Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
Originally published February 16, 2016. “This is what I believe: That I am I. That my soul is a dark forest. That my known self will never be more than a little clearing in that forest. That gods, strange gods, come forth from the forest in the clearing of my known self, and then go back. That I must have the courage to let them … Continue reading When I Learned to Listen
This past week I turned 70 and for whatever reason this birthday has captured my attention. After years of paying little mind to the passing of time this particular birthday found me asking what I’ve learned about living a meaningful life. Hard question. A lot crossed my mind, but after much thought I’d say the keys to a successful life are keeping yourself rigorously honest, … Continue reading A Thought on Turning 70
Friends, This is Thanksgiving Day weekend in the United States. As I stopped to consider what I’m grateful for, my thoughts quickly went to the natural beauty that surrounds us everywhere, if we remember to stop and notice. These images of flowers, in their exquisite detail, caught my attention. I invite you take a few minutes to look around, whatever the season where you live, … Continue reading Unspeakable Beauty
I have on occasion caught myself staring into the mirror and seeing a bold-faced pessimist staring back. I see a guy with more doubt than faith, and a damn sight more preoccupation in the past than hope in the future. I ask myself, “Paddy Boy, what’s happened to your faith?” The thing is, when I attempt to answer my question, all I come up with is … Continue reading A Simple Faith
What happens when relationships are irreparably broken and beyond the reach of reconciliation or grace? Sometimes, they may be over. But sometimes, I have discovered, they can be unaccountably restored. A foundation of the 12 steps: “God did for me what I could not do for myself.” I deeply appreciate the term “higher power” embraced by 12-step programs of all stripes. It allows everyone, from the atheist … Continue reading Reconciliation