As the summer draws to a close, we're reminded that every ending is simply the beginning of something
new. The changing seasons mirror the transitions we experience in life, offering us the chance to reflect,
renew, and recommit to our purpose. For me, this time of year is not just a marker on the calendar; it's a
metaphor for the journey I've been on, from the heights of corporate success to the deeply fulfilling work I now do in recovery and advocacy.
Today, I stand not just as a businesswoman but as a person in recovery, a recovery that has become my
life’s work, my passion, and my purpose. My journey has taken me from the high-flying world of
corporate success to the deeply rewarding work of helping others heal. I now facilitate a women’s-only
recovery group, Chair of the Volunteer Ambassador Program for Little Warriors, and a member of the board for SMART Recovery Society of Alberta, where I am actively working to rebrand and expand SMART Recovery across Canada.
But what does all this mean? Why have I chosen this path after years of building and selling businesses,
after years of fighting my way to the top in a male-dominated industry? The answer is simple: because it
matters. It matters to me, and it matters to the countless individuals who are quietly battling the demons
of addiction, trauma, and isolation.
Recovery didn’t come easy. It never does. But through hard work, support, and the power of self-
reflection, I rebuilt my life. Now, my mission is to help others do the same. Recovery isn’t just about
giving up something; it’s about gaining everything, your sense of purpose, your identity, and your life.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work today is my new role with Little Warriors Edmonton. Little
Warriors is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of
child sexual abuse. The work they do is groundbreaking, not just in Canada, but globally, as the only
organization of its kind in the world. As the Chair of the Volunteer Ambassador Program and a member of the resource committee, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with this incredible organization and am excited to help.
What struck me recently, after a Little Warriors function, was how deeply my work with them is
connected to my advocacy for recovery. So many of the children who are served by Little Warriors come
from homes where alcohol and drug abuse are rampant. The trauma they endure isn’t just physical or
emotional; it’s compounded by the terror of living with an alcoholic or drug-addicted parent. The false
bravado that substances give to an abuser makes the situation even more horrifying for these children. It’s a vicious cycle of trauma, one that often leads to addiction in adulthood if left unaddressed.
This is why the work of Little Warriors is so critical. By addressing the root causes of trauma, we can
break this cycle. We can offer these children, and adult survivors, a path to healing that isn’t just about
treating the symptoms, but about addressing the core issues that lead to long-term suffering.
Through my work with Little Warriors, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to provide a safe space for
healing. Whether it’s a child who has been hurt in unimaginable ways or an adult survivor still carrying
the scars, the need for compassion, understanding, and professional support is paramount. This work ties directly into my advocacy for recovery because it emphasizes that true healing must address the core issues, not just the symptoms.
As we approach the end of summer and the beginning of a new season, I’m reminded of the resilience we all possess. Life, like the seasons, is full of transitions. And just as the leaves change and fall, we too can shed what no longer serves us and embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead.
My mission now is to inspire others to embark on their own hero’s journey. Whether you’re struggling
with addiction, recovering from trauma, or simply trying to find your way in life, know that you have the
strength within you to overcome. You can rebuild, you can thrive, and you can live a life full of purpose
and connection.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether it’s through my work with Little Warriors, my role in
SMART Alberta, or simply following my blog, I hope to provide the inspiration and resources you need
to take that next step. Recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about finding joy,
meaning, and connection in a world that often feels disconnected and overwhelming.
Let’s walk this path together. Let’s break down the barriers, challenge the stigma, and create a world
where recovery is not just possible, but celebrated.
Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future… one step at a time.
Janet Folk
Author / Entrepreneur
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