Reinvent Your Life: Gail Taylor Turns Addiction Into Music

In this powerful episode of the Confident Sober Women Podcast, Shelby welcomes Gail Taylor, a recovery advocate, keynote speaker, and musician who shares her inspiring journey from childhood addiction to successful reinvention.

Episode Highlights:

• Gail's early struggles: How losing her father at age 12 led to substance abuse and dropping out of school at 16
• The path to recovery: Gail's "high bottom" recovery journey and how she recognized her addiction through her son's similar struggles
• From finance to music: How Gail reinvented herself at age 61 by learning piano and pursuing music full-time
• The power of internal dialogue: Why changing your thoughts is the first step to reinventing yourself
• Recovery as reinvention: How sobriety is our first opportunity to transform our lives
• Creating community: The importance of building relationships both in and outside of recovery circles
• Message for loved ones: Tools for maintaining your own happiness while supporting someone with addiction

Key Takeaways:

1. Control your internal dialogue: Challenge negative thinking patterns with the mantra "garbage in, garbage out" and practice reframing negative thoughts
2. Reinvention is possible at any age: Gail went from addiction to managing $130 million in finance to becoming a musician and speaker
3. Your past doesn't define your future: "The fact that we missed a beat in life doesn't matter. It's about today and the future."
4. Recovery is just the beginning: Continue to layer on new interests, communities, and growth opportunities
5. Self-care isn't selfish: Maintaining your own wellbeing is essential, especially if you're supporting someone with addiction

Memorable Quotes:

"I come from a place of healed scars and not open wounds." - Gail Taylor

"Every person going into recovery has to reinvent themselves, because that's the whole nature of what recovery is - the starting point of you reinventing yourself." - Gail Taylor

"Self-care is not selfish, it's important." - Gail Taylor

Connect with Gail Taylor:

• Website: gailtaylormusic.com
• Book: "Curveballs: Unlocking Your Potential Through Personal Growth and Inspirational Music" (Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble)

Recovery Resources:

• For support with addiction recovery
• Tools for managing negative thinking patterns
• Resources for building community in recovery

Have you experienced reinvention in your recovery journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback.

And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.