Peer Lead Spotlight: Taylor

Peer Lead Spotlight: Taylor
Jess Villarreal

Meet Taylor

I am motivated by positive behavior change; my definition of recovery is to be better than I was yesterday.

I have made self-improvement a major goal of mine, when I say improvement, I mean improve on the things in all areas of my life and stick with it. I have become tired of making excuses for why I can’t do well, because today I can do well.

I must remind myself that I am worthy of having a life worth living.

When I’m connected to my community, I feel like I’m living, when I am not afraid and a part of a group, I feel hopeful, I feel alive, and it’s a beautiful feeling.

I have so many things I want to do, and to look forward to doing. I start college this fall to finish my bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science, this will give me even more tools to continue this life of progress.

I currently am a substance use counselor and I enjoy the work I do. It brings me joy to offer people hope for a better life. I have faith that people can do incredible things when effort is applied.

I have a lot of it is insecurities. It has prevented me from participating in activities. It’s not a fun feeling not knowing how to do something or I might look dumb if I try, but I have decided to be a part of Recovery Beyond so I can learn to have fun, even if I have to force myself. I have decided to get a personal trainer and get on a solid workout routine. I know that if I stick with it, I will see results, plus I can learn things today.

I am proud of how far I have come, and I’m excited about the future. I hope to make friends. I hope to learn from other humans. I want to laugh more. I want to be a part of the human race and not be so afraid of trying something new. I have to be willing.

The best feelings I have experienced during recovery are moments where I pushed myself, knowing that I was able to be a better person mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I can receive all these aspects from Recovery Beyond. I am a happy participant and I’m looking forward to watching this movement grow.

I’m going to start doing the rock-climbing event, and the boxing event, I love all the hiking events, I want to start my own event, I thought about a online book study, maybe reading a self-help book, and then talking about it, I feel inner work is just as important as outer work, sticking on a routine can sometimes be a struggle. I also want to make a point to join the virtual huddle groups when I can.