We arrived at the trailhead around 5pm with our backpacks filled to the brim for two nights of backpacking and camping at Stanley Hot Springs. My pack weighed 35-40 pounds. The hike into Stanley was going to be roughly 6 miles and mostly uphill.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, yet I was eager for the adventure and a chance to spend quality time with Lawrence. Looking up at those towering trees and breathing in the clean mountain air, I felt this rush of excitement. I work out regularly and consider myself in good shape, so I was confident my body could handle whatever this trail threw at me.

The Climb Begins

We began our trek up the trail at approximately 5:30pm. Almost immediately, I started to regret my uncomfortable pack and how heavy it was. I questioned whether I really needed all that stuff. Still, I carried on with some encouragement from Lawrence and the promise of hot springs waiting for us.

The views opening up behind us were incredible though. Every time we stopped to catch our breath, I’d turn around and stare at the valleys spreading out below us. “This is amazing,” I kept telling Lawrence. Despite the heavy pack and the burning in my legs, I couldn’t get over how beautiful this place was.

I was sweaty and hot, and we had to take several breaks along the way. I had no idea it was going to be so challenging, but honestly, I was kind of loving it too. This trail really took it out of me, but there was something about pushing my body like this that felt incredible.

Finally, at about 5 miles in, I began to feel like I couldn’t continue hiking. My pack was hurting my neck and back—it was just too heavy. My feet and knees felt like they were going to give out. Yet we carried on because Lawrence was convinced we were almost there.

The Wrong Turn

With chocolate and water in hand, we continued. At about the 5-mile mark, we passed a fork in the road. At this point, we should only have about one mile left to the hot springs. I felt a sense of relief and thought, “Okay, I can do this. We’re almost there.”

Even though we had no map or GPS to guide us, Lawrence had been here before, so surely he knew the way. We were completely off the grid with no phone service.

We took a left at the fork. The trail continued uphill through forest and rock slides. We trudged through the mud with excitement, ready to finally get to the springs and camp for the next couple of days. It was starting to get dark, and we should have come to a river crossing that signals you’re almost at the springs.

Finally, we arrived at a place up high but still near water. Lawrence looked at me and said, “We have hiked seven and a half miles. I think I fucked up and we took a wrong turn.”

My heart sank, but honestly? Part of me started laughing. “Are you serious right now?” I said. “Seven and a half miles? Lawrence, we just hiked seven and a half miles!”

The sun was setting. It was getting darker and colder. “What are we going to do?” I asked. I was mentally and physically exhausted, but I was also kind of amazed at what my body had just accomplished. I wanted to cry, but I was also proud of how far we’d come.

The Man on the Mule

Lawrence suggested we take a break, make some food, and come up with a plan. As he cooked noodles, he said I could leave my pack there and we could backtrack to find the hot springs. He was considering running back for it after I was safely in camp. At this point, it was hard to walk, let alone with a 40-pound pack on my back.

This wasn’t what we had planned at all. It was approximately 8:30 p.m., and we should have been relaxing in the hot springs by now. As we discussed our options while eating noodles, a man riding a mule—with another in tow—came down the trail.

I couldn’t help but laugh again. “Of course, there’s a guy on a mule!” I said to Lawrence. “Because this day needed to get even more interesting!”

Lawrence asked him if he knew where the springs were from there. “Yes, you missed your turn at that first fork in the road,” he said, then continued his way with his mules.

That turn we missed was the fork in the road. We took a left when we should have taken a right. The wrong turn was miles back down the trail. At this point, I was struggling to keep my composure. I suggested to Lawrence we should set up camp nearby for the night and try again in the morning. I didn’t see how I was going to make it back that far.

The Push Forward

Lawrence looked at me and said, “Your brain is trying to convince you that your body is shutting down. You are strong and capable. Don’t let your mind convince you otherwise. We are not staying here. We need to get to the hot springs tonight.”

I still felt like I might pass out from exhaustion. Lawrence said, “You’re amazing. You already hiked seven and a half miles uphill with that ridiculous pack on. You can do this.”

He was right. I had just done something I’d never done before. My body was tired, but it wasn’t broken. Knowing I’d already hiked that far made me feel pretty badass.

“I fucked up, so I’m going to carry your pack the rest of the way,” he said. I looked at him in disbelief. “You’re crazy. How are you going to do that?”

