On the Power and Beauty Show we had the pleasure of interviewing Lester and Pauline Morse. Recovery is Possible – Key takeaways from the talk are given below.
1. Adverse situations and a non-conducive environment in childhood have the potential to set anyone up for a life of problems. This reality was shown in the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study. The study has demonstrated an association of ACEs with health and social problems across the lifespan.
2. Negative self opinion and low self worth are associated with belief systems, emotions and and thoughts that drive more negative action which create a downward spiral. The escalation from bad behaviour, truancy and rejection of authority through to low level criminality and subsequent more habitual, high level and violent criminal lifestyles is the experience seen in people who end up on the wrong side of the criminal justice system.
3. 
When ones life is missing essential psychological components, trying to deal with trauma and manage the self, leads not infrequently to unhelpful attempts to self manage using various avenues can lead to addiction and self destructive actions. A lot of addicts will attest to the fact that their substance of abuse ‘helped them’ to deal with the pain, shame, guilt and frustration.
4. Many people keep falling until they hit rock bottom. Desperation is the place that some people get to before seeking a change. Up till that point there is failure to take responsibility and blaming others is the norm.
5. 
Recovery needs ‘an anchor’ for the individual to hold on to. In the case of both Lester and Pauline their finding of faith in God was the beginning of healing. We all need to have a ‘why’ in our healing journey.
6. Healing is a journey that starts at a specific time but goes through phases. It is by no means an instant fix, but rather a journey with ups and downs. As you gain mastery of your thoughts, feelings and intentions the trend of movement become more up than down.
7. Identification and Embrace of ones purpose can be an integral part of ones healing process. The purpose becomes a propulsive force which aids the individual in moving in the right direction.
8. 
Having the right supportive and facilitating people in your life is crucial. They are able to provide counsel and where necessary rebuke. Never simply disregard the advice you might receive in your journey because it does not sit well with you at the outset. Seek the truth in the midst of any challenge and make an effort to learn and acquire wisdom.
9. Your particular experience makes you better suited to reach certain people. Lester’s personal experience prepared him for working with people with addiction problems after having dealt with it himself.
10. All the parts do not need to in place before you take action. The journey to wellness and being a contributor is continual and ongoing.
11. 
Greater consciousness of who you are allows you to operate at a higher level and create good.
12. The manifestation of power and will when devoid of beauty is not constructive and leads to pain and hurts.
13. The unfolding vision of ones life is immense. The potential to create something impactful exists. There is a need to follow the vision.
14.
The whole process of neuropsychological development including mental health problems and the process of recovery can be explained through neuroscience and neuroplasticity.
15. An appreciation of the vital role of spiritual aspects of our life gives context to who we are and what we can do, how we can respond to life’s situations.
You can listen to the whole interview on The Power and Beauty Podcast : https://anchor.fm/ikeandlinda-nnene/episodes/Recovery-is-Possible—with-Lester-and-Pauline-Morse-ejtpio
The YouTube video of the episode can be viewed : https://youtu.be/X9MFzHE1RQs