Joie Gyondla: Inclusive Spaces & the Non-Linear Road to Recovery and Self-Love

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#56: Today we welcome Joie (she/her) to the show. Joie is a queer, sober, activist and advocate that works to normalize folks in the world that are often times "othered." She uses her own lived experiences to help give voice to those that sometimes don't know how, or aren't given the chance to speak up and speak out against the inequalities that permeate our culture today. 

When describing her recovery journey, she said it is just that: a journey, an exploration, an adventure, and a roller coaster. Every time she discovers something new about herself, she uncovers a new way that it applies to her recovery and a new way to live authentically. Tune into the episode to hear more of our discussion on:

- The importance of not just speaking, but actively listening, and how we can cultivate a space where that person feels comfortable and heard
- The turning point in her recovery when she started allowing herself to live authentically and confront years of internalized transphobia
- Realizing there is no one specific identity that defines her
- How Joie's transition with her gender identity unlocked something in her recovery that she had been missing the whole time
- The significance in being able to see yourself in recovery spaces and see people in the community who look like you and who share similar lived experiences. By just being present in the space, Joie helps to welcome other folks in.
- How can we in practice create a safe space? An how do we create an inclusive space for folks who aren't even in the room yet?
- Replacing shame and stigma with love: that is when the real magic and change happens
- Non-linear recovery, and why Joie doesn't often share her sobriety date, because we have to take it one day at a time
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If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis, the following resources can provide immediate help.*

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please dial 911.

• Dial 988 for the SAMSHA Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  Available 24/7
• Text “HOME” to 741-741 for the NAMI Crisis Text Line.  Available 24/7.
• Dial 1-800-622-2255 to connect with a nearby treatment center & community resources through the NCADD Hope Line. Available 24/7.
• Call or text 1-844-326-5400 for The GSCA CARES Warm Line.  Answered by Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists with lived experience of Substance Use Recovery.  Available any day of the year, 8:30am-11pm EST

*Note: The resources listed are provided for informational purposes only.  This list is not comprehensive and does not constitute an endorsement by The Phoenix or the Rise Recover Live Podcast.
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