Lindsay Scott

This is a photo of my dog, Indie, at my favourite place in the world- the river by my cabin in Whistler, B.C.

The first time I was here I was 5 days old, and spent many afternoons of my childhood down here by the river with my family. It holds a special place in my heart with so many memories made from different periods in my life. Being in the PNW rainforest surrounded by nature has always been the place where I feel most at home, I don’t feel whole without it.

My addiction robbed me of a large piece of my soul… The forest no longer provided me the connectedness to energies and spirits, the world lacked colour and vibrancy, everything seemed a dull shade of grey. Going on hikes with my dog felt like a chore, and he noticed it too. This spot by the river in Whistler is often where I would go with friends to drink and use in my adult years.

Now that I am in recovery, I am getting back to the things I love most and repairing my soul the best way I know how. This photo is a reminder that my addiction can no longer rob me of everything and everywhere I hold dear. That perhaps the juxtaposition of memories from childhood, during my struggle with addiction, and the ones I am currently forming in recovery are a testament of strength and resilience, and of the beautiful road of growth and possibilities await me. I no longer have to swim upstream.