Lawrence picked up my pack along with his own and started moving down the trail. I carried one canvas bag with some food in it and suddenly felt like I could fly. Without that weight on my back, I had so much more energy than I’d thought possible.

Before I knew it, Lawrence seemed to be practically running down the trail. Before long, I began to feel sweaty and nauseous. I called for him to stop for a moment. I threw down my grocery bag, knelt, and began to vomit and cry at the same time.

But you know what? Even in that moment, I felt strong. This wasn’t failure—this was what it looked like to push past every limit I thought I had.

The Final Push

After what must have been 10 p.m., we made it back to the fork in the road—the wrong turn that had taken us three miles off course. At this point, we knew we were almost there, so we hustled down the hill to the river crossing as quickly as possible.

We both managed to soak our boots in the creek, and I almost lost our bag of food. When I caught it at the last second, I held it up like a trophy. “Still got it!” I shouted, and Lawrence’s laughter echoed through the canyon.

We persevered. Once we crossed the creek in our now sopping wet boots, completely out of breath, we charged up the hill—the last hill before the springs. It was still about half a mile up, though it seemed longer.

But then, suddenly, we were there. It was dark and almost 11 p.m. Even with headlamps on, it was hard to see. I must say I had never felt more exhausted in my life, but I’d also never felt more accomplished. We quickly set up our tent and hopped in the hot springs.

What I Discovered

The sense of relief that came over me is hard to put into words. I was both relieved and amazed that Lawrence had somehow managed to carry both of our packs for more than three miles. There was a sense of awe and admiration for this man. I was so thankful that we made it to our destination. I was also grateful that Lawrence didn’t let me give up or stay lost in the forest.

But more than that, I realized something important about myself. I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was. Not just physically—though hiking over 12 miles with a heavy pack proved I could handle way more than I gave myself credit for. But mentally too. When everything went wrong, I didn’t fall apart. I found humor in the chaos. I kept going even when I wanted to quit.

Sometimes, we have to push past the discomfort and pain to get to our destination. It’s okay to have help getting there. You’ll be amazed at what you can do once you push beyond your comfort zone. Had it not been for Lawrence’s strength and words of encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have made it to the springs that night.

And I also wouldn’t have discovered that I belong in wild places, that my body is capable of incredible things, and that I can find joy even in the most challenging moments. When we got lost, I laughed. When faced with more miles than expected, I marveled at the beautiful wilderness around us. When my body reached its limits, I found out it had more to give.

You just never know the positive impact your words and example can have on someone. I realized that I’m stronger than I thought. When I felt like giving up, I kept going, one step at a time. Three weeks into my recovery journey, that night at Stanley taught me I was ready for whatever came next.

About the Author

Erika Solberg is a licensed real estate agent serving North Idaho since 2019. Originally from Southern California, Erika moved to Idaho in 2011 and fell in love with the Northwest’s natural beauty. With over 8 years of experience in the real estate industry, she specializes as both a buyer’s and seller’s agent throughout communities including Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Sandpoint, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake.

When she’s not helping families find their perfect Idaho home, you can find Erika exploring the state’s incredible wilderness areas with her kids and family. She began her recovery journey in July 2025 and is passionate about sharing stories of growth, resilience, and authentic connection. Erika believes that both finding your dream home and finding your authentic self require courage, perseverance, and the willingness to see beauty even in unexpected detours.

Erika brings the same determination to real estate that she brings to her personal adventures—never giving up, always finding the joy in the journey, and supporting others through their most important transitions.

Connect with Erika for your North Idaho real estate needs through The Agency Coeur d’Alene.

<p>The post Finding Strength Beyond My Limits: A Journey Beyond and to Stanley Hot Springs first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

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>

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 in vulnerability and seeking assistance.

I suffer from what Bill W called “grave and emotional mental disorders.”…

My diagnoses include Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Having mental health diagnoses does not doom a person to alcoholism, but it certainly does go hand in hand. I will recover from these, and alcoholism, so long as I continue to be rigorously honest with my fellows, and most importantly, with myself.  This is my story of alcoholism and mental health. My hope is that by sharing my story my readers will find the courage and strength to share their own and seek professional help where needed.

