Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
(First published March 5, 2016) “The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” – Alfred Adler When I think back on the friends from my life they look a lot like the characters from Peanuts. I often identify with Charlie Brown I’ve had best friends like Linus I had plenty of bossy Lucy’s along the way There have been wonderful philosophers like Snoopy and Woodstock … Continue reading What Friends Can Do
“When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone.” ~ Tennessee Williams This is a hard reflection for me to share because it calls to mind my times of deep loneliness. I had people to whom I was related in thought and action, but few people to whom I was truly connected in heart and … Continue reading Curing Loneliness
On November 7, 2016 songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen died. Earlier, before his passing, Joe Nagy, regular contributor to Just a Thought, penned this wonderful tribute. We share it with you again. I have just finished reading a biography of the Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. He has accumulated about every award you can get in his profession: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, … Continue reading Tribute to Leonard Cohen (by Joe)
I have a friend who has unsuccessfully battled alcoholism for many years. He has spent months in treatment centers, hours upon hours in counselling, and extended stretches in a 12-Step program. All to no avail. Invariably, he returns to the bottle and self-imposed exile, to the despair of friends and family. Addiction is often wrapped in isolation and loneliness. Addiction becomes a monster, cunning, baffling and powerful. When the … Continue reading Borrowing Light From Another
Some time ago, I attended the funeral of Verdell Trice. Verdell was nicknamed the “Mayor of the West Side” because for more than 50 years he worked to make this desperately poor community in Chicago a better place to live. During the 1970’s I had the honor of working with Verdell on economic and social development programs aimed at improving the living conditions on the … Continue reading Why Bother?