I’m a Cycle Breaker

two person holding each other hands — Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Abby Teixeira, a speaker and advocate for recovery and trauma-informed care based in Canada, shared this:

“I’m a cycle breaker.”

When she spoke the words, her eyes had a resolve that I’ve noticed is common in women’s recovery spaces.

The idea of cycle-breaking is part of what motivated me to not only write my last book but also address trauma in my own life. I don’t want to pass generational struggles on to my children.

Abby reminded me that when we share stories of resilience, hope, and strength, recovery has the potential to change not just our own lives, but the course of family history.

We aren’t just impacted by intergenerational trauma, we are healed by intergenerational recovery.

But how?

Let’s explore 3 things that just might change the way you think about and experience recovery today:

Recovery is not just about overcoming obstacles but transforming relationships.

Our personal journeys of recovery are never isolated. When one person begins the process of healing, the impact often ripples outward, touching family members, friends, and even communities. What begins as a personal struggle can evolve into a vibrant community and fellowship of healing.

Recovery is about setting the foundation for a healthier, more positive future for generations to come.

It’s about showing the next generation that no matter how deep the pain of the past, there is always room for growth and change.

Families are systems, and when one person begins to heal, it often sets off a chain reaction. The process of recovery requires not just the individual to change, but the entire family dynamic.

While this can be uncomfortable at times, it’s also deeply powerful. For a family to truly heal, old wounds must be addressed, and unhealthy patterns must be broken.

My dear friend Dr. Dawn Nickel, founder of the She Recovers Foundation says this:

Addiction runs in my family AND so does recovery.

The journey of recovery, whether from addiction, trauma, or mental health struggles, extends far beyond the individual.

What does family recovery mean to you?

Recovery brings the possibility of renewal—not just for the individual but for the entire family.

This process is often messy. It’s about learning to forgive, rebuilding trust, and navigating the complexities of relationships that may have been strained or damaged over time. But there’s also incredible beauty in this transformation.

Recovery is about more than just stopping harmful behaviors—it’s about creating new ways of relating, communicating, and supporting one another. It’s about choosing love, compassion, and understanding.

The act of healing gives us permission to show up for each other with greater authenticity and vulnerability. It gives us the opportunity to rebuild what was broken and to nurture the bonds that matter most.

Families who heal together grow together.