Ester Nicholson is a trauma specialist, author, keynote presenter and a training/retreat facilitator, with over two decades of experience dedicated to guiding individuals, communities, and organizations through transformative journeys. As the Founder and CEO of Soul Recovery, Ester has pioneered a groundbreaking approach that integrates universally accepted holistic practices and cutting-edge healing modalities, including some of the latest developments in brain science. Her work focuses on addressing the underlying root causes of addiction, dependence, and trauma, resulting in sustainable healing and personal mastery. She is an accomplished author of the internationally acclaimed book, “Soul Recovery — 12 Keys To Healing Dependence,” as well as a certified She Recovers Coach, Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner and Licensed Spiritual Therapist. Ester’s remarkable journey from addiction to recovery, prominently featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), reflects her commitment to compassionate and effective leadership.

www.esternicholson.com

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?

A. Cocaine was my drug of choice (crack cocaine); my recovery date is 11/1/86.

Q. What do you like most about 12-step meetings?

A. Deeply diving into the principles of the 12-Steps; that’s where the real work gets done.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?

A. Addiction is a complex disease that arises from spiritual disconnection, mental instability, and physiological impairment.

Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?

A. Ashley Judd.

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?

A. Ocean.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?

A. My relationship with God. My consistent dedication to spiritual practice. Forgiveness when it is the hardest thing to do, keeps me sane.

Q. How do you measure success?

A. Living my divine purpose while serving the masses, making a lot of money doing it and having loads of FUN!

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?

A. Arrogance and bullying.

Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?

A. Children organizations. Anything to support children in being safe, healthy, and loved.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. My father.

Q. From what school of thought or teacher did you learn the most from?

A. New Thought/Ancient Wisdom/Course in Miracles/The 12-Steps.

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?

A. I’m from Long Island NY. I now reside in Nashville, TN.

Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be?

A. Joel Goldsmith, James Baldwin, Philippa Gregory.

Q. What is your Astrological sign?

A. Virgo.

Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?

A. Infinite, Unlimited, Eternal, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent – nearer than my hands and feet, closer than my breath

Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?

A. The Infinite Way, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Thirty Day Mental Diet, The Other Boleyn Girl.

Q. Which film have you watched the most?

A. The Godfather, Goodfellas, Steel Magnolias, Fences.

Q. Who is your favorite film director?

A. Denzel Washington, Francis Ford Coppola.

Q. What surprised you most about living sober?

A. That you can still hit so many bottoms and struggle spiritually and emotionally, but as soon as you surrender, you’re set back on your feet – it always surprises me how God is always right there as soon as I release self-will again.

Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?

A. I love you so much sweetheart. You are so frigging adorable. You’re normal and you’re special. Nothing is wrong with you. You’re perfect. You’re just learning and growing, that’s all. You are so ENOUGH. You’re brilliant. I love you so much. You’re such a good girl.