"My time at WYLA"

Wyla has saved my life and sanity. I completed the initial program and was able to extend my stay for another 2 months. When I first arrived I was physically very sick, emotionally messed up and psychologically scarred. I had come from a life of violence, gaol, DV, constant injuries and trauma. Some of these historical, some recent. I had forgotten my self-worth and was suffering pretty poor self-esteem.

After detox, I found there was plenty to work on and a lot of support. They were super approachable about any of my recovery needs. The program addressed the physical through gym and yoga, the mental through constant groups, emotional through counselling and outside courses and counselling and the spiritual through church and 12 step fellowships.

The location itself is beautiful. There are endless forests and walking tracks, a lake, beautiful grounds, no fences and animals to nurture. I can easily say that I met some of the best people to do early recovery with.

As you can imagine we all have been through a lot and have some pretty interesting stories. (many I can't print lol). We shared each other's vulnerabilities, tantrums and maturity. There is a good mix of personal responsibility and opportunity to grow. Most of the staff are amazing.

Although I don't particularly like authority and don't like rules or being told no, I accepted this as it was done with respect and humility. I understood that the staff weren't the enemy but walking my path with me. They genuinely want the best for us and most put their all into helping us achieve this. Within reason of course.

I didn't achieve all this or have this experience from sitting on my arse. This illness is life and death for me and for a lot of others who haven't realised this yet.

This may be my last and only chance to contribute rather than drain my life and those around me. I believe I have made the most of it and wouldn't have been possible without this rehab. On leaving, I have a job, housing (even though I was happy with the tent idea!) From top to bottom of this organisation I have a gratitude hard to express. From the leaders and managers, the DA workers, the case managers (thanks Mags (cute name for a cute little jack russel I reckon, just saying)) for everything), our fabulous nurses, our cleaner legendary L, our chef/counsellor/dad figure (sorry about being a vego!), the administration people and most of all my peers. I have much respect to them all and they know who they are.

In finishing, I can absolutely say that this has been one of the most positive experiences I have had since I relapsed 15 years ago. It's the first time I have felt truly safe, secure, hopeful, strong and happy with myself in a long time. And this is just the beginning. If anyone is thinking of doing this gig think of what Janis Joplin sang, "freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose". Just saying.....

Blessed be.