My story with depression began in middle school, as I was often the target end of bullying by my classmates. I grew up in an alcohol-free home with emotionally unavailable parents whose best advice was to pull myself up by the bootstraps and just ignore them. This was not the best advice because I had learned to hide my emotions and bury them. My upbringing was not horrible by any means, as they did parent me in the best way they knew how. My opportunity now is to be an agent of change as I parent and bring up my own children, being more emotionally available and understanding, while also giving them the tools they need to handle difficult situations, people, and life.

My story with alcohol began once I graduated from high school. I had stayed sober throughout high school to honor my parents. I fell behind my peers when I finally did drink, so much so that I dove in with both feet, with no hesitation or thought into what the consequences would be. I had catching up to do.

Sophomore year at Thanksgiving, all this changed. I was a victim of sexual assault by someone I thought I was safe with, after drinking alcohol that was laced with Rohypnol, the date rape drug better known as Rufies. For 25 years, I tried to drink this memory away. It was certainly an unhealthy coping mechanism, but it became the only skill I used until I addressed my alcoholism. There have been many challenges in my life that I dealt with using alcohol. Each time, I fell further and further into alcoholism as I tried to drown these memories from existence. Not once did it ever make anything better, and yet that obsession was so strong that I felt compelled to continue drinking.  

In the last three years, I made some changes and finally sought professional help

…with psychiatrists, counselors, and outpatient programs to try and learn new healthier ways of coping.  It was a year and a half in when I also decided, with encouragement from counselors and family, and a strong suggestion from my psychiatrist, to put the bottles and cans away, and join Alcoholics Anonymous.

Today I am 19 months sober, looking ahead at the 2-year mark. I have not completely recovered from either, as I still have unhealthy coping mechanisms to hide my pain, like cutting, overdosing on medications, and suicide attempts. But I refuse to stop fighting! By seeking outside help for my mental health disorders and being an active member in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, I take more steps in the right direction each day towards recovery. Asking for help is a sign of strength and has become co-dependent with my recovery from alcoholism.

I encourage my fellow alcoholics with stories like mine to seek professional help

…to learn how to better cope with your demons, which in turn will make you less dependent on chemicals. Alcoholism and Mental Health are co-occurring disorders. Neither you can fully recover from on your own, so loosen up your grip (as in stop white knuckling it), talk to your fellows and your primary care provider to get connected to community resources. I’m grateful I asked for help after all those years, and I will surely keep the habit of reaching out foremost in my mind. Life can be brutal, but it is manageable with the right tool set.

Jill C.

<p>The post Navigating Recovery and Embracing Support on the Path to Wellness first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

<p>The post Seeing the Forest through the Trees first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

<p>The post I Will Rise first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>

nEveresting Recovery is an organization in its conceptual stages with a vision to support individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues. By creating a supportive community that encourages healthy living, mindfulness practices, clean eating, and quality time spent in nature, we aim to help individuals find a path toward a fulfilling life. Our approach is inspired by the Everesting Challenge, a demanding physical activity that pushes participants to their limits.

Our organization will be built upon principles from 12-step programs and other recovery systems, promoting growth by pushing beyond our individual comfort zones. We believe that achieving seemingly impossible goals can help strengthen our recovery and bring a new sense of purpose to our lives. The concept of nEveresting reflects our commitment to maintaining a vigilant recovery, as our addictions never truly rest.

To achieve our mission, we plan to:

1. Create a supportive community that fosters personal growth and recovery.
2. Encourage healthy living through physical activity, mindfulness practices, clean eating, and time spent in nature.
3. Engage in service work, community outreach, and environmental causes to strengthen our recovery and contribute to the greater good.
4. Embrace the principles of 12-step programs and other recovery systems, building upon the foundation laid down before us.
5. Help individuals in recovery develop a plan to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Our founder, Lawrence, is a Web Developer, Tech Consultant, and Project Manager with extensive experience in web development, UI/UX design, and project management. He is committed to using his professional skills to support the growth of nEveresting Recovery and make a positive impact on the lives of those in recovery.

nEveresting Recovery aims to become a pivotal resource in the recovery space, providing a diverse group of fellow “climbers” with support and encouragement as they work toward their own impossible goals. Together, we can create a strong community that promotes growth, recovery, and lasting change.

If you are interested in learning more about nEveresting Recovery or partnering with us, please reach out to discuss how we can collaborate to make a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction and mental health challenges.

<p>The post A Supportive Community for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery first appeared on nEveresting Recovery.</p>