Story of Hope after Misuse of Prescription Drugs – Dallas Frisco Photographer-Me Ra Koh
With Nicole’s permission, I share her powerful story of hope after misuse of prescription drugs. Nicole found our Rising Phoenix Experience on Facebook. We asked her to describe in 25 words or less what is rising from the ashes in her life. She wrote “New Journey, New Me. I started a new life without medications, Xanax free, stepping pills no longer, my depression is gone!” Nicole’s words were so powerful, I had to call her and hear more.
Ambien Mixed with Xanax
During a painful season, Nicole’s doctor prescribed her Ambien for sleeping. Shortly after, the doctor prescribed Xanax for anxiety with flying. Before she knew it, the misuse of prescription drug had become out of control.
It took Nicole five years to heal her brain from all the crazy side affects the prescription drugs misuse gave. Coming off Xanax alone can cause paranoia.
When we talked, I asked Nicole what gifts this journey has given her.
“I’m awake, alert, and I can see,” she said without hesitation. “I’m no longer numbing myself. I take nothing for granted. And I want to help people by sharing my story.” Her words inspired these beautiful Rising Phoenix portraits! Doesn’t she look awake in the most striking way?
There are literally millions of people who need to hear Nicole’s story of hope. Some studies show that 15 million people in the US are addicted or misusing prescription drugs. In April 2022, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) said “The fastest-growing drug problem in the United States isn’t cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. It is prescription drugs, and it is profoundly affecting the lives of teenagers.”
Nicole shared how much her faith has played a role. “I feel closer to God than ever, seeing the world through LOVE, and being in the moment.” When I asked Nicole what her eyes say to her in this beautiful season of healing, she said “Be kind to yourself, Nicole. Be content with who you are because God is here with you. And that I love myself again.”
A Support Network has Made All the Difference.
Nicole will be the first to tell you that she didn’t overcome the misuse of prescription drugs on her own. She had incredible people in her life that believed in her. Chris, her partner, is one of them.
What Chris Said…
Chris stayed by Nicole’s side throughout all her years of addiction. I love how he describes Nicole’s resilience. “She is honest at the core. Extremely transparent, I never have to guess how she’s feeling. She has the most infectious personality, bubbly and fun, always waking up now positive and upbeat. Nicole makes me smile. Her feeling secure, loved and peaceful makes me happy. We’ve grown so much as individuals and together. She is so strong.”
I had Chris wrap his arms around Nicole and look at her. She is everything to him. That’s why we don’t need to see him smile at the camera. He is all about her. And Nicole has leaned on his strength throughout her journey of overcoming addiction. “He never gave up on me,” said Nicole. “His eyes always have so much love for me. I look up to him and have so much respect for Chris. We live a simple, peaceful life now. All my dreams are finally coming true!”
This Little Love Bug Helped Her Rise Too!
Cashy is Nicole’s little love bug, a Yorkie Pomeranian who is known for being a terror with big dogs. This little guy has given her so much emotional support. He sleeps with her, helps calm her anxiety in healthy ways. And I love how she said “Cashy keeps me distracted from negative thoughts because I have someone to take care of, someone depending on me.” Isn’t it amazing how this sweet ball of fur has helped Nicole rise like a phoenix! This is her family.
Nicole’s Best Friend Since Teenage Years
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Deanna before Nicole’s Rising Phoenix day. They’ve been in each other’s life since they were 16 yrs old! I asked Deanna what she sees rising from the ashes in Nicole’s life, and she said “Her relationship with Jesus is the #1 thing. She’s also embracing that she IS a person of value that gives so much to others–all of us! Nicole’s compassion is powerful. Because of all she’s been through, she can really sit with someone and have such deep empathy.
She knows first-hand what it means to be in dysfunction, hang on for survival, go through the most intense turbulence…she knows. And through it all, Nicole is so willing to learn, coachable, EAGER to learn, never close minded even if she doesn’t agree. I admire her so much. She recognizes unhealthy patterns and then does everything she can to break them. Nicole is so RESILIENT with all she’s overcome!” Those who love Nicole don’t see the years of misuse of prescription drugs. They only see her resilience!
An Orange Sun Lamp
At FIORIA, we know it’s powerful to hear how your loved ones see and experience your resilience. That’s why we take time to call and speak with them before the Rising Phoenix photo shoot because hearing these words make the experience go so much deeper–opening the heart to transformation.
Rhonda lives in CA and described Nicole as an “orange sun lamp”. “She used to be pink and sparkly, but now she’s ORANGE and has stepped into her power.” WOW! Only a close friend knows words like that to describe resilience!
