VOA, Utah Honors Patty Golden as 2013 Outstanding Woman in Recovery

On May 9th, Volunteers of America, Utah honored Patty Golden at their Remember Mama banquet with the Outstanding Woman in Recovery Award for 2013. She was nominated for this award by Valley Services Project Manager, Rob Ferris and USARA’s Executive Director, Mary Jo McMillen.

At the Banquet, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Patty gave an inspiring speech about her recovery journey to a crowd of nearly 900 individuals who came out to show their support for Patty, VOA and the courageous women they serve who are actively seeking recovery and ways to rebuild their lives.

Each year, VOA Utah honors women in recovery and the women they serve at their Center for Women and Children. The Center provides a healthy, safe place for women and their children to start rebuilding their lives. The banquet is held around Mother’s Day each year to honor, inspire and empower the women in attendance to make profound changes in their own lives.

“USARA is so proud of Patty Golden and her outstanding contribution to share her recovery story with others. Thank you Volunteers of America for celebrating Patty at “I Remember Mama!,” said Mary Jo McMillen.

In 2012, Patty’s recovery story was highlighted in the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Annual Report. She has been in recovery for 6.5 years and her journey is a great inspiration for us all.

We took some time out to interview Miss Patty and find out what it meant to her to win this award, what her most significant lesson has been, and more…

USARA: What does it mean to you to win this award?

Patty: When I first found out that I won the award I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I mean I look at my recovery and think “All I did was quit using drugs” and everyone else looks at my recovery and thinks “Wow, look at what she has accomplished”. After receiving the award and telling my story I realized how incredibly powerful the whole experience was.

USARA: What has been the most significant lesson of your recovery journey?

Patty: The most significant lesson with my recovery journey was realizing that I was so much more than a drug addict. When I quit playing the victim and took accountability for everything that had transpired in my life I took all of my power back. I have learned how to create the things that I want in my life. I have learned that happiness, love, joy and contentment are all inside of me. All I had to do was quit looking outside for something that could only be found in me.

USARA: What has been the toughest part of your journey?

Patty: The toughest part of the journey was learning how to forgive myself. I went through a period where I felt so guilty and felt like a bad person. Then I realized that the things I had done in the past were not me. They were only experiences that I got to go through. No matter how bad I felt or how hard I beat myself up, I couldn’t do anything about them now. That helped me to start living my life in the present and letting go of ill feelings.

USARA: What message do you want to pass on for other women in recovery?

Patty: The message I would like to pass on is learn how to have fun again. There is life after drug use, and if you can find what you are passionate about channel your energy there. Take the time to learn how to forgive you. When you forgive yourself you learn how to forgive others as well. Look inside for love, and when you learn to love yourself you can begin to love others too. Let go, have fun and do as much laughing as you possibly can.

USARA: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Patty: I have so many dreams and aspirations that to put it on paper would create a whole book. I see myself owning a successful gym and helping people achieve physical goals that they did not think was possible. I see myself inspiring other people to be the best versions of them that they know how to be! I see myself having financial freedom so that I can spend as much time with my loved ones as I can. I see myself sharing my story and sharing the message of hope, joy and inspiration.

USARA: Thank you for sharing your courage, strength, compassion and honesty with us, Patty!