It has been a whirl wind week. I had the honor tonight of speaking at Citrus recovery fest and I know it may be hard to believe but I hate public speaking! Talking into a phone alone is way different than speaking in front of people. I think this event has a lot of potential but events like this must find a way to bring in the young adult crowd. I think in bigger cities it is easier but I am going to be honest…there are a lot of old farts here. Nothing against the old farts by any means… I mean I am practically one lol.

I learned of many resources that are available in my county at this event that I didn’t even know existed. One thing I struggle with at events like this is that they are sponsored by treatment programs in the industry. I wish it was easier to raise the money to fund events like this without sponsors from the industry. I think the people who run this event have their heart in the right place though and I am very pleased this is a thing in my community which tends to be very closed minded.

I had the opportunity to attend a few hours at The Grind recovery event in Atlanta last weekend. When I started on TikTok, a group of us followed and supported each other but I never had the opportunity to meet any of them. Travis (Climb for Recovery), Jaime (aunty shark), Brian (Bemagik) and his wife Tara were all there. I am not going to lie, I was nervous about going to this event. I worried these people may not be who they portray on social media, and I would be very disappointed. They were even better in person. I cried, and had some awesome moments with attendees in the short time I had. I felt honored to be able to sit and hear the testimony of several in recovery.

If my daughter had never become addicted to drugs I never would have learned just how amazing and strong this population is and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. The recovery community was there for me in ways my own friends and family weren’t.

I am trying to say yes to request for speaking engagements, and interviews which I have historically declined. Having Brooke’s encouragement has made this process easier. I am still in the brainstorming idea for my first book, but I hope that by summer 2024 I will be able to call myself an author.

Thank you for the continued support.

Brandi Mac