Tripped on Step 9 many times. But I got back up. Here’s what happened next. Mood music for this post: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrUdulMG4Qg&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Of the 12 Steps of Recovery, three are the thorns of my existence: 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 9. Made …
Every few months, I try to step out of the craziness of daily life and take stock in my life. The struggles will always be there, but I have so much to be grateful for. With the sun finally shining bright after a long stretch of bad weather, I’m feeling like nothing can keep this …
Yesterday was another reminder that there’s a lot to be grateful for. I’m surrounded by so many people that have helped me heal and keep me clawing the way forward. Here are more examples. Mood music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t43VgJ4U9_Q&fs=1&hl=en_US] First, I should flag the rest of my list in two earlier posts: The Healers (Adventures in Step …
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about life in recovery from mental illness and addiction, it’s that nobody gets better without a lot of help. God works through different people. These three entries are about just some of the people who have helped me along… Mood music for this post: “Classic Girl” from Jane’s Addiction: …
For those who need a 12-Step Program, here are a few lessons from the author’s personal experiences. Mood music for this post: “Rise Above” by Black Flag: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Y4iUfktOo&hl=en_US&fs=1&] When you follow the 12 Steps of Recover as I do, you discover the little things in ways you never could before. Yesterday was another example. Erin, …
Three years ago yesterday, I went on my last binge. Actually, it was more like reaching the end of a final, two-month long binge. The abstinent and sober life hasn’t been perfect by any stretch. But it beats the hell out of where I was at the start. Mood music: http://youtu.be/IKpEoRlcHfA Compulsive overeating was my biggest, most destructive addiction. …
I just wrote a blog post on @CSOonline about bin Laden’s death and how, in my opinion, it doesn’t change things. My good friend Alan Shimel read it and immediately took issue with what I said: “Sorry, it does change everything. A sense of closure that I didn’t even realize I was craving all of …
Continue reading “Osama bin Laden’s Death And The Importance of Closure”
Last night’s 12-Step meeting reminded me of just how hard real change is. I used to measure change by who won the next election. I’ve realized that the only real change that matters is within myself. Naturally, it’s the hardest, most brutal kind of change to achieve. Mood music: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqkxDgCIsOw&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0] Last night’s AA Big …
Updated Dec. 20, 2011: Vince Neil suggested in an interview that he might leave Motley Crue next year. Maybe they’ll let John Corabi back in. I always liked the album he did with them… I’m a big Motley Crue fan. Their music helped me process all the anger of my teens and in adulthood Nikki …
People like me who are recovering from addiction and an underlying mental disorder rely on a set of tools to live better, more useful lives. A food plan is one of them. Twelve-step meetings are another. Some people think thinking is a tool, but it’s really just another insidious bastard that robs us of sanity. …
