Family

We don’t get to choose our parents—the moms and dads who are supposed to guide us and love us. And some of us wind up with parents who clearly should never have had children. But, if we can, we should find a way to forgive them. I did this by understanding that my mom and … Read more

I’m Not Sick Anymore

Some people don’t like using the word “sick” when describing someone with an addiction. I get it. Just like the words alcoholic and addict, saying someone is sick can add to the shame and stigma associated with addiction, and prevent a person from getting the help they need. But was I sick? Yes. Although I … Read more

Overcoming Obsessive Thinking

The word obsess comes from the Latin word obsidere, one meaning of which is “to besiege.” Being someone who has, at times, obsessed over something, I can say that if we’re not careful, thoughts can besiege our minds, take us out of the present moment, and rob us of any enjoyment we might otherwise experience. … Read more

Maybe Our Dreams Do Come True

I celebrated 21 years of continuous sobriety this month. I went from calling myself a high-bottom alcoholic to a recovered alcoholic, and at some point, I called myself a self-proclaimed alcoholic. But eventually, it no longer mattered what I called myself. The bottom line is that I was a problem drinker who needed to be … Read more

My Ego Is Just Fine Thank You

The definitions listed below are why I think most people’s troubles come from insecurity and not ego like many spiritual gurus state. insecurity: 1. uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence ego: 1. A person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance. 2. The part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious … Read more

Love Can Be Both Easy And Hard

It wells up inside of you. An emotional pain that’s hard to describe but easy to feel when someone you tried to help is suddenly gone. Especially when it was a special person who was easy to love. You go from feeling shocked and sad to just feeling deep sadness. The question changes from “Why?” … Read more