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.

The Universal Language of Recovery

Recovery teaches us that no matter our background, we share fundamental desires: to be heard, to be understood, to build better lives for ourselves and our families, and to leave a positive mark on the world. These aren’t Republican or Democratic aspirations – they’re human ones.

Listening Without Judgment

In our recovery meetings, we practice something remarkable: we listen without judgment. We get curious about each other’s journeys. We discover that the person across the room, whose life may look nothing like our own, carries the same hopes and fears we do. This is the wisdom we need tonight and in the days ahead.

Moving Forward Together

As election results unfold, let’s remember what recovery has taught us – that community heals, that isolation divides, and that we’re far stronger together than apart. Let’s choose to listen more than we speak, to seek understanding rather than victory, and to remember that behind every political position stands a person with dreams not so different from our own.

Building on Common Ground

Our shared humanity runs deeper than any ballot box. Tonight, let’s commit to lifting each other up, just as we do in recovery, knowing that our common ground is far greater than our differences.

<p>The post Our Common Ground: Recovery Wisdom for Election Night Unity first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

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 by a dark time in his past but by the self-reflection, growth, and service that followed.

A Journey of Transformation

Since Lawrence began taking steps to rebuild his life, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his dedication firsthand. He’s not only moved beyond the struggles of his past but has built a future grounded in sobriety, introspection, service, and meaningful relationships. His commitment to change goes beyond becoming a better father; it’s about becoming a better man.

Lawrence has proven that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to choose strength and commitment. His journey of self-awareness and growth is a powerful example to others who may feel defined by a misstep. He’s shown that real strength is in how we rebuild.

-Jennifer Loree Byrd

He’s invested years in developing emotional resilience and self-awareness, working to understand the patterns that led him down destructive paths. This deeper work, supported by friends, professionals, and community, has transformed him into someone who faces challenges with purpose and strength.

A Loving and Present Father

With nearly 30 years of experience working with children as a coach, teacher, and ropes course facilitator, I’ve seen countless parent-child dynamics, and witnessing Lawrence rebuild his relationship with Julian and Major was uplifting. When his sons visited my home in 2020, his love for them was tangible. They reconnected over art, outdoor adventures, silliness, and quiet conversations that deepened their bond after the years apart.

Despite the challenges of reestablishing a relationship over a short time, Lawrence’s commitment to his sons has only strengthened. Unfortunately, Ms. Long has chosen to keep the boys separated from him since 2020. I only hope he has that chance to reconnect with them again and be an integral part of their lives in their adolescent years.

Protection and Progress

As a mother myself, I deeply understand the instinct to protect one’s child. We make countless decisions with their health and well-being as our guide. In Ms. Long’s case, her choice to cut communication was, I believe, driven by a genuine concern for her sons’ safety, based on Lawrence’s past struggles.

However, while she acted out of caution, I’ve had the privilege of observing Lawrence’s journey firsthand and witnessing the steady, meaningful changes he’s made. Unlike Ms. Long, who knew only the man he once was, I’ve seen his growth in real time. I set boundaries but remained present, watching as Lawrence approached each misstep as an opportunity to learn, showing courage and resilience through the process.

Where some might anticipate the worst, I have come to see a man who has grown into a positive, steady force in his community. 

A Broader Dedication  to Fatherhood

Despite his inability to parent at this time, he’s extended this commitment to fatherhood as part of a team with the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative, where they mentor and train other men in healthy parenting strategies.

Through this role, Lawrence has helped raise funds, developed infrastructure, co-facilitated classes, and built a new class that helps fathers develop healthier relationships in mind, body, and spirit. This has given him opportunities to lead by example and be vulnerable by sharing his own journey.

A Positive Influence and Role Model

Lawrence’s impact reaches beyond his sons and SpoFI—he also became a vital influence in my son Trey’s life. As an adopted child himself, Lawrence understood the nuances of loss and identity and used his experiences to mentor Trey. Lawrence made a deliberate choice to be a stable, supportive figure in his life, teaching him the importance of self-reflection and maturity. Through his actions, he showed Trey that one’s true character is shaped not by isolated mistakes but by the choices we make to move forward.

More Than a Mistake: A Man Committed to Change

Lawrence’s journey isn’t about erasing a mistake or denying a dark time; it’s about proving that a single ugly period in one’s life doesn’t define a person. For those who only saw Lawrence at a difficult time, it’s easy to let that chapter define him. But those who know him now see that difficult period as a single sentence within the arc of his journey.

Lawrence has proven that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to choose strength and commitment. His journey of self-awareness and growth is a powerful example to others who may feel defined by a misstep. 

He’s shown that real strength is in how we rebuild.

About the Author: This personal account was written by a long-time educator and child development professional with nearly 30 years of experience working with families in the Spokane area. Jen Loree Byrd and Lawrence were partners and remain good friends.

Lawrence Long continues his work with the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative and Reclaim Project Recovery, helping other fathers build healthy relationships with their children through education, mentoring, and support programs.

