A Personal Note from Christie, Founder of Prismatic Recovery:

My journey through life has been a winding path filled with challenges, growth, and transformation. As a child, I grappled with loneliness, ostracization, and bullying, which left me feeling worthless and insignificant. In a household where my parents struggled with their own demons, I yearned for a sense of belonging and purpose. 

My salvation initially came in the form of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Within those rooms, I found solace and began to rebuild my life. However, as time passed, I began to realize that it wasn’t the complete solution. The 12 Steps suggested that my problem was rooted in my relationship with God and the universe, but I came to a different understanding. 

What I discovered was that my beliefs shaped my reality. God, for me, wasn’t a force external to me, but a reflection of my inner beliefs and perceptions. This realization led me to leave AA, as I felt that the daily repetition of “I am an addict, I am an alcoholic” was inadvertently undermining the healing I was forging through my newfound relationship with God. 

It was during this journey that I faced another pivotal moment - spending 30 days in jail. Behind those bars, I confronted the question of what kind of mother I wanted to be. I realized that my actions needed to reflect the example I wanted to set for my son. This revelation became my guiding force, my unwavering compass in moments of doubt. 

Throughout my journey, I embraced harm reduction as a philosophy rooted in empathy and compassion. Meeting people where they are, without judgment, became a cornerstone of my beliefs. Rejecting the shaming tactics of abstinence-only approaches, I empowered individuals to take control of their lives. 

Mindfulness and somatic practices have been instrumental in my healing journey, teaching me to move beyond the confines of my mind and into the wisdom of my body. Trauma isn’t just talked away; it’s moved through the body. Mindfulness allows me to take control of my thoughts and beliefs, reducing the need to escape the present moment with substances. 

Today, my life is defined by acceptance, peace, and the belief that our thoughts create our reality. I share my journey with you, not as a finished story, but as an ongoing narrative of growth and resilience. Together, we can rewrite our stories, embracing harm reduction, mindfulness, and the power of self-acceptance.