Our October 5th Paradise Mob comes at a perfect time. It will be a harbinger for National Mental Illness Awareness week which is the second week of October (October 6th- 12th). My dear friend, Emily Anderson, undergoing the William and Mary's graduate program for Clinical Psychology will be at the Mob to collect donations and answer questions about our cause to be supported during this Mob- NAMI Williamsburg.
Who/ What is NAMI you may ask?
NAMI – Williamsburg Area is a support, education and advocacy organization for and by individuals with serious mental illnesses, their families and friends. NAMI Williamsburg Area is dedicated to improving the quality of life and attaining the highest potential of recovery of persons with brain disorders, such as schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder among others. The affiliate is open to all persons who promote the recovery, and care about the quality of life, of persons with a serious mental illness. NAMI-Williamsburg Area serves the general area of James City County, Poquoson, Williamsburg and York County. In addition to NAMI-Williamsburg Area, NAMI Virginia has twenty-seven affiliates across the Commonwealth, with over 2,000 members.
As a Collective, S.O.S is all about stopping, observing, and shining with, through, and past the difficulties we face. Personally, I am in the midst of recovery so I know in the heart what it is to face an addiction in the face- how it plays with your whole being and pysche- and what it means to begin to feel- if even for a moment- the crack through to the Light on the other end. It's like hitting crow pose in yoga for the first time and saying, "Oh! That's what it feels like. " My heart is so involved in this whole recovery process and I look forward to seeing where Life takes me in paying it forward...I so want to be a positive channel of love, light, and energy...It's just time for me to remove the dirt and dust, brambles and thorns that knot and tangle around the Light within. What I have found essential for recovery is support and accountability. Karine and Shelli- two dear hearts- have been by my side in the past month and a half to call me out, observe my patterns, and show me that I am much better than the quagmire I have been swimming in. Two angels. SO thankful. Everyone I meet who has given a smile, a hug, positive words, heck- just talking about the day like a normal person, has been such a lifesaver. Mental illness is not joke- and addiction is a disease. It needs a treatment plan- and hallelujah, I find myself finally embarking on it. Here's to one day at a time.
Join me in supporting NAMI this upcoming Mob on October 5th. Email me for any questions: spheresandsparks@gmail.com.
To learn more about NAMI- Williamsburg visit their website: NAMI- Williamsburg
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