Rising Stars: Meet Lynn Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Williams.

Hi Lynn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Lynn and I am a woman living in long-term sustained recovery and what that means to me is that I have not found it necessary to use any mood or mind altering substance since October 15, 2009. Yes, it has been 12 years of change, personal and professional growth, and miracles.

from homelessness to the homeowner, healthy relationships, unemployable to a fulfilling career, I’m a 50’s baby born to a military family and grew up as an only child my brother lived with our grandmother and is 14 years older than me. Spoiled some say. My world collapsed at 17, one month before my 18th birthday, two months before graduation, and the day I was to take the SAT test. My goal was to attend the University of New Mexico, major in Math, and ride in a Candy Apple Red Corvette with white upholstery, it was the day my dad died. The next many years were a fog.

Although I had experimented with marijuana and a few pills I maintained for the most part. Once my dad died I was searching to fill a void, I attended Kings Business College in Raleigh and then Fayetteville State University, unable to complete anything I started, my use increased and I explored many other substances. Needless to say, I began a life of using to live and living to use. After multiple trips to jail and three stints in prison, I was tired and wanted to do something different.

I managed to piece together 10 years, a career, husband, and family but because it was all about the outside and pleasing everyone else I returned to using and lost it all AGAIN. Today, I am 12 years into this thing called RECOVERY again. But it’s different this time, recovery is an action word that consists of me making some changes on the inside and a conscious decision on a daily basis not to use. I’m no longer that garbage can that I continuously feed, but today, I have HOPE that I Am and I CAN.

Every day I work to be a better person and to help someone else by being an example and light for the hopeless. If I can do it so can you and I am forever grateful for the journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. Some days are easier than others but every day clean it better than any day using. I have experienced disappointment and rejection but have been convinced that using will not change the situation. Delay does not mean denial… it just means HOLD ON you are next in line for a miracle.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Resouce Advocate Team Lead for the Alcohol Drug Council of North Carolina, every day, I get to help persons seeking a new way of life with the resources and information to a path of recovery. I am a Peer Advocate for Oxford Houses of Wake County and in that role, I am allowed to share with women new to this way of life my experience, strength, and hope.

I am also a certified Recovery Coach and North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist and a Nationally Certified WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator. I serve the residents of Raleigh by serving on the Substance Use Advisory Commission and my most coveted title is that of “NANA”. I don’t think anything sets me apart, I live to treat people the way I want to be treated and to be a living example of recovery, If I can do it, you can too!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
That’s a hard one, I don’t call it luck, I’ve been blessed and fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that love me just as I am and those who pour life into me. BUT for the Grace of God!!!!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Instagram: Chesterschild
• Facebook: Lynn Williams

Image Credits
Kathleen Gibson and Jackie Sledge