Let me begin with an introduction to the concept I am trying to start with this blog/ community of knowledge and support.

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I am Emily Hart. A Canadian teacher, daughter, girlfriend, sister, dog mom, and member of many recovery communities. I am starting this community to share and listen to the vulnerabilities, successes, and challenges that come with learning to develop and apply coping strategies with emotional intelligence. I want you to know that if you are struggling with addiction, weight, forming habits, grief, loss, or life in general: you are not alone.

I have been a part of recovery communities since late 2018. I have struggled with and overcome an addiction to alcohol, which I used as a band aid to ease mental anguish that otherwise felt impossible to cope with. Sobriety from alcohol has gifted my life back to me. In experiencing this, I am currently embarking on a longtime coming recovery from a 15 year old eating disorder.

I am not an expert in recovery, nor do I have any training in this field. However, in my journey thus far I have accumulated information that I feel others could benefit from. I enjoy sharing and writing and hope that this community can grow and help others in the way that my recovery communities have helped me.

I also wish to express that you do not need an addiction to find meaningful content in this community. I have encountered others in my communities without life-debilitating addictions, who lead relatively normal lives - including some of my friends and family members. They have found the coping strategies shared in these communities helpful additions to their daily routines. Emotional intelligence and coping strategies are life skills that can enhance the lives of anyone. There are no requirements to utilize the information shared here. This is an inclusive community welcome to all.

Please allow me to finish with a quote from the first SMART Recovery facilitator I had the pleasure of knowing:

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We are not bad people. We are people who don't

yet have the right strategies to cope.   

                                                              - Willie

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