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Ever notice how you keep searching for answers… reading, thinking, trying to “figure it out”… …and still feel stuck in the same loop? Yeah. That. It’s frustrating. And it can quietly start to feel like something’s wrong with you. But there isn’t. You’re not broken. You’re not behind. And this isn’t a lack of discipline. What’s often happening is this: You’ve been asking questions that keep you stuck in overthinking and self-doubt— instead of questions that move you toward clarity, self-trust, and personal power. Because the truth is: The quality of your life is shaped by the quality of the questions you ask yourself. And most of us were never taught how to ask better ones. So we default to: • “What’s wrong with me?” • “Why can’t I get it together?” • “What if I fail?” Those questions don’t create clarity. They activate your nervous system, reinforce self-doubt, and keep you disconnected from your own voice. In this video, I walk you through how to shift out of overthinking and into grounded clarity— not by forcing answers… …but by learning how to ask better questions from a place of emotional sobriety, awareness, and presence. Because the goal isn’t to think harder. It’s to relate to yourself differently. ⸻ If you’re ready to explore where you might be unintentionally holding yourself back… Take the Self-Betrayal Audit here: 👉 http://givingvoicetorecovery.cohere.l... This isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about building self-awareness around the patterns that impact your boundaries, your time, and your self-trust. Inside, you’ll uncover: • Where you lose your voice in key moments • How people-pleasing shows up in your boundaries • Why you overcommit or avoid what matters most Most people think they need more discipline. They don’t. They need to understand the nervous system patterns driving their behavior. This will show you yours—clearly and honestly. ⸻ If you’re new here I’m Elizabeth Edwards. I help people move out of overthinking, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm by building emotional sobriety, self-trust, and the ability to stay present under pressure. Because when you develop embodied presence: You don’t force boundaries. You become someone who naturally honors them. You don’t chase confidence. You build it—through aligned action. And you don’t need more answers. You learn how to ask better questions. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 Why more answers aren’t working 01:45 The hidden cost of overthinking 04:20 How your questions shape your self-trust 07:15 The shift: better questions, better direction 10:05 Real-life examples to get unstuck 12:00 Take the Self-Betrayal Audit ⸻ If this resonated Subscribe for more conversations on: • Overthinking and self-doubt • Emotional sobriety and nervous system awareness • Boundaries without guilt • Rebuilding self-trust • Living from embodied personal power

Ever catch yourself saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow”… and tomorrow keeps moving? Yeah… me too. But here’s what I’ve learned— that’s not procrastination. That’s protection. Movement without prioritizing… that’s just noise. Movement without direction… that’s avoidance. And we’ve been calling all of it procrastination like it’s some kind of character flaw. It’s not. It’s a defense mechanism. It steps in when something feels too heavy… too vulnerable… too close to failure, disappointment, or rejection. And in the moment, it soothes you. But over time? It quietly pulls you away from your own life. That’s where self-abandonment begins. So instead of turning on yourself… try turning toward yourself. Ask: What actually matters to me here? What would it mean to show up—just for the sake of showing up? Not for perfection. Not for approval. Just for alignment. Then bring it way down. Not the whole plan. Not the big, overwhelming vision. Just… what’s the next smallest step? Because the real battle isn’t laziness. It’s that space between not doing… and doing. And if you can close that gap— even just a little— everything starts to shift. Take one step. Within the next 24 hours. Sooner, if you can. That’s how momentum is built. That’s how self-trust comes back online. That’s how you stop leaving yourself behind… and start coming home. And if something in you felt that— don’t just sit with it. Do something with it. Download the givingvoicetorecovery.c… and take an honest look at where you’ve been abandoning yourself… and how to begin again.

