Hi, I’m Sam — and my story isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding, messy, beautiful path from survival to thriving, from brokenness to becoming whole again.

I spent nearly twenty years caught in the grip of heroin addiction and in and out of jail for petty, non-violent, drug-related charges. In those years, I lost almost everything — my health, my trust in myself, my sense of worth. I hit what felt like rock bottom so many times that “bottom” became a familiar place.

Then one day, something shifted.Not a lightning-bolt miracle, but a quiet, unshakable decision: I will not let my story end here. I got clean. I rebuilt. I stumbled, learned, and kept going. And over time, I created a life I didn’t think was possible for me — a life I wake up grateful for every single day.

Today, I am:

• A Certified Addiction Recovery & Life Coach helping others reclaim their lives on their own terms.
• The founder of Progressing Not Perfecting, my blog and community dedicated to personal growth, spiritual well-being, and recovery without judgment.
• A Reiki II practitioner, crystal healer, sound healing facilitator, and unapologetic believer in holistic transformation.
• A late-in-life mom to two extraordinary kids who unknowingly saved my life before they were even born.

My mission is simple but fierce: to prove that it’s never too late — not to heal, not to grow, not to dream again.I write and speak about addiction recovery, self-worth, personal development, spiritual practices, and the truth that healing is not about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself again and again, even when it’s hard.

I believe in:

• Progress over perfection
• Second (and third… and fourth) chances
• The power of our own story to heal both ourselves and others
• Combining practical tools with spiritual connection to create lasting change

If you’re here, chances are you’ve been through some things. Maybe you’ve felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve missed your chance. I want to tell you the same thing I wish someone had told me years ago:Your story is not over. You are not too far gone. And you have everything inside you to create a life you love.

When I’m not writing, coaching, or speaking, you can find me creating guided meditations, experimenting with spiritual tools, laughing with my kids, or obsessively reorganizing my crystal collection.

So, welcome. Whether you’re here for recovery inspiration, personal development, or spiritual growth, I hope you find something that sparks hope, fuels your courage, and reminds you that you are capable of more than you’ve ever imagined. You can find my blog and online community at https://www.samanthabushika.com. I would love to hear from you.