Rhonda said Nicole’s superpower is staying “calm, very professional even in her social life. She makes every experience beautiful on this classical level. And yet she is still super fun, playful, that beautiful blonde bombshell!”
Where Nicole Chose to See Her Rising Phoenix Artwork
Nicole wanted to see the first two Rising Phoenix portraits in her bedroom. “I would love to see it there! It would be so rewarding for all the work, all the sleepless nights, tears, struggles I’ve come through.”
And then she wanted this one of her, Chris and Cashy over the fireplace; their family portrait.
She wrote on Google, “Me Ra & Brian have given me an experience I will truly never forget! My experience from the beginning all the way to my pictures being delivered was truly beautiful, emotional, loving, spiritual in so many different ways. I now see everyday how truly blessed I am to be alive, awake and be reminded how much I’m loved! Thank you!!”
You are a Living Testimony
Nicole, you are so welcome! Thank you for the honor of capturing the resilient, beautiful Rising Phoenix within you! My heart is so FULL knowing you are reminded every day of how alive, awake and loved you are when you see your portraits! I wanted to write this blog post to help your story reach even more people. I know in the days to come you are going to speak to so many people inspiring them with hope of how they can overcome addiction and misuse of drug prescriptions. YOU are the living testimony! And it is a honor to know you. xo
What is a Rising Phoenix Experience?
This is about you finally seeing the truth of who you are. Seeing our resilience every day changes us from the inside out. Just read the following stories.
When was the last time you did something transformational just for you? And isn’t it about time? You’ve most likely given to everyone else. It’s time to give something transformational and lasting to you.
If you are overwhelmed with all the reasons why you shouldn’t invest time or money on yourself, I want you to pause and think of all the obstacles you have overcome in your life.
Have you achieved a weight goal (read Jamie’s inspiring story of never going back after significant weight loss). Maybe you’ve overcome a serious illness, been promoted in your career, pivoted with resilience in your career, or found healing from something painful in your past? Like Katie, do you need healing from childhood trauma? You’ve done the counseling but still struggle to see the truth about who you are. Or maybe you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or 70+ and feel the need to reflect on who you are and what this next season of your life has in store?
The first step is to fill out our Phoenix inquiry; CLICK HERE.
Michelle Found Courage to Step Beyond Grief
There are some seasons in life when we feel unshakeable courage and other seasons that leave us feeling lost. After great loss, it takes great courage to step forward.
Meet Michelle. She is definitely someone who has known great courage. At one time, she was an interrogator for the US military in the Middle East. This 5’4 woman knows confidence. But two years ago, the loss of her mom changed her life.
Kristina Overcame Cancer
Meet beautiful Kristina who overcame cancer! Even though she was thankful to have defeated this enemy, she struggled with seeing the scar that remained. Once she stopped to think about all of the incredible obstacles she has overcome, she realized that now was the time to celebrate the strong woman she is today. The Phoenix Portrait Experience allowed her to celebrate not only the healing but also embrace this scar. Now every morning Kristina wakes up to see that brave, powerful woman on her bedroom wall. Nothing will ever stand in her way again.
Click Here to see her Phoenix Portrait Experience!
Crystal drove to us from Las Vegas.
A single woman who has always been known for being responsible and quiet, yet there is another side of her that wants to come out. A side that is brave and takes risks—that believes she is worthy of doing something special not just for others but for herself too. Every time Crystal looks up from her computer in her home office, she wants to be reminded of that part of her who is beautiful and brave.
All these women have something in common, they were ready to …
Rise above the ashes of what other people have said
Rising above their fear and doubts
Embracing their beautiful Rising Phoenix within.
Through our Portrait of a Phoenix Experience, they not only did something special but transformational.
I want to invite you to experience it too!
The Portrait of a Phoenix Experience includes:
- Signature Phone Calls with You and Loved Ones
- Professional Hair & Makeup
- Wardrobe Consultation & Vision
- Phoenix Photo Shoot with Me Ra Koh (Sony Artisan, Disney Host, and Live with Kelly & Ryan Guest Expert—You’re in good hands. I will pose you, drop shadows and light on you in the most flattering way that radiates your Phoenix Rising.)
- Same Day Cinematic Reveal & Custom Design Session with our In-House Design Specialist
- Beautiful Artwork of Your Phoenix Rising, Custom Designed for the Best Place where it will Speak Truth to You Every Day.
CLICK HERE to fill out the inquiry and begin your Phoenix Experience!
Can’t wait to speak soon!
Me Ra
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