Wendy is a dedicated SRT Facebook Group Guardian whose kindness and steady encouragement help make the SHE RECOVERS online community a welcoming place for all. Since becoming a volunteer in 2024, Wendy has found meaningful ways to give back to the community that supported her through grief, caregiver burnout, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder. Whether she’s offering encouragement in our Facebook groups or inspiring others with her openness about recovery, Wendy reminds us that healing is not only about overcoming challenges; it’s also about discovering new parts of ourselves. From kayaking and hiking to drawing and embracing creativity later in life, Wendy beautifully embodies the belief that recovery is a journey of wholeness. We are so grateful for the warmth and generosity she brings to our community.
She has recently been recognized as a SHE RECOVERS Gem.
SHE RECOVERS Gems are volunteers who have been acknowledged by their peers for their profound and life-altering contributions and service to our community.
We had the honor of interviewing Wendy about her role as a SHE RECOVERS volunteer.
What does being a SHE RECOVERS Foundation volunteer mean to you?
Volunteering for the SHE RECOVERS Foundation is a way to give back and show my gratitude. I love the opportunity to support others on their journey.
What do you do outside of your SRF Volunteer role for work and/or play?
I am enjoying retirement. You might find me in my gardens, or maybe chasing a ball around a golf course or a pickleball court. I love walking, hiking, and paddling my kayak or paddleboard, and when not outside playing, I enjoy reading and have recently taken up drawing.
What does radical self-care look like for you?
Practice, not perfection, is an important lesson for me — as long as I show up and do my best. I try to stay active and keep my body healthy and strong, especially as I near my 7th decade.
Tell us a little bit about your recovery journey. What are you recovering from? What tools and resources do you weave into your patchwork of recovery?
I usually say that my recovery journey started with caregiver burnout. But, as I was writing this, I realized it started years earlier with the grief of losing so many family members; some moved away, and others passed away. I think this is when my depression and isolating started. Then my parents developed dementia, and I was their only support.
My Mom passed away during COVID, and Dad passed away 17 months to the day after her. Three weeks later, I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder. I knew I had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and had tried quitting many times.
This time it worked. The next day I started taking medication, quit drinking, was put on a list for counselling, and started the twice-daily SHE RECOVERS Together Zoom meetings. I sat in the back and listened and learned about what helped others.
The books Quit Like a Woman inspired me to say, “I don’t drink,” and The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control taught me it’s okay to do something that you are not good at and do it just because it makes you happy.
I listened to all the SHE RECOVERS podcasts and attended #MentalHealthMondays, and I discovered a new me.
I acknowledged that I was different. I love nature. I love rivers, lakes, and the ocean. I love mountains and trees. I discovered that I like making art. I like being different. I like it when people wonder “what the heck is she up to now?”
What or who is inspiring you right now?
The SHE RECOVERS community inspires me.
Some inspired me to look at myself and to see what I bring to the world; others showed me that I can live and thrive with anxiety; another led me to try to dance sober….and I loved it; many modeled what it is like to show up just as you are; others did art and inspired me to try; someone inspired an interest in healing energy; a friend in the community inspired me with her leadership; another with her confidence in me; I have been shown strength in extreme adversity; and been told to talk to my younger self; someone else showed me it’s important to practice; and another inspired me to assume positivity in people’s actions….you all inspire me!
What SHE RECOVERS Intention & Guiding Principle resonates with you the most?
We focus on our strengths, not our defects. This is how we change.
What is your favorite SHE RECOVERS resource?
The SHE RECOVERS Intentions and Guiding Principles. I have them printed out on my workspace.
What is one piece of advice you would give to another woman/non-binary individual who is seeking a community like SHE RECOVERS?
This is a space filled with loving and caring women and non-binary individuals who will support you without judgment. I feel safe here, and I hope you will join us.
I registered for she recovers newsletters a while ago and reading them just gives me motivation and inspiration. I am happy to be in your rooms whenever I’m feeling low. How need to get inspired