Rebuilding the Artist: My Journey from Addiction to Sobriety and Beyond

Hello, everyone! My name is Rashida and I'm thrilled to share my story with you as I launch my podcast, "Rebuilding the Artist: Healing and Reclaiming Your Creative Self." This podcast is about finding balance and health as a performer and it's inspired by my own life experiences. One of my proudest moments has been achieving and maintaining sobriety. Overcoming addiction was not just about quitting substances; it was a profound personal transformation. It required immense strength, self-discovery, and resilience. More than just abstaining, it was about reclaiming my life and finding purpose anew. Several values and beliefs have been pivotal in my recovery. First, understanding my worth and believing I deserved a better life free from the chains of addiction was major! I created the belief that I could face life's challenges head-on, without relying on substances. It was scary at first! But this belief rebuilt my confidence and resilience and taught me essential skills like self-awareness and emotional regulation. If there's one message I'd pass on, it's this: No matter how tough life gets, you have the strength within you to push through. My first therapist showed me how to find and listen to that little voice within me that said “fight!” I learned that life's struggles are a part of our unique journey. I invite you to use them to grow stronger. Build a support system and never underestimate the power of self-belief and resilience. Life is precious and living it fully and authentically is the greatest achievement of all. My Background I grew up in a single-parent home in New Jersey, starting my musical journey with the harp at age seven. By thirteen, I left home to chase opportunities, but along the way, I faced challenges that led me into mental illness and addiction. By my late twenties, the weight of trauma took its toll and I began therapy. With time, perseverance, and support from loved ones, I turned my life around. What inspired me to pursue sobriety? Simply put, I got tired of the lies and hiding. A close brush with death in Lake Michigan on August 8, 2008, became a divine intervention and a turning point. After surviving and reflecting on the future, I realized there was more to live for. I began therapy, searching for the reasons to live fully and meaningfully. My Sobriety Journey My path to sobriety started with acknowledging my need for help. Initially, as a musician, I faced addiction and mental illness, romanticized by many in the arts. Over time, I became an ethnomusicologist to study these issues and later became a clinician to address systemic challenges. Each day sober was a victory as I replaced old habits with healthier ones and built a support network. The most challenging aspect of recovery was addressing underlying trauma without substances. Healing required deep introspection, confronting painful emotions, and rebuilding self-confidence. Facing these challenges made me stronger and more self-aware, reminding me that the body often holds onto trauma until we actively work through it. Sobriety has transformed my life in countless positive ways. I've rebuilt relationships, gained clarity, and found a renewed sense of purpose. Pursuing passions with a clear mind has been incredibly fulfilling. Developing self-compassion has been the most difficult and profound lesson. Fortunately, in my new career, I consciously continue to strengthen it every day. To anyone struggling with addiction, believe that recovery is possible. You're not alone and many support systems are available. You probably know this, which is why you're here In The Rooms. Take it one day at a time, lean on others for support, and remember that each step toward sobriety is reclaiming your life and happiness. What keeps me motivated every day is recognizing the progress I've made and the life I've built. Working in addiction recovery and mental healthcare keeps me focused on my wellness goals. I'm on this journey alongside others, hoping to inspire and show that a better life is always within reach. Through my podcast, Rebuilding the Artist, I hope to guide and support other performers and artists on their paths to a healthier, balanced life. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey! Find me at khemura.com or instagram.com/khemurawellness.