Susannah: CrossFit, Community, & Compassion

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#46:  In a special bonus episode, we continue our celebration of National Volunteer Week with Phoenix volunteer Susannah Wingfield. The first to bring Phoenix classes to Detroit, Susannah’s path to sobriety was inextricably linked to her CrossFit journey and the non-judgmental community she found at her own gym. We discuss the influence of CrossFit on Susannah’s recovery, how she gives back to her community, and much more: 

• Susannah’s work as a social worker and how she must balance between tenderness and toughness,  
• How through this work, Susannah has learned to find at least one thing about each person that she truly likes and appreciates, even when that person refuses help, 
• The vitality but simultaneous difficulty of asking for help when you’re stuck in a rut, 
• Her desire to bring free CrossFit classes to others seeking recovery, knowing how much the community and physicality supported her own recovery,
• The ways her efforts to give back aligned with The Phoenix movement, 
• Her assertion that each individual can make a positive contribution to their community in a variety of ways... Come as you are! 
• What it's like when no one comes to class; and the power of showing up anyway.  The compassion and understanding she had to cultivate to know  each person will take that first step in their own time.    

Once again, THANK YOU to Susannah and all of our volunteers that continue to spark hope and build the connections and community that drive this recovery movement.

Want to become a volunteer?  After you attend at least one Phoenix event you gain access to a volunteer application through the mobile app. Everyone has something to offer, and there is always a need for your unique contribution. 

Join the community & sign up for classes with a single click by downloading The NewForm app! In the app, you can connect with Liz, Bryce and other listeners in The Rise Recover Live Podcast Group. Let us know what you thought about today's episode, and what you'd like to hear in future shows! We can't wait to chat with you there.

Learn more about The Phoenix, sign up for classes, or become a volunteer at https://thephoenix.org/ .

Find us on Instagram at @riserecoverlive