In 2003, my journey of recovery was born and with God's help, I began to live a life free from substance use. However, while on the way I learned that the substance use was just a symptom of a deeper problem. Despite being 14 years sober, I experienced an episode of psychosis and was forced to accept that I had an underlying mental disorder. These events inspired me to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPRS), a role in which I mentor other individuals recovering from similar challenges. In 2022, I was honored to be awarded the Scott Adamson Memorial Peer Award by the Greater Cleveland Chapter of NAMI for my work in helping others. Through my work I also met Dr. Pat Deegan and successfully completed the coursework to become a CPMC. Personal Medicine is powerful and I am excited to share what I have learned to better to advance the lives of those around me.