“If you feel responsible for everyone’s feelings… you weren’t born that way. You were trained.” And if that hits a nerve… it’s probably because you’ve been carrying a lot for a long time. Maybe you’re the one people come to. The one who fixes it. Smooths it over. Holds it together. On the surface… it looks like compassion. Like strength. But underneath? It can be self-abandonment. Because somewhere along the way, you learned that being needed meant being safe. That keeping the peace meant being loved. That your worth was tied to how much you could hold for everyone else. And that pattern? It works… until it doesn’t. You start over-functioning. Over-giving. Overextending yourself into spaces that were never yours to carry. And the cost shows up quietly at first— exhaustion that doesn’t go away, resentment you don’t want to admit, and this subtle disconnection from yourself. That’s the part no one talks about. This isn’t who you are. It’s what you learned. And what’s learned… can be unlearned. But it starts with seeing it. Seeing where you say yes too fast. Where you override your own needs. Where your life has become reactive instead of intentional. That’s where real change begins. Because once you see it, you get to choose. What’s actually mine to carry? What isn’t? You begin to separate—without shutting down. To care—without losing yourself. To stay connected… while staying rooted in you. That’s internal authority. And it’s not about caring less. It’s about caring from alignment… not obligation. That’s where your energy comes back. That’s where self-trust rebuilds. That’s where your life starts to feel like your life again. So if something in you is recognizing this… don’t just nod your head and move on. Do something with it. Download the Self-Betrayal Audit and take an honest look at where you’ve been abandoning yourself… and how to start coming back.

Ever walk away from a conversation and suddenly think of the perfect thing you should have said? Yeah. That. You’re not weak. You’re not bad at boundaries. And you’re definitely not the only one. What’s actually happening is this: In moments of tension or conflict, your nervous system decides whether it’s safe to speak. And if it doesn’t feel safe? Your brain does what it was designed to do. It protects the relationship instead of protecting your voice. So you: • go blank • say “it’s fine” when it isn’t • take more blame than is yours • or think of the perfect response… three hours later in the shower. Sound familiar? In this video I break down why strong, capable people lose access to their voice in conflict and how a simple shift in emotional presence can completely change how you respond. Because the goal is not reacting faster. The goal is responding from power. ⸻ Want to know where YOU might be unconsciously abandoning yourself? Take the Self-Betrayal Audit here: 👉 [http://givingvoicetorecovery.cohere.l...] Inside the audit you’ll discover the three hidden patterns that cause people to disconnect from themselves: • Losing your voice in conflict • Overcommitting your time • Avoiding action on what matters most Most people think this is a discipline problem. It’s not. It’s a nervous system strategy that’s now outdated.  The audit will show you exactly where it shows up for you. ⸻ If you’re new here I’m Elizabeth Edwards. I help people reclaim their voice, time, and self-trust by learning how to stay present and grounded under emotional pressure. Because when you develop presence: You don’t force boundaries. You become someone who naturally has them. ⸻ Take the Self-Betrayal Audit ⸻ If this resonated Subscribe for more conversations on: • Emotional sobriety • Self-trust • Boundaries without guilt • Nervous system awareness • Living from embodied personal power

In 2016 I found myself standing on a stage at the base of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington D.C.. I was looking out at a large group of people who had come together to raise awareness about the opioid crisis. I'd been asked to come there to sing a song I'd written and recorded titled "Where Did Beautiful Go". I too had been affected by the opioid epidemic, but nothing had prepared me for what came next. As I looked out at the crowd, many were wearing photos of their lost loved ones taped across their chests. The birth and death dates were written in bold letters underneath the images of these cherished loved ones who had lost their lives to opioid overdose. The dates represented young people and short lives, thousands of them. It was shocking. There were speeches from dignitaries, experts, and advocate. There were parents, spouses and family members and people who had miraculously recovered. My heart hurt as I listened, the grief and anger palpable. Not only had this audience suffered the loss of their nearest and dearest, often their children, they had also been stigmatized for the way their loved one had died. As I took my place on the stage, I saw a large banner with hundreds if not thousands of names under a header that read “Lost But Not Forgotten”. I started to sing my song and that is when I realized something else. In the face of all that these beautiful people had endured, they were there, to fight back and get the powers that be to recognize that this crisis was responsible for a massive and tragic loss of life. That the threat was getting worse, not better. These were the people who were sounding the alarm about the opioid crisis, they had lost their loved ones, and now they were trying to save others from the same fate. The crowd had their signs for the protest march in hand and were ready to go make some noise. I would join them. They were in our Nation's Capitol to speak truth to power and demand change. I knew then and there that I had to do more. When I came home, I met with my producer and co-writer Rick Barretta. I shared my experience with him. What became important to us in creating this song was to remember those that had been lost with dignity and to respect and honor these strong advocates who had transformed their pain into purpose. This is that song. Click Here to Listen to Song without story Elizabeth A special thank you to my producer and co-writer Rick Barretta for his contributions to this song and for capturing the essence of this song in this recording. A special thank you to Carl Wheeler and Julie Besancon for their amazing contributions to this song and for sharing their amazing talents! And a special thanks to Chris Vigil for the wonderful photos and images. For more about my music and my work Click Here.

