From Pages to Personal Truths: Lara Love Hardin on Writing and Recovery

In this conversation, Hilary Phelps and Lara Love Hardin discuss addiction, recovery, and the power of books. Lara shares her personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the role that books played in her life as a form of escape and refuge. They discuss the challenges of overcoming addiction, the impact on family dynamics, and the importance of self-awareness and self-love. Lara also talks about her work with the Gemma Project, an organization that provides programming and support for incarcerated women and helps them reintegrate into society. In this part of the conversation, Lara Love Hardin and Hilary Phelps discuss the importance of community and vulnerability in healing from shame. Lara shares her experience of feeling isolated and afraid of judgment due to her incarceration, but how opening up and sharing her story has brought her closer to others. They also discuss the power of owning your story and not pretending to be okay when you're not. Lara emphasizes the need for support and connection, and how sharing your secrets can be a gift to others. They also touch on the role of humor and playfulness in the healing process.

Our shows are brought to you with the support of Alchimie Forever.

OUR MISSION: SELF CARE THROUGH SKIN CARE™
We believe that your skin is the mirror of your soul, and that taking care of it daily, effectively, gently, is essential to your self care. Looking good…means feeling good…means doing good.

Our motto: Self care through skin care.™ Forever.
https://www.alchimie-forever.com/

What if the shift you’ve been longing for isn’t somewhere out there, but already stirring inside you?

For the woman in an in-between season—my 1:1 mentorship creates the space to hear your own voice again, reconnect with what matters, and move forward with clarity and grounded confidence. When life calls you toward a deeper truth, you don’t have to navigate it alone. If it resonates, you can begin at HilaryPhelps.com.

Transcript

Summary

In this conversation, Hilary Phelps and Lara Love Hardin discuss addiction, recovery, and the power of books. Lara shares her personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the role that books played in her life as a form of escape and refuge. They discuss the challenges of overcoming addiction, the impact on family dynamics, and the importance of self-awareness and self-love. Lara also talks about her work with the Gemma Project, an organization that provides programming and support for incarcerated women and helps them reintegrate into society. In this part of the conversation, Lara Love Hardin and Hilary Phelps discuss the importance of community and vulnerability in healing from shame. Lara shares her experience of feeling isolated and afraid of judgment due to her incarceration, but how opening up and sharing her story has brought her closer to others. They also discuss the power of owning your story and not pretending to be okay when you're not. Lara emphasizes the need for support and connection, and how sharing your secrets can be a gift to others. They also touch on the role of humor and playfulness in the healing process.

Keywords

addiction, recovery, books, escape, refuge, family dynamics, self-awareness, self-love, Gemma Project, incarcerated women, community, vulnerability, shame, healing, incarceration, judgment, support, connection, owning your story, secrets, humor, playfulness

Takeaways

• Books can serve as a form of escape and refuge for individuals struggling with addiction and other challenges.
• Overcoming addiction requires self-awareness, self-love, and a commitment to doing the inner work.
• The stigma and shame surrounding addiction can be barriers to seeking help and support.
• Supportive programs and services are crucial for individuals in recovery to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives. Community and connection are essential in healing from shame and overcoming isolation.
• Owning your story and being vulnerable can bring you closer to others and help you find acceptance and support.
• Sharing your secrets can be a gift to others and create a safe space for healing.
• Humor and playfulness can be powerful tools in coping with trauma and finding joy in life.
• It's important to ask for help and not try to handle everything on your own.

Sound Bites

• "The truth is I've only ever had one addiction."
• "Using drugs brought me joy. And until there was something else that brought me joy, I was not going to give up the drugs."
• "Perfect moms don't go to rehab. Perfect moms don't have addiction."
• "Shame only heals in community"
• "Think of the worst thing you've ever done. Now turn to the person to their right and tell them."
• "That is how that feels every day."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Connection

00:53
The Power of Books in Addiction and Recovery

06:51
Childhood Escapes and Coping Mechanisms

12:09
Overcoming Addiction: Self-Awareness and Self-Love

13:23
The Challenges of Motherhood and Addiction

18:31
Breaking the Stigma: Supporting Individuals in Recovery

20:11
Disconnected and Reconnecting with Self

25:19
Reintegrating into Society: The Importance of Supportive Programs

29:05
The Gemma Project: Empowering Incarcerated Women

33:54
The Power of Community and Vulnerability

37:05
Owning Your Story and Finding Acceptance

39:26
The Gift of Sharing Secrets and Creating a Safe Space

42:42
The Role of Humor and Playfulness in Coping with Trauma

57:04
Asking for Help and Building a Supportive Network