Happily married, 3 little ones and a successful business…
My life wasn’t always this blessed. Only a few short years ago I was a homeless domestic violence victim jumping from one shelter to the next, never sure if I’d make it through another 24 hours. I’d just gotten clean from a 4 year addiction to prescription pills–by the time I hit bottom (with the help of my mom and sister’s intervention) I was passing out every night within 15 minutes of taking my ‘dose’ of psychotropic drugs. Once I found my footing (sort of) without relying on the next pill or the next raging rampage (my own) I discovered that I had no idea how to live as a ‘contributing member of society’, as they say in NA. In fact, I decided I didn’t want to have anything to do with ‘perfect’ society! I was sure that I wasn’t cut out to be normal, let alone my own kids hero! If I couldn’t escape by passing out every night anymore, I’d find another way to escape the pain of losing my daughter and losing face so publicly in my home town. So, when a guy came along with a charismatic style I jumped head first into his crazy life of paranoid travel and petty crime. At first I told myself I could jump right back off his self-styled roller coaster whenever I wanted to–but that turned out to be a very dangerous assumption.
What followed were over 3 years of danger, drama and violence.
While ‘on the road’, a victim of this crazy guy every whim, we had two beautiful girls together. It was a long road from victim to hero. I’d burned so many bridges behind me that a heroic homecoming seemed impossible.
Some of you have heard me share my story on the Dr. Carol Show where for several months I was a feature in her weekly Living in Recovery segment. I am just as committed to sharing more of my story every day, today. Just recently I discovered that my own story of surviving a homeless crazy life with such a happy ending is the key to my business and my purpose in life! Today I believe to the core of my being that if I could escape so many terrible, even life threatening circumstances and bad choices then you too can be a hero!
My BIG new dreams
Now daily I work on creating an ever brighter future for my family! A future filled with financial security, emotional safety and spiritual growth. I’ve come to see that I do have something that others need. This determination to succeed, to keep moving forward no matter what is inspiring others to reach for their own safe, happy futures. My business here at Adams Organizing has undergone several transformations. By no means am I an ‘overnight success’. Yet when the rubber finally met the road and my skills found their true outlet in service to entrepreneurs and million dollar businesses online…well, the rest, as they say, is history!
Just passing it along
I hope and pray that I my story can be a hand up for you, while I am given a hand up from my mentors and leaders! Over the years I have faced many tight spots, many dead ends. Every time there was a way through even when I felt hopelessly stuck. I believe that you too can successfully survive and then learn to abundantly LIVE in every area of your life!
What keeps me going every day are the stories I hear back from each of you–how you have survived and are striving to THRIVE in your own lives. Come visit me on Facebook, say hi–let’s get to know each other better.
We are stronger together than we could ever be alone!
~Elise Photini Adams~ Updated Winter 2012
