Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Gregory.
Hi Shirley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Shirley Gregory, a person in long-term recovery with 33 years clean. My Higher Power, my sponsor, my home group, the principles, and traditions of recovery has given me relationships with persons in recovery and other organizations to serve with passion and empathy. Sponsoring nine ladies today, has enriched my ability to give back to the community and be of service. I grew up in a small-town call Bastrop, Louisiana. I started using drugs and alcohol after getting pregnant at the age of 16. My parents gave me a very good life. The using came about when I married my high school sweetheart who was later in our college years was diagnose with schizophrenia. Being a young black male, it was not something you could talk about during this time period the 80″s. In this process I left home because he became abusive with me.
Today I am a retired United States Postal Manager with 31 years of loyalty, commitment, and perseverance.
I Chaired my first Narcotic Anonymous meeting in 1993 at the USPS. The diversity of men and women who attended the meetings were addicts suffering with drug abuse, mental health, and other personal needs such as financial aid and family counseling. I became the liaison to coordinate with other USPS facilities for employees with recovery needs.
The 12-step Program of recovery allowed me to raise my children and further my education and acquired a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration in 2009 and my master’s degree in business administration 2011. These accomplishments helped my growth in leadership roles as an enthusiastic and energetic President of my Church Usher Board and Youth Coordinator who plan all our church activities for the youth. I am also the lead bookkeeper in my church finance office which is a very consistent and self- confident position.
My hope and primary purpose are to give back the service I receive on this journey and give experience to others in need that the program of recovery works. I especially enjoy helping women and children who have similar stories like mine.
In recovery I united a diverse group of women and men who contributed to the recovery community by going to jails and institutions, (H & I), which included NA meetings at least 4 times a month. This service has kept me clean and serene.
My commitment, as an employee of the USPS, and being a prominent productive member gave me skills to plan, organize and lead anniversaries, conventions, and retreats in the community.
My wellness today includes a diverse group of persons walking and meetings 3 days a week. We also have virtual meetings on healthy eating habits twice a week. Today I facilitate DTR (Double Trouble in Recovery) meetings 4-5 days a week. I attend NA meetings on a regular basis and continue to do step work.
I am the Group Service Representative (GSR) for my home group, the secretary for Activity Area Service Committee, and assistant treasurer for an Area Service Committee. I also lead registration Committees for World Conventions. During the Pandemic, I was assistant teacher in leading a virtual in-home program that helped children with their schoolwork. Parents were very trustworthy of my assistance and secure of this dedicated service.
I practice the principle of integrity and fairness which has let me reach and teach others.
Today I can tell you that at a time in my life I was a very sad and distraught addict with no hope for my future. My weakness was fear of the unknown. I work hard today on being a better me one day at a time. I give this new way of life credit to My Higher Power whom I call God. All days are better for me than any using day at all. I will continue working on this hope that gives me the confidence that no matter what I must never use again, and that is working for me Just for today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, I have had more smooth days clean that I have had struggling. But using is struggling and staying clean and serene is joy, no matter what situation you incur. I rather believe I will make it through than to ever think using would help. I have raised my children to the best of my ability and at the same time lost both of my parents in this new way of life call recovery. But I am still standing and glad to be here.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I originally retired from USPS as a Supervisor/Manager. I am so glad that I had the principles of recovery in my life because this journey at this company made me stronger. I specialize today in helping others as a Certified Peer Specialists for Addiction and for Mental Health. I also work part-time for Clayton County Public Schools as a Campus Support Employee. What sets me apart from others is that I can allow persons that I come in contact with daily, to be themselves. Being a recovering addict and a mental health peer specialist, helps me meet people just where they are. Keeps me away from being as judgmental as one can be to another. I can show unconditional love and compassion for the circumstances or situation I am around.
What’s next?
My future is up in the air sometimes. I like traveling and I have done some inside and outside of the country. I want to continue helping others and right now I am not sure of where I want to be with this goal.
