Walking the Walk: Brian's Journey from Healing to Helping
For Brian, success isn’t about a single achievement—it’s a continuous process. As a newly Certified Peer Specialist now working at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery’s Main Street Commons, Brian offers support not just through training, but through lived experience—including his own time as a participant at New Vitae. Main Street Commons is a peer-led, apartment-based program, where individuals support one another through shared understanding while engaging in structured clinical treatment.
“Success, to me, means completing goals—but true success is about maintaining those accomplishments and turning them into everyday habits,” Brian shares. “It’s not about big milestones. It’s only when I look back at the ‘before and after’ that I start to recognize the changes.”
He compares it to seeing a desert: “A single grain of sand isn’t much—but when you put millions together, you can see something vast and meaningful. That’s what growth has felt like.”
When asked what his biggest challenge has been, Brian doesn’t hesitate: “Me. I had to confront old perspectives, push past fear, and do something different. I had to get uncomfortable—and that was the hardest part.”
During moments when it felt easier to give up, Brian leaned into spirituality. “I came to New Vitae to change the parts of me that kept quitting. My faith gives me peace and focus, even when a task isn’t finished yet. I just remind myself to play my part, and believe God will do His.”
After spending time at New Vitae as a program participant, Brian became a Certified Peer Specialist because he wanted to give back the support he once received. “I saw how powerful it was to identify negative habits and work through them. That’s what I want to share.”
Now, in his role as a CPS, Brian uses his story to translate clinical concepts into relatable life lessons. “I explain things in plain language and connect it to real-life experiences. I want people to know they’re not alone in what they’re going through.” When asked about a turning point, Brian points to the moment he was admitted to New Vitae:
“That was the start. Every step since has been about moving forward and staying humble. My real breakthrough was realizing that it’s not about my deeds—it’s about how God shows up and works in my life.”
One thing Brian has learned about himself along the way? “I’m not at my best just because things are going well. Staying grounded and grateful matters more.” To anyone still struggling, Brian offers this: “Put the ‘blame-thrower’ down and look within. Check your part in the chaos. Remove what doesn’t matter. Take inventory. And if you can’t see clearly—get perspective from someone who can.”
Brian’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t always loud—and healing doesn’t happen all at once. But through honesty, faith, and showing up for others, transformation is always possible.
New Vitae is proud to walk alongside individuals like Brian—who don’t just recover, but rise and lead others toward hope. Our programs are built on the belief that lived experience, peer connection, and compassionate support are essential parts of the recovery journey.
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