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Happy birthday, son
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I love you and find it difficult beyond words to miss another of your special days. Know that I am doing my best to resolve the strife that keeps us apart. Know that none of this is your fault. Know that not a day passes that I dont grieve for you and all that’s been […]
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I’m sorry I didn’t treat you more tenderly
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I’m sorry I didn’t treat you more tenderly.I’m sorry I wasn’t more sensitive to you, your feelings and concerns.I’m sorry I forgot how to love you the way you needed, the way love is meant to be expressed: wholehearted and unselfishly.I sit here now thinking too much about all the love I have failed to […]
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Desiderata by Max Ehrmann: “Go placidly amid the noise and haste”
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The timeless wisdom of “Desiderata” resonates deeply with those of us on the recovery journey, particularly in times of profound change and challenge. Just as I wrote yesterday about transforming fear into freedom and finding serenity amid political uncertainty, Max Ehrmann’s 1927 prose poem offers a gentle reminder that peace and strength can be found even in life’s most turbulent moments.
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From Fear to Freedom: Recovery Principles in Challenging Times
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Triumph may become trial, and trial may become triumph. Today, as news of another Trump victory ripples through our community and world, I find acceptance coming with surprising ease. What once triggered desperate feelings of fear and anxiety in 2016 has now become an opportunity to lean in and grow.
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Our Common Ground: Recovery Wisdom for Election Night Unity
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Tonight, as Americans await election results, I’m reminded of a profound truth we learn in recovery rooms: our differences dissolve when we focus on what binds us together. Whether in small church basements or community centers (or in the Great Outdoors), people from all walks of life share their stories – stories that, despite their unique details, ring with familiar themes of struggle, hope, and resilience.
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Your Voice Still Matters – Especially When It Feels Like It Doesn’t
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Looking at the vibrant mural outside this Vegas Arts District building, I was struck by the joy and hope radiating from that smile. In a time when many of us feel jaded by the noise of politics and the weight of societal challenges, it’s easy to believe our voices don’t matter. But they do. Recovery […]
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Biblical Conflict Resolution: A Path to Healing and Growth
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In my journey of recovery and personal transformation, I’ve learned that one of the most challenging aspects of healing is navigating conflicts in relationships. That’s why I’m excited to share an upcoming workshop that resonates deeply with my own path forward.
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Beyond a Dark Time – Embracing the Growth of Lawrence Long, a Man Who Chose Change
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In life, people are often measured by their worst moments, especially when those moments are for all to see online. In order to truly understand someone, we need to look beyond a single, shadowed moment to see the arc of their journey. Lawrence Long’s story is a powerful example of this arc. He isn’t defined […]
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A Father’s Path Forward: From Recovery to Supporting Other Fathers
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Seven years can transform a life completely. As I reflect on my journey from 2017 to today, I’m struck by how much can change when you commit fully to personal growth and accept help from others. Today, I want to share my story – not to minimize past actions, but to offer hope to others who might be struggling with similar challenges.
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Variations On The Word Love by Margaret Atwood
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This is a word we use to plug holes with. It’s the right size for those warm blanks in speech, for those red heart- shaped vacancies on the page that look nothing like real hearts. Add lace and you can sell it. We insert it also in the one empty space on the printed form that comes with no instructions. There are whole magazines with not much in them but the word love
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Navigating Recovery and Embracing Support on the Path to Wellness
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In this deeply personal narrative, Jill C. shares her challenging journey with alcoholism intertwined with mental health disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Her story begins in middle school, marked by bullying and an upbringing in an emotionally distant, alcohol-free home. Despite these challenges, Jill’s journey transforms into one of recovery and hope, detailing her path towards sobriety and mental wellness. This is not just a personal account but a beacon of encouragement for others facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of professional help, the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the strength found…
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Seeing the Forest through the Trees
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Journeying through 26 years of drinking, Jill C. shares her transformative experience with Alcoholics Anonymous. From battling mental health challenges to discovering the profound impact of service work, delve into how she shifted from self-pity to a broader perspective on recovery and community support.
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Dealing with haters
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Thanks to Ryan for this gem. “What if someone despises me? Let them see to it. But I will see to it that I won’t be found doing or saying anything contemptible. What if someone hates me? Let them see to that. But I will see to it that I’m kind and good-natured to all, […]
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I Will Rise
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Benjamin Tod’s song says it well. Some days land crushing blows to the soul. Today was one of those days for me. Yet…
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“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
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— Frank Lloyd Wright
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“Give yourself permission to be creative”
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Do what inspires joy…in you, not just what brings praise from the world.
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The purpose of art
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“The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenalin but is, rather, the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.” — Glenn Gould
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“Why I Run: On Thoreau and the Pleasures of Not Quite Knowing Where You’re Going”
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Beautiful long read, summarized below. Love it! “Running turns off my mind in most ways, and it’s a relief: I am outside, breathing, working, enjoying this beautiful place I live in right now.” RACHEL RICHARDSON Richardson’s intimate reflection dives into her transformation from a schoolgirl who loathed running to an avid runner inextricably tied to her […]
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Embracing Summer: Clean, Sober, and Service-Oriented
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The beauty of summer lies in its endless opportunities. Long days filled with sunshine, warmth, and a sense of revitalized energy lend themselves perfectly to creating memorable experiences. Yet, the summer season also offers a unique chance to grow, learn, and give back, especially when you approach it with a mindset focused on clean, sober, […]
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Understanding the Web Development Journey: Key Aspects for Potential Clients
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In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence is not only beneficial but vital for any business. As a client considering web development options, it’s essential to understand key elements of this process. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions and maximize your partnership with a web development team. Identifying Your Business Needs Web development […]
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A balanced, mindful approach to life might be the most rewarding
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This article explores the trade-offs we make between being present in the moment and our pursuit of productivity, suggesting that a balanced, mindful approach to life might be the most rewarding.
nEveresting Recovery
by Lawrence (Jay) Long