Episode 07 | January 5, 2021
Jenn Prochaska
In this episode, Jenn Prochaska talks about her struggles with addiction, finding clarity and community, surrendering to a higher power, and embracing "I don't know."
INTRO
Welcome to “That’s a Hard No” – the podcast about saying no (in all its forms) so you can become the authentic and empowered person that this world needs.
Quick disclosure: While Sarah is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, this podcast is in no way a replacement for one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, we welcome you on this journey, but also invite you to seek out professional help.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s a good place to start: psychologytoday.com
SHOW NOTES
Introducing Jenn Prochaska
Jenn Prochaska is the owner of The Write Difference, a blossoming content and copywriting agency headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. A marketing professional for more than 20 years, Jenn got her start in the music industry working for an independent record label, and over the years has helped brands that span the gamut, from major sports teams like the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Blue Jackets to household names like Duck Brand Duct Tape, Kraft Foods, Oreos, The Cleveland Clinic, and more.
Heather and Jenn have known each other personally for almost 20 years, and have partnered professionally for the past 2 or 3. We invited Jenn onto the podcast because the story of how she got here involves some profound personal realizations and the setting of many boundaries. During our conversation, she tells us about her struggles with addiction, finding clarity and community, surrendering to a higher power, and being okay with not knowing where her path will lead her next.
Website: thewritedifference.com
Instagram: @thewritedifference
Facebook: @thewritedifference
Twitter: @TheWriteDiff
LinkedIn: @thewritedifference
Key Takeaways
Our conversation was so organic and personal, and there were so many “golden” moments of inspiration, that you really should listen to it, but here are a few key takeaways:
- There’s relief and freedom in knowing we don’t have all the answers (being okay with “I don’t know”) and surrendering to a higher power of our understanding (whatever that is, it’s personal for all of us).
- Finding community and asking for help from those who have walked a similar path before you, is crucial for recovery.
- There are many kinds of groups and help for people dealing with different kinds of addiction – even during the pandemic. Look online for groups that meet virtually or even moderated Facebook groups about specific types of addiction.
- Giving back is imperative. She shared, “there’s a saying ‘you can only keep what you give away.’ If I don’t turn around and share this with others, I will lose the gift that I’ve been given.”
Resources & Recommendations
- Book – Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book (link to Amazon)
- Blog Post/Directory – How to Find a Support Group Meeting Near You (gives some guidance on what to look for and lists different organizations by type)
Credits and Thanks
- Special thanks to Reanna Karousis of Collective Reach and the Social Distance Happy Hour, who inspired and challenged us to start this podcast and helped us produce our first episode.
- Thanks also to our families and friends for all their encouragement and support, and to you, our listeners, for joining us on this adventure.
- That’s a Hard No is a joint production of Clever Girl Marketing and Purposeful Growth & Wellness.
- Logo design by Angela Giaco of A Pink Sunset. You can find her at apinksunset.com.
- Music: “Whiskey for Lunch” by GG Rigs. (Don’t judge us, you guys. We just like the song.)