Tom Farley

Tom Farley will talk about his life long journey with his brother, the late actor Chris Farley. Tom’s talk touches on the lessons he learned from Chris and his struggles with addiction. He begins by speaking about his brother’s addiction and the effects it had on his family and specifically, himself. Tom speaks about trauma, managing emotions, and finding your authentic self. He also talks about how we all play a role as first responder to friends and loved ones with addiction or mental health issues. And, Tom talks about his own journey in recovery and his work as an advocate. Finally, Tom Farley talks about how the recent pandemic has changed and affected so many lives. And yet, it has also created new opportunities for people to seek out help and find connection. Finally, the pandemic has also presented us with two critical opportunities, to redefine and understand the importance of connection and to renew our efforts to end the stigmas surrounding these diseases.

Objectives:

• Developing strong communication skills that build trust and enhance connection in our lives, in order to live our most authentic selves
• Developing healthy connections that will challenge our limiting beliefs and destructive habits, and help to eliminate barriers such as stigma
• Understanding the value of interdependence and acceptance – balancing your own needs and wants with those of others