Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
On the 14th of June I will complete my 35th year of sobriety. I thank God for 12,775 sober days and remind myself to focus only on today. I recently had a conversation with a dear friend who’s had a difficult time staying sober. I’ve watched him battle this insidious disease for more than 28 years. He’s stayed with it, and each setback deepened both … Continue reading Addiction Is Like a Snake
I recently heard of the passing of Norma Johnston, a tribal elder of the Swinomish Nation and a friend of mine. Norma helped me get beyond my religious bigotry. Here’s that story. In 1988 I bought a cabin on tribal land that I leased from Norma’s family. The cabin wasn’t far from La Conner, beautifully nestled in a quiet cove on Puget Sound a mile … Continue reading When I Lost My Bigotry
No topic has been of more consequence to me over the years than that of becoming a man. Perhaps it’s because I labored over my own difficult journey into maturity, or maybe it’s because I got to be Erin’s stepfather and uncle to some wonderful nephews. Whatever the reason, I’ve given a lot of thought to how boys grow into men. I’ve come to believe … Continue reading On Becoming a Man (Like Frank)
Remember, if you will, a difficult time in your life. Not a bad difficult time, but a hard difficult. Remember, too, those who walked with you and how, in walking together, you all made it through to the other side. Remember those individuals, for they are special. They are sacred friends. If you need a reference point let me share this story that comes by way … Continue reading Sacred Friendships
Stop and think about it for a moment — how many times have you wondered whether your life has proceeded as it should have? Whether you are too flawed? Whether you have been in line with what your purpose may be? I’m thinking of those times when suddenly, or not so suddenly, you feel totally useless and without grounding. Kind of like a leaky … Continue reading The Cracks In Our Lives