CELEBRATING STRENGTH & SOBRIETY: NICK LAMESSE

"Kwe! My name is Nick Lamesse and I am in my fifth year of recovery. More importantly, I am in my fifth year of freedom from the shackles of addiction. I believe addiction not to be a moral failing but a lack of spiritual connection. It was through my connection to a higher power and sharing with others I found the power of recovery healing.

As a young man filled with denial, I remember a conversation with the late Harry Thompson. He sat with me and told me many things, but the one thing that stuck out the most was, “The longest journey in the world is from the head to the heart.” Nearly 15 years later, I finally understand.

Addiction has taught me a lot about myself. In fact it screamed so many things that I was not ready to hear, and I had no idea how to cope. Today, I live my life aligned with my true nature and try my best to keep my power and use my voice. I believe what Harry meant that day was for me to stop fighting the war within myself and accept the person I am today.

I value my recovery today as if it were my greatest possession because without it, I have nothing. Just like any fire that needs to be fed, so does my recovery fire. I feed it with self-love, compassion, kindness and humility. Most importantly I feed it with sharing my recovery story with others because “we only keep what have by giving it away.”

Niawen’kowa.”

Nia:wen/Thank you, Nick, for being a community leader and example, and for choosing a life of sobriety. Your journey lights the way for others!

🎉 LET’S CELEBRATE RESILIENCE, HOPE, AND HEALING TOGETHER! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories throughout the week.