Part 1 of this discussion:

YouTube - https://youtu.be/KJfInQEZy5E

Transistor - https://share.transistor.fm/s/70d8538d

In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon and Wellness Initiative Coordinator Cara LaPlante continue their multi-part exploration of identity-based goal setting. Following up on how belief systems impact recovery, this conversation delves into the mechanics of upgrading your mindset, interpreting failure and feedback, and how peer support serves as an essential framework for long-term behavioral change.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 – Intro and Shifting Identity Through Daily Habits: Michelle and Cara discuss how we can intentionally change our beliefs and upgrade our identity through daily habits. Referencing James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Michelle explains that repetitive behaviors act as "votes" for a new self-concept, noting how a past lack of structure caused her to slide backward because consequence-based goals fail to stick without a deeper identity shift.
• 03:03 – Growth Mindset and Constructive Feedback: Cara introduces Carol Dweck's Mindset framework, highlighting how a growth mindset transforms setbacks into learning opportunities. The duo discusses how this mindset decouples self-worth from criticism, allowing individuals to view external feedback as a tool for development rather than a personal attack.
• 06:49 – Peer Support and Overcoming Resentment: They examine the role of recovery coaches and Certified Recovery Support Workers (CRSWs) as real-world mentors who model a healthy recovery lifestyle. Michelle notes that by shifting from comparison to inspiration, participants can celebrate others' achievements as evidence of what is possible instead of harboring resentment.
• 09:30 – Auditing Personal Limits and Narratives: Michelle shares personal reflections on performing a "belief audit," challenging her own subconscious excuses around scheduling conflicts, prioritizing gym time, and the self-limiting label of "I am not a morning person".
• 13:10 – Mirroring Strength and Reality: Cara explains how coaches help participants upgrade their self-concept by gently refuting negative self-talk. When a participant claims they aren't strong enough, the coach can mirror back the objective, daily resilience that the participant is already demonstrating to challenge those false, limiting narratives.
• 17:15 – The "Secondary Gains" of Staying Stuck: Cara introduces the psychological concept of secondary gains, illustrating how a participant's subconscious might actually cling to an old, negative identity. She explains that even a painful identity can feel safe and comfortable because it provides an excuse to avoid taking the scary, vulnerable actions required to step into a new way of living.
• 20:45 – Statistical Success of Identity-Based Change: Michelle and Cara conclude the conversation by highlighting that identity-based goals and habits are statistically proven to be the most effective way to drive permanent, long-term change. Because recovery can last for decades, focusing on upgrading who you are ensures that your healthy habits stick for the rest of your life.

True behavior modification is ultimately a byproduct of identity alteration. This episode guides listeners on how to perform a "belief audit" to uncover the subconscious blocks holding them back from long-term stability. By proactively seeking out mentors, analyzing how we process criticism, recognizing the hidden "secondary gains" of staying stuck, and consistently placing "votes" for our desired self through daily routine, anyone can break through their glass ceilings and transition from simply surviving into thriving.

If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers.

If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com.

Welcome to Archways' Threads, a podcast exploring the tapestry of recovery and family support. In this episode, host Michelle Lennon is joined again by Cara LaPlante, now a Wellness Initiative Coordinator and peer recovery coach. This conversation marks the beginning of a four-part series exploring the shift from consequence-based goals to identity-based goal setting. They discuss the limitations of traditional task management in recovery and how our internal belief systems, both empowering and limiting, shape our ability to maintain long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 – Intro: Michelle introduces Cara, highlighting her work in collegiate recovery and her national speaking engagements on youth peer support.

01:56 – Crisis Navigation and Concrete Needs: Cara describes the initial phase of recovery coaching, which often focuses on "task-driven" goals like securing housing, food security, and obtaining vital identification.

03:33 – The Intake Process: The duo discusses the use of surveys, such as the BARC-10 (Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital), to establish a baseline while remaining participant-driven.

05:05 – The Stability Plateau: Cara explains that while some participants stay connected to pursue "higher level" goals like education or careers, many disengage once their initial crisis needs are met.

07:38 – Why Tasks Don't Equal Lasting Change: Michelle notes that once a specific consequence is reached (like losing weight or finishing a program), daily actions often stop because there is no longer a target or requirement in front of the person.

11:22 – The Power of Beliefs: Michelle and Cara define "limiting beliefs" as certainties that restrict our potential, while "empowering beliefs" provide the confidence to take action.

13:07 – Auditing Your Inner Truth: Cara discusses the importance of looking past labels like "resistant" to understand the inner truths and stigmas—such as "I'm just a junkie"—that prevent participants from seeking help.

22:17 – Family Values and Recovery Lifestyles: Michelle shares personal stories about how family values regarding religion, waste, and substance use shaped her own trajectory and identity.

This episode highlights the reality that while structure and "checking boxes" can help someone survive a crisis, they aren't always enough to help a person thrive long-term. Recovery is ultimately a "learning curve" about oneself. By identifying the "negative tapes" in our heads and replacing them with an identity-based "Why," we can reprogram our brains to view challenges as opportunities for progress rather than failures.

If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers.

If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com.

Part 1 of this discussion – https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe7c6505

In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon continues her previous discussion with Marina, a participant in the Archways' Family Threads program. Marina shares her journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and stability as a new mother. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and having a supportive network to help prevent relapses. Marina and Michelle also talk about the resilience and growth mindset that helped Marina and her partner overcome obstacles and build a new life for their family.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 – Intro

01:33 - Speaking Your Truth: Marina emphasizes the importance of using your voice and setting boundaries to stay in recovery, even when faced with resistance, manipulation, or guilt from others.

02:35 - The Power of Therapy: Marina discusses the value of seeking professional support, like therapy, to heal from past trauma and cope with new emotions in recovery.

04:00 - Resilience in Action: Michelle highlights the family's resilience, noting their journey from homelessness and addiction to finding a stable life and a home.

04:47 - Archways' Support: Marina explains how Archways connected her family with essential services that put them up in a hotel until they secured housing, which was a huge relief during her high-risk pregnancy.

07:52 - Breaking Generational Cycles: Marina and Michelle discuss how the family has interrupted generational cycles of poverty and violence. Marina expresses her determination to ensure her son does not experience the same struggles she went through.

09:19 - Healing Past Pain: Marina shares how having her own child helped heal the pain of feeling like she didn't fit in with her adoptive family and contributed to her feeling heard.

10:25 - Recovering as a Team: Marina and her partner's recovery journey together fostered a lot of compassion, love, and growth for each other.

11:40 - Identity-Based Motivation: Michelle explains that recovery is often more successful when tied to identity-based goals, such as wanting to be an amazing parent, rather than just checking boxes or avoiding consequences.

18:58 - Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Marina's advice for others in recovery is to not be afraid to reach out for help and to give yourself a chance.

This episode offers a direct and honest look at the realities of long-term recovery. Marina's story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about abstaining from substances: it's about building a new life and healing from past trauma. It's about setting new goals, creating a safe family environment, and having a support system that sees you as a whole person, not just an addiction. Her journey from crisis to stability shows that with genuine support and unwavering effort, a family can change the trajectory of their lives and create a beautiful, sober future for themselves and their child.

If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers.

If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com.