This Is My Story
A few weeks back, it was time for my annual mammogram appointment. My dear friend, Alex Burton, would be so proud that I went to this appointment. Ladies that are reading, this isn’t necessarily the main theme for this blog, but I will use this platform as an opportunity to remind all of us to schedule our yearly mammograms. Early detection saves lives, and you are worth showing up for yourself, your future, and the people who love you.
The mammogram technologist and I were making “small talk” before the incredibly uncomfortable “thing” which is always so much fun (insert a bit of sarcasm here). The tech asked me what I did for work, and I shared with her that I am the Executive Director and Co-Founder of a licensed treatment facility that provides services for females that struggle with addiction. She thanked me for the lifesaving work that I do. Then she asked the follow up question that I have been asked countless times over the years. “What licenses and credentials do you have to be able to do that?” I shrunk and got awfully quiet. I had no idea what to say. I stumbled over my words and to be honest, I do not even remember how I answered her question.
The truth is, I do not have any “licenses” or “credentials” that would afford me with this amazing opportunity for a career path. TRC was literally built from the ground up alongside with my best friend in recovery. I am not a doctor, a lawyer, or even a therapist. When I have been asked this question in the past, I tend to start feeling less than and experience negative self-talk. My head tells me, “You have no business being in the position you are in” and “you are not smart enough and don’t even have your degree.” Even with time in recovery, I still experience battles with negative self-talk.
I am thrilled to share that I am enrolled in hopefully my last semester at Liberty University and God willing, I should graduate with my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a specialization in addictions and recovery in May of next year.
27 years in the making to get my degree. 27 years, that’s a long time.
I’ve done a lot of things backwards in life – found recovery, built a career, became a mother, co-founded a treatment center, and poured into the lives of others – before finishing my degree. I have attempted to finish my degree 7 different times in my adult life. 6 of those times, I quit. I would find every excuse in the book to quit and justify why I do not have time to finish my degree. But I did not quit this last time.
Every step, every detour, every setback, every delay, and every time that I quit, has shaped who I am today.
Ok, so what’s the point?
The point is everyone’s path in life is different. On my path, there have been many twists and turns. The truth is, I don’t have any of the credentials that some in society would suggest that I need to do the work that I do. I am not the smartest person on my team (trust me, I like it this way). I supervise team members that are WAY smarter than I am! Being a leader, does not mean they are the smartest or have all the answers. A leader shows up with empathy, kindness, and empowers others.
Although I do not have much in the way of “credentials” per society, what I do have is a heart to love and serve God as I live aligned with my purposed filled life. I have a resilient spirit that has served me well in a leadership role. I don’t give up, no matter how many times I get knocked down (or knock my own self down).
I keep fighting.
I keep learning.
I try my best to treat everyone the same, no matter where they come from. Everyone has a story to tell and all our story’s matter.
The reason that I decided to finish my degree is that it is important that I invest in myself. It also makes me proud to set an example for my daughter. Sometimes, life isn’t pretty and sometimes we do things “backwards” and the “unconventional” way and, it all belongs.
This isn’t just a milestone. It’s a testimony. A reminder that growth isn’t linear, timing is personal, and purpose never expires. If you want letters behind your name, go get them and if you don’t, you don’t have to. If you are aligned with God’s will over your life, you’re on the right path no matter what society “says” it should look like. I am living proof of the goodness of God and fully believe that in recovery, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
This is my story, and I am excited to see what the next chapter of my story holds.
Meredith Speir-Cavalier
