I Need Help, Please:)

New York City & South Carolina Meet Up + ALL ideas welcome

Over a decade ago, I created a community called Love Over Addiction.

This photo was for my first website, which was taken by my middle schooler (super profesh).

During the day, I was a mom and did things like laundry, carpooling, and cooking an endless amount of family dinners—you know, the super fun stuff. But… the evenings were reserved for my dreams. I would stay up until 2:00 a.m. working at my desk while my family was fast asleep.

My dream was to build a community of women who loved someone suffering from addiction.

Because I was once one of those women who felt alone and didn’t have anyone to talk to.

Once upon a time, there was a great man who asked me to marry him but constantly chose dangerous substances over his family. And I needed a place to talk about the rejection and shame that comes when addiction is a very prominent and unwelcome member of the family. I longed for a group of women who understood what it means when you realize your life can sometimes feel more like a nightmare than a fairytale.

It turns out many of us are struggling in silence around this great, big, beautiful world. In my case, “if you build it, they will come” was true.

That’s how our intimate, safe, and loving online community began in 2011. It started with a blog, then a podcast, courses, and a Secret Facebook Group.

A lot has happened between now and then. The times have changed; I’ve changed. Most of my children are off in college, and I am feeling a need to recreate Love Over Addiction.

This is the same child as above; can you believe? Time flies (kinda).

But I’m feeling a little stuck, and I would love your help.

I would be absolutely thrilled to discuss what you need and how I can help when you love someone suffering from addiction.

For example, is a weekly podcast helpful? Are you looking for inspirational stories? What about courses or real-life meet-up groups? Group Zoom calls? I don’t want to assume that what I was doing in the past is the most helpful way to do things in the future.

The courses, coaching, and podcasting worlds have become crowded, and unfortunately, not always with people full of good intentions. I wonder if that is still the answer we all need. Is there a better way forward?

If you have ideas, I would be honored if you shared them with me. You can respond to this post or email me directly at michelle@loveoveraddiction.com. I promise I will read everyone's message.

Also, if you live within 100 miles of New York City or Hilton Head, SC, I’ll be hosting a group meetup (in both locations) to discuss how to build something truly helpful for women. Please let me know if you’re interested in the comments or by email. I don’t want to disappoint you - this is more of a brainstorming meeting than a “coaching session.” If you’re looking for more in-person meetings to share and learn about other women’s valuable experiences, I hope to have those in the future, and I promise to let you know the dates.

And just to be super transparent, this is not about building some high-tech multimillion-dollar brand - quite the opposite —this is about community—creating a safe, warm, and loving environment to share solutions and stories and be encouraged by one another.

I can’t wait to hear from you and begin this journey again - together.

P.S. I was inspired by the work of Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" theory and the documentary Join or Die (on Netflix and so good if you haven’t watched).

This was the very first Love Over Addiction program. Does anyone remember CDs?

Excited to chat and read your comments! Please share this with anyone you know who is struggling and needs friends and community or just some hope:)