<p>The post Beyond a Dark Time – Embracing the Growth of Lawrence Long, a Man Who Chose Change first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

Facing the Past with Honesty

In 2017, I hit bottom. Struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, and a difficult divorce, I made choices that hurt people I cared about and violated court orders. I was not in a good place mentally, emotionally, or physically. The consequences were severe and public, creating ripples that would take years to address.

Building a Foundation for Change

Recovery began with accepting full responsibility and committing to fundamental change. This meant creating a comprehensive support system:

• Regular counseling sessions to address underlying issues
• Consistent medication management and healthcare compliance
• Active participation in Alcoholics Anonymous with sponsor support
• Development of healthy coping mechanisms including running, meditation, and journaling
• Regular mental health check-ins to maintain wellness

From Student to Teacher

What started as taking parenting classes at Spokane Fatherhood Initiative transformed into something more meaningful. The instructors recognized my dedication and willingness to lead, offering me a position with their non-profit. While I work part-time managing their technology and online curriculum, I spend my remaining hours volunteering daily in their office. This work allows me to continue my personal growth while helping other fathers navigate their own challenges.

The Power of Professional Support

Jen Loree Byrd, an educator with nearly 30 years of experience working with children, shared her observations of my transformation:

“He is sober, not just sober but strong, digging deeper into reasons behind his patterns and practicing myriad strategies for coping and thriving through adversity… Lawrence doesn’t just have the desire, he has the tools now. He’s not going it alone.”

Creating Sustainable Change

My commitment to recovery isn’t just about attending meetings or therapy sessions – it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle that supports continued growth. This means:

• Maintaining a structured daily routine
• Avoiding environments and relationships that could compromise sobriety
• Regular exercise and meditation practice
• Continuing education and professional development
• Service to others through my work at SFI

Looking Forward While Acknowledging the Past & Setting the Record Straight

Those who search my name online will find a news article from 2017. While I acknowledge and take full responsibility for the violations of no-contact orders during that difficult period, it’s important to note that some of the article’s more serious allegations were never substantiated or charged.

However, rather than dispute the past, I choose to focus on demonstrating through actions who I am today. The court documents, professional evaluations, and testimonials from the past several years tell this story – one of consistent growth, sustained recovery, and genuine transformation. Multiple professionals, including therapists, counselors, and colleagues, have documented my progress and commitment to positive change over these seven years.

A Message to Others

If you’re facing similar struggles, know that change is possible. It requires:

• Complete honesty with yourself and others
• Willingness to accept and stick with professional help
• Commitment to daily practices that support recovery
• Patience with the process of rebuilding trust
• Finding ways to turn past struggles into support for others

I continue this journey one day at a time, grateful for the opportunity to make amends through action and to help other fathers maintain healthy relationships with their children.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, help is available.

24/7 Crisis Resources:

• National Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Washington Recovery Help Line: Visit warecoveryhelpline.org

Find Local Support:

• AA Meetings in Spokane: Visit aaspokane.org to find local meetings
• SMART Recovery: Visit smartrecovery.org to find online and local meetings

Additional Resources:

• Frontier Behavioral Health: Visit fbhwa.org for current contact information
• Washington 211: Dial 211 to connect with local health and human services
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator: Visit findtreatment.gov
• Reclaim Project Recovery: Visit reclaimprojectnw.org

<p>The post A Father’s Path Forward: From Recovery to Supporting Other Fathers first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

Beautiful long read, summarized below. Love it!

Richardson’s intimate reflection dives into her transformation from a schoolgirl who loathed running to an avid runner inextricably tied to her urban environment. Drawing inspiration from Thoreau’s romantic notions of nature, she ponders upon his limited perception of women’s role in nature exploration, contrasting it with her personal experiences running amidst cityscapes.

Her runs unveil the many faces of her city – the beautiful and the blighted, the organic and the artificial. Facing her fears, she ventures into areas deemed unsafe, braving potential confrontations with unpredictable creatures, both animal and human. Despite these challenges, the joy she derives from running – the thrill of surmounting steep inclines, the serenity of pre-dawn sprints, and the solidarity amongst fellow runners – outweighs any anxiety.

Running provides her a tranquil escape, mitigating her fears and strengthening her sense of community. Carson concludes by questioning Thoreau’s belief in the preservation of “wildness”, positing that while urban development might erode this “wildness”, the primal connection she feels with nature through her runs reinstates her place within it.

<p>The post “Why I Run: On Thoreau and the Pleasures of Not Quite Knowing Where You’re Going” first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

One example is a Danish aristocrat who reveled in his daily hunting, socializing, and relaxing rituals. In contrast, Wallace Stevens, a prolific poet, and Jack London, a writer, followed disciplined routines to maintain their productivity. Stevens spent his days walking, reading, and working with little time for leisure, while London claimed to write for 20 hours a day, demonstrating a more extreme self-discipline.

Dillard asserts that a life filled with sensory experiences alone is not enough; it is a life of the spirit that requires less and brings more fulfillment. To illustrate, she contrasts the perception of a day spent reading as wasted, but a life spent reading as well-lived.

“Writing Life” is on my reading list. Support an independent bookseller.

<p>The post A balanced, mindful approach to life might be the most rewarding first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>