The work of a CRS is INVALUABLE!!! Without the guidance, direction, and support given by these dedicated people, the recovery journey would be significantly more difficult for those on its path. The Erie County RRH would like to tip its hat to those who serve in this capacity! We believe their dedication and stories of courage and hope can be learning blocks for others. We want to offer these stories on this page, regularly featuring a local CRS and their stories, words of encouragement, and positivity! CRS - we need your stories!!! Reach out to the RRH staff if you are interested in sharing your walk. In the meantime...check on this story on one of our own!
Mishol Randolph
How long have you been in recovery? 3 years.
How long have you been a Certified Recovery Specialist? 1.5 years
What motivated you to become a Certified Recovery Specialist? A friend told me about a training and said I would make a great CRS. It was then when I looked into the role. I was surprised to learn that many of the experiences I spent years feeling so ashamed of...addiction, criminal charges, and other life struggles, were actually valuable in this field. I realized the things I had overcome could be used to help others find hope.
What does 'Recovery' mean to you? Recovery to me means freedom; freedom to be me before the world told me who I needed to be. Becoming conscious of my unconscious patterns, triggers and the parts of me shaped by pain, trauma, or survival. It means letting go of generational patterns limiting beliefs and old identities that no longer serve me. Recovery means connection to myself and something greater than myself. Recovery means living with purpose, the opportunity to heal, grow, break the cycle, and show up for myself, my family, and others.
How do you or will you use your personal lived experience to inspire hope and support others?
Hope is born when someone sees themselves in you without shame. By helping name what others can't yet name. I will use my lived experience with intention - it doesn't just tell a story, it gives others permission to believe change is possible for them. It is to walk along side them, support them, and help them recognize their own strengths and potential. If I was able to overcome addiction, rebuild my life, and find purpose, then they can too.
What might you say to someone who is struggling in their recovery journey?
Hold On Pain Ends (HOPE). We are the creators of our lives; if we want a different reality, we have to begin by changing ourselves. Our personality is what creates our personal reality. Recovery isn't just about stopping use, it's about changing behaviors, beliefs, thoughts, and patterns that created the addict in the first place. I have learned when we change the way we look at things, the thing we look at begin to change. Growth starts with self-awareness and a willingness to do the inner work. Nothing outside of us will ever fix an inside job.
What is something that people might not know about you or something that you would like to share?
Being a conscious present parent today is my greatest accomplishment. I study neuroscience and energy psychology for fun (I have my YouTube degree, LOL). One of my life goals is to start a podcast and write a book. We are all just each other's mirrors for blind spots. I overturned the adoption of my child I had my rights involuntarily taken from. She now has three birth certificates!