Elizabeth discusses the fifth of the five patterns of Codependency - Low Self Esteem. Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms. The Five patterns of codependency: Denial Compliance Avoidance Control Low Self Esteem Here is the YouTube playlist link for this mini series 👉    • Codependency - Five Patterns   • Codependency - Five Patterns In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards will share her experience with Codependency based on her "lived experience". She offers suggestions that have been helpful in her recovery because she believes that many with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are limited by these patterns well into their recovery, as was her experience. The Resources mentioned can be found at the link below: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/rec... Elizabeth Edwards is a singer songwriter, and recording artist known for her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. She is a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. She is a speaker and advocate for recovery causes and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery. She is the host of the new Podcast Giving Voice to Recovery. Giving Voice to Recovery celebrates those who have found purpose in using their voice to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes while inspiring hope and providing awareness to those still seeking solutions for addiction. "There is a healing power in sharing our personal recovery journeys." 👍To Support Elizabeth and this channel please visit the GV2R Boutique: https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ The items in the GV2R Boutique are from Elizabeth's Lyrics and Designs and make great gift items to support people in recovery as well as support the podcast and the Giving Voice to Recovery channel. 💗For more about Elizabeth's Podcast visit: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ 🎵For more about Elizabeth's Music visit: https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ #codependencyrecovery #soberlife #werecover # recoverymusic #recoveryadvocate

Surrender to Win - Delusions of Control Several years ago, I wrote a song titled Surrender to Win. This song describes the paradox that has been a deep lesson in many areas of my life. For much of my life, I unconsciously believed that I had some kind of control over others. This was a coping mechanism and a compulsion that gave me a sense of safety. What I’ve learned and now truly appreciate is that when it comes to others, I have influence at best. What I suffered from was “delusions of control” and until I turned this around, my focus was perpetually stuck on others. When I stopped trying to control others and instead learned to listen, observe and for the most part enjoy others, that is when my relationships really started to blossom as well as my creativity and authentic self-expression. By learning to accept others and meeting them where they are, I'm now able to make healthy choices. When I stopped trying to control others I was able to focus on controlling myself, this changed everything. Elizabeth Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction and codependency, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms. The Five patterns of codependency: Denial Compliance Avoidance Control Low Self Esteem Here is the YouTube playlist link for this mini series 👉    • Codependency - Five Patterns   • Codependency - Five Patterns In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards will share her experience with Codependency based on her "lived experience". She offers suggestions that have been helpful in her recovery because she believes that many with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are limited by these patterns well into their recovery, as was her experience. The Resources mentioned can be found at the link below: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/rec... Elizabeth Edwards is a singer songwriter, and recording artist known for her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. She is a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. She is a speaker and advocate for recovery causes and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery. She is the host of the new Podcast Giving Voice to Recovery. Giving Voice to Recovery celebrates those who have found purpose in using their voice to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes while inspiring hope and providing awareness to those still seeking solutions for addiction. "There is a healing power in sharing our personal recovery journeys." 👍To Support Elizabeth and this channel please visit the GV2R Boutique: https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ The items in the GV2R Boutique are from Elizabeth's Lyrics and Designs and make great gift items to support people in recovery as well as support the podcast and the Giving Voice to Recovery channel. 💗For more about Elizabeth's Podcast visit: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ 🎵For more about Elizabeth's Music visit: https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ #soberlife #werecover # recoverymusic #recoveryadvocate

Use Your Words & Empower Your Life As a songwriter, I have an intimate understanding of the power of words. I have lived most of my life at the intersection of songwriting and recovery. It amazes me how much these two seemingly different areas of life rely on the power of language. In this five part series, I share my ideas about Codependency Recovery based on my "lived experience". I make a few suggestions that have been helpful in my own recovery, and yes, it's all about finding the words. In this episode I discusses the third of the five patterns of Codependency - Avoidance. Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms. The Five patterns of codependency: Denial Compliance Avoidance Control Low Self Esteem Here is the YouTube playlist link for this mini series 👉    • Codependency - Five Patterns   • Codependency - Five Patterns In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards will share her experience with Codependency based on her "lived experience". She offers suggestions that have been helpful in her recovery because she believes that many with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are limited by these patterns well into their recovery, as was her experience. The Resources mentioned can be found at the link below: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/rec... Elizabeth Edwards is a singer songwriter, and recording artist known for her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. She is a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. She is a speaker and advocate for recovery causes and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery. She is the host of the new Podcast Giving Voice to Recovery. Giving Voice to Recovery celebrates those who have found purpose in using their voice to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes while inspiring hope and providing awareness to those still seeking solutions for addiction. "There is a healing power in sharing our personal recovery journeys." 👍To Support Elizabeth and this channel please visit the GV2R Boutique: https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ The items in the GV2R Boutique are from Elizabeth's Lyrics and Designs and make great gift items to support people in recovery as well as support the podcast and the Giving Voice to Recovery channel. 💗For more about Elizabeth's Podcast visit: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ 🎵For more about Elizabeth's Music visit: https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ #soberlife #werecover # recoverymusic #recoveryadvocate

