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Gwyneth: We're inspired by women who have restarted their lives
using health and fitness.
We hope you are too.
(music)
I'm Gwyneth Paltro.
Tracy: And I'm Tracy Anderson.
Gwyneth: This is The Restart Project.
(music)
Shannon's restart took a long time,
as she struggled with addiction.
Her journey was really as much about
finding the peace within herself
as it was about finding the way out.
Shannon: Today I decided to run a 5K
which is very intimidating and scary,
especially because I've never did one before.
It's been a real long journey for me.
I eat healthier now and I exercise.
Everyday I'm trying to better my life.
I know I couldn't have said that a year ago.
Gwyneth: So, when did you first think
that you might have a problem with alcohol?
Shannon: I was in my mid 20's when I was going out
and partying a lot with friends.
Then I realized that, you know, I was drinking a lot more
than my friends were drinking.
That's when my addiction started kicking in.
Gwyneth: How did you used to drink
when you were in your darkest period?
Shannon: I was definitely a binge drinker.
I would drink until I would either black out,
or there would be no more alcohol.
I'd wake up early in the morning
just because I know the liquor store opens at 6:00.
Gwyneth: Wow.
Shannon: Drinking stuffed and bottled up
all these feelings and emotions that I didn't want to feel.
Gwyneth: What was the pain that was underneath that?
Shannon: I was uncomfortable in my own skin.
I didn't know how to handle that,
so alcohol just became my friend.
It was hell.
I grew up in Petaluma, California.
I had a good childhood.
My sister Christine and I, we were best friends.
Then as I was drinking more and more,
she wouldn't answer the phone.
I wasn't who I used to be.
My parents, they didn't want me around.
Because any time I did come over, you know,
I was drunk.
My drinking was just completely out of control
to where I put myself in the hospital.
My sister would tell me, like,
"Shannon, you need to get help."
My parents, they were like, "You know, you can't drink anymore."
I didn't want to stop drinking.
My family ... I wanted that bond back that I had lost.
But they didn't want to have anything to do with me.
That was painful.
Gwyneth: Was there a moment that was,
you know, your bottom?
Shannon: When I got my 4th DUI
my parents decided to not bail me out.
I stayed in jail for 2 months.
It really gave me time to sit with myself.
I spent Christmas and New Years in jail.
I felt shame and guilt and it's sad
to disappoint your family.
Especially when you're saying that you're going to get help,
you're going to get help.
And your family's sick of you.
I knew I was done.
I know I've said that before,
but this time I was just like,
"Okay, just surrender and just do whatever you have to do."
I knew that if I didn't get help,
I would never get my family back.
I went into treatment and that was the best thing
that's ever happened to me.
I was exercising, I was eating better.
I was really scared but I went in there
with an open mind and being ready, willing, and able
to do the footwork.
Gwyneth: That's very brave of you.
There's still, sometimes, a stigma around alcoholism.
Especially for women.
It's so inspiring to say, "But look what I've done,
"look at the decision that I've made to love myself."
And to make that commitment to yourself.
Shannon: Mm hm.
Gwyneth: It's, you know, extraordinary.
(applause)
Shannon: Oh, my God Christine!
Christine: Hi!
Shannon: Hi!
I saw my sister there, that was such a surprise.
Christine: Are you ready for this?
Shannon: Yes.
Christine: Yeah?
All right, let's go!
Crowd: 3, 2, 1!
(cheering)
Today I have that connection back with my sister.
Just seeing her there was like, all right we're doing this together.
She's my best friend and I'm glad that i have her back now.
I love you, Christine.
I believe I'm on the right path.
I just needed the tools.
Now I got to do the footwork.
You know, it's one day at a time
and I'm still learning who I am
but I like myself now and I feel very grateful
for who I am today.
(cheering)
Woman: Yay, Shannon!
Shannon: When I crossed the finish line I was so shocked.
I didn't even see my mom and my brother
until they were 5 feet away from me.
I didn't know you were coming.
Woman: I am so proud of you, Shannon, you know that.
Dad and I just love you and we're so happy.
Shannon: Thank you.
Woman: We're so happy for you.
Shannon: Aww.
It was special to see them there,
and that they were there for me.
Christine: I'm really proud of you.
Shannon: Thank you.
Christine: You know, to see you get active again,
and to be running and to work out and take care of yourself.
It means so much to me.
Shannon: You know, I know you guys sometimes didn't understand
my addiction but you supported me.
Woman: Now we feel like we have you back.
We have the real, the old Shannon back.
Shannon: Yeah.
To have my family back, it touches a place in my heart
that it's hard to put into words.
Knowing that they are there for me now ...
Love you guys.
All: Love you too.
Shannon: It made me feel like, like "Hey I can do this."
"You are doing it. Just keep doing it."