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Submitted By: Susanne Johnson
I met Erika Z. at the 2016 Heroes 6K in Leiper’s Fork, TN. When I began my interview with Erika I asked if she was in recovery from anything and she quickly responded, “Yes, and I think we are all in recovery.” Her response was such a true statement and I was curious about how she would expand this statement.
Erika describes her own recovery as having lots to do with perfectionism and striving for unattainable expectations she puts on herself every day. “It takes work every day to overcome anything,” she states, “it doesn’t really matter what you are struggling with.” Erika considers herself fortunate not to be dealing with any kind of addiction, substance use disorder, eating disorder or mental health problem. She find it rewarding to work as a communications manager for a well-known retreat company, facilitating workshops for those who need to find balance in life again and professional help with any of their issues. “It is amazing how people overcome those obstacles and it is an honor for me to work in an environment where people find the support they need to get help with their struggles.”, she says.
She worked in the news and media industry for several years prior to moving to Nashville and to take a position in the recovery field. She saw a job opening for a marketing coordinator and thought about it for a while. “As I was thinking about the position it came to my mind, that during my time for in news and media I was always exposing people on their worst days, but now, I would have the opportunity to celebrate them on their best days,” says Erika about her decision.
She has worked in the recovery industry for just over 2 years and considers every day a blessing . She first attended the Heroes in Recovery 6k in Leiper’s Fork in 2015. She attended the 2016 event with a group from her facility. They participated in to help break the stigma and to celebrate those who have overcome substance use disorders. Their group seems to be growing each year. Erika and her co-workers are not runners, but enjoyed the beautiful day with a nice power-walk to raise awareness and connect with like-minded others. “We have a huge alumni network and we are always looking for ways to support them. Maybe next year we can encourage our alumni to participate in the Heroes 6K in Leiper’s Fork to re-unite, re-connect and support each other!?”