Elizabeth discusses the second of the five patterns of Codependency - Compliance. Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms. The Five patterns of codependency: Denial Compliance Avoidance Control Low Self Esteem Here is the YouTube playlist link for this mini series 👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb-L01QploNM6QMhhHCfPNf8PLh97hG57&si=xEpNFjDD9D_HVTAJ In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards will share her experience with Codependency based on her "lived experience". She offers suggestions that have been helpful in her recovery because she believes that many with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are limited by these patterns well into their recovery, as was her experience. The Resources mentioned can be found at the link below: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/recovery-resources/ Elizabeth Edwards is a singer songwriter, and recording artist known for her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. She is a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. She is a speaker and advocate for recovery causes and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery. She is the host of the new Podcast Giving Voice to Recovery. Giving Voice to Recovery celebrates those who have found purpose in using their voice to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes while inspiring hope and providing awareness to those still seeking solutions for addiction. "There is a healing power in sharing our personal recovery journeys." 👍To Support Elizabeth and this channel please visit the GV2R Boutique: https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ The items in the GV2R Boutique are from Elizabeth's Lyrics and Designs and make great gift items to support people in recovery as well as support the podcast and the Giving Voice to Recovery channel. 💗For more about Elizabeth's Podcast visit: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ 🎵For more about Elizabeth's Music visit: https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ #soberlife #werecover # recoverymusic #recoveryadvocate

Jim Doyle, author and organizational leadership coach was changed by tragedy through the loss of one of his sons to substance use disorder. Elizabeth interviews Jim and discusses his book, Hope for Life, Being your Best Self When You Need it Most." They discuss the importance of resilience and hope in recovery and the importance of personal responsibility for our own emotional wellbeing. "This book is lovingly dedicated in memory of #22, Sean Michael Doyle.Your dreams, spirit, and presence live on with us daily to inspire hope for life." 👉Contact Jim https://www.hopeforlifebook.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-doyle/ 👉If you would like to more formally support Giving Voice to Recovery, please join Elizabeth at Patreon https://patreon.com/GivingVoicetoReco... 👉Elizabeth's Links https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ https://www.facebook.com/elizabethedw... https://www.instagram.com/elizabethedwardsmusic/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth... / @givingvoicetorecovery

Elizabeth discusses the first of the five patterns of Codependency - Denial. Sharing from her "lived experience" as a person in long term recovery from addiction, she takes a deep dive in to this common set of coping mechanisms. The Five patterns of codependency: Denial Compliance Avoidance Control Low Self Esteem Here is the Youtube playlist for this mini series https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb... In this five part series, Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards will share her experience with Codependency based on her "lived experience". She offers suggestions that have been helpful in her recovery because she believes that many with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are limited by these patterns well into their recovery, as was her experience. Elizabeth, has spent her adult life at the intersection of songwriting and recovery and lives in gratitude that she has met so many fellow travelers so please leave a comment and pass this on to anyone you think my be helped by this content. Elizabeth Edwards is a singer songwriter, and recording artist known for her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. She is a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. She is a speaker and advocate for recovery causes and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery. She is the host of the new Podcast Giving Voice to Recovery. Giving Voice to Recovery celebrates those who have found purpose in using their voice to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes while inspiring hope and providing awareness to those still seeking solutions for addiction. "There is a healing power in sharing our personal recovery journeys." 👍To Support Elizabeth and this channel please visit the GV2R Boutique: https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ The items in the GV2R Boutique are from Elizabeth's Lyrics and Designs and make great gift items to support people in recovery as well as support the podcast and the Giving Voice to Recovery channel. 🎵For more about Elizabeth's Music visit: https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ 💗For more about Elizabeth's Podcast visit: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/

