message is, we are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We won’t regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and know peace. No matter how far down the scale we've gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. NA’s message is hope, and its promise is freedom. "An addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live." Today, I’m free from active addiction, and I’m grateful for every day that I get to live this new life. We must continue to fight this epidemic and support those still struggling. Every life lost is one too many. Let’s come together, spread awareness, and save lives. #TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose #IOAD2024 #RecoveryIsPossible #SoberLife #HarmReduction #AddictionAwareness #BreakTheStigma #InMemoryOfMySister #AA #NA #NewBeginnings #HopeAndHealing #MentalHealth #ODAAT #WeDoRecover

Embracing my true self with and electronic detox at a ADHD Retreat with ADHD Works and Leanne Maskell As an autistic ADHDer, I've often felt misunderstood, like I’m being forced into a box that doesn’t fit. This leads many of us to mask our true selves, retreating into loneliness, anxiety, and overwhelm. This retreat was a game changer. It wasn’t just about unplugging; it was about reconnecting with myself and others who truly get it. Here are the highlights that made this experience incredible: Giving up my phone! Improved my mental health: Without constant notifications and social media, I experienced a reduction in stress, anxiety, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Leading to a clearer, more peaceful mind! (this will continue) Ideas of a new podcast because when The Guiding Light Podcast: Discussed helping guide individuals to be ADHD Untangled by Rosie Turner things got interesting and become a river of ideas! Cold Pool, River Swimming in the river of ideas: Wow, the benefits were huge! The cold water was invigorating, helping me clear my mind and feel truly alive. Allowing me to focus on me, my feelings and what I need (not want) need! Colouring Therapy: Bright colours, free expression this wasn’t just art, it was therapy. Colouring allowed me to relax, unwind, and just be me. Late Night Hot Tub Chats: The late night conversations were priceless. Sharing ideas, reducing shame, and feeling encouraged to embrace my quirks this was pure magic! In life, it’s essential to find your people, those who allow you to be your authentic self. This retreat was about more than just wellness it was about self acceptance and connection. If you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or alone, know that there are spaces and people out there who will embrace you for who you are. Don’t be afraid to seek them out. My parting message to you: You are good enough, believe in yourself and stay curoirus #ADHDWellness #AutismAwareness #FindYourPeople #BeYourself #MentalHealthMatters #UnplugAndReconnect #ADHD #AUTISM #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealth #YouAreGoodEnough

New episode alert! Join us on 🌈Sofie D.� as we delve into the powerful journey of embracing and unmasking autism. Discover stories of strength, authenticity, and the beauty of neurodiversity. Let’s celebrate every voice and break down barriers together. 💙 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲- https://lnkd.in/eQb9JGPz 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬- https://lnkd.in/et73Mp8A 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐞 - https://lnkd.in/ehG4BRZJ #SofieDay #UnmaskAutism #Neurodiversity #Podcast #ADHD #MentalHealth #ODAAT #Autism