More Than Freedom Free will seems like wide-open freedom to do whatever we want. We’re given this gift, but no one teaches us how to use it. As kids, we’re guided by our parents. As adults, we’re choosing in real time, with moment by moment decisions. With free will comes great responsibility. The Pause Have […]
Category: Alcoholism
When Life Is Unmanageable: Recognizing Chaos Through Step One
Step One asks us to admit that we are powerless over alcohol and that our lives have become unmanageable. This is personal and every alcoholic has a different threshold or bottom. What I endured before admitting the truth is unique to another’s experience. I believed that only I could solve my problems and that alcohol […]
Decision Maker vs. Wanter: Finding Gratitude In The Pause
There’s power in the pause. When I get quiet and breathe, even for one breath, I can feel gratitude seep back in.
Emotional Sobriety Is Freedom
Emotional sobriety provides an inner peace that enables us to pause and respond to life rather than react in regretful and unhealthy ways. Beyond physical sobriety, we gain the clear-headed ability to self-reflect, name our feelings, and answer them thoughtfully. The inner voice that once shouted now speaks rationally, and sometimes it even falls silent […]
More Than You Can Handle: Finding Strength in Hard Moments
There are times when life gives you more than you think you can handle. For me, there were moments when the thought of sobriety seemed impossible and living with a vision impacting disability felt devastating. The idea of living without these things that I depended on felt like more than I could take. But I’m […]
No Matter What: Sobriety & Stroke Recovery
Life in recovery doesn’t take a holiday or long weekend. Whether it’s navigating sobriety, stroke recovery, living with migraines, or a vestibular disorder, perseverance is not an option. It is a requirement. A mantra in sobriety is simple: “I don’t drink no matter what.” That concept runs deep for me. For stroke survivors, those dealing […]
Survival Mechanism: Overcoming Alcohol Addiction
Overcoming alcohol addiction is achievable by cultivating spiritual strength and well-being and embracing a supportive recovery community.
Unwrapping the Unexpected Gifts in Dual Recovery
As I celebrate my 50th birthday, I am filled with gratitude for the unexpected gifts that recovery has brought into my life.
Summer Sobriety: Thriving in the Heat with Creativity
Summer brings with it festive memories of drinking which can make sobriety a bit more strenuous during this season.
Flipping the Script on the Serenity Prayer
My understanding of the Serenity Prayer happened in an unexpected way: backwards. I had to learn how to pause first.