Adriana Marchione, an award-winning filmmaker, director, expressive arts therapist and educator joins Elizabeth to discuss Audriana's latest award winning film about nine artist in recovery. The nine stories in The Creative High reveal the transformative quality of the creative process, empowering us to wake up to our true selves. The documentary offers insight, resources, and solutions for artists, their families, recovery communities and those in the behavioral health field around the globe. More about The Creative High and Audraian can be found: https://thecreativehigh.com/ If you would like to more formally support Giving Voice to Recovery, please join Elizabeth at Patreon https://patreon.com/GivingVoicetoReco... Elizabeth's Links https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ https://www.facebook.com/elizabethedw... https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth...    / @givingvoicetorecovery6899

Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards and Jeremiah Gardner, the Director of Communications & Public Affairs at the nonprofit Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation have a conversation about recovery from addiction; music before; during and after recovery; and their mutual admiration of former First Lady and recovery advocate Betty Ford. Jeremiah is a licensed addiction counselor, media and government relations professional, and recovery advocate with a background in journalism, business, and music. Sober since 2006 and grateful for what recovery has meant to his health, relationships, and spirit, he now devotes his career to educating others about the promise of recovery, smashing the stigma of addiction and mental illness, and speaking into related public policy issues. For more about Hazelden Betty Ford: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org Jeremiah and Elizabeth both serve on the Board of Directors of Faces and Voices of Recovery, whose stated mission is "Changing the way addiction and recovery are understood and embraced through advocacy, education and leadership." https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org Additionally, Jeremiah serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Dissonance. Dissonance examines the intersection of creativity and wellbeing, working to create safe spaces, smash social stigmas, and shape education and business practices relating to mental health, addiction, recovery and compassion in the arts. In short, Dissonance works to create healthy community in and through the arts.Learn more about Dissonance: https://dissonance.org / @dissonancemn Elizabeth Edwards is a singer songwriter, and recording artist known for her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. She is a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. She is a speaker and advocate for recovery causes and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery. She is the host of the new Podcast Giving Voice to Recovery. Giving Voice to Recovery celebrates those who have found purpose in using their voice to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes while inspiring hope and providing awareness to those still seeking solutions for addiction. "There is a healing power in sharing our personal recovery journeys." 👍To Support Elizabeth and this channel please visit the GV2R Boutique: https://givingvoicetorecovery.net/ The items in the GV2R Boutique are from Elizabeth's Lyrics and Designs and make great gift items to support people in recovery as well as support the podcast and the Giving Voice to Recovery channel. 🎵For more about Elizabeth's Music visit: https://www.elizabethemusic.com/ 💗For more about Elizabeth's Podcast visit: https://givingvoicetorecovery.com/ 👉Check out other interviews and videos from Giving Voice to Recovery, enjoy! ▻ Clean - Story Behind the Song OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO. https://youtu.be/GrS532myzu0 ▻Moments with Mark - Comedian Mark Lundholm https://youtu.be/SqLYet5dFdM ▻Coffee With Kristina - Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak https://youtu.be/4ux04C7xbAA ▻ Stigma - Transforming Pain into Purpose https://youtu.be/bLUM7Ks9A1I

Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and Singer Songwriter Elizabeth Edwards share their tips on rebuilding self esteem in early recovery and the importance of continuing to build self esteem to sustain long term sobriety. For more about the work of Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak and her story told through her book The Lost Years, visit the links below: Website https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter.... The Lost Years https://amzn.to/3FJKZuv Check out other interviews and videos from Giving Voice to Recovery, enjoy! ▻ When Grace Rains - Story Behind the Song OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO. https://youtu.be/BdQPN1Z_0YU ▻ Interview with Jenn Beninger CEO of Genius Unlocked – Develop Your Intuition https://youtu.be/Os1P5dhlw9M ▻ Stigma - Transforming Pain into Purpose https://youtu.be/bLUM7Ks9A1I 👍 Elizabeth's Sites and Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpg... http://www.elizabethemusic.com https://givingvoicetorecovery.com https://givingvoicetorecovery.captiva... https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoicet... https://www.facebook.com/elizabethedw... https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth... #Kristina wandzilak #interventionist #the lost years #breaking stigma #codependent #drug addiction treatment #alcohol addiction treatment #behavioral health awareness #peer support#codependency#Elizabeth Edwards #Singer songwriter#long term recovery#Pia Melody