Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
A friend of mine years ago gave me some excellent advice. He said never be afraid of finding someone who might shed light on your darkness — because darkness will come. True enough. But who of us are ever taught HOW to seek out such people? Certainly, when I was young and depressed it was impossible for me to share my pain without first numbing … Continue reading Finding Light From Others
I met Betty Pesek while working for a nonprofit in Chicago. Betty lived in a wealthy north shore suburb and possessed a graceful, quiet demeanor that shrouded a steely temperament and a deep resolve to make a difference with her life. She may have looked the part of a country club matron but inside she possessed the spirit of Jane Addams. In 1974 Betty … Continue reading My Friend Betty
“Security is a strange thing, a myth that the brain allows in exchange for a brief moment of peace.” ― Alessandra Torre Did you have a security blanket, or something like it, when you were a kid? If you did, perhaps you remember how you felt if it got misplaced or lost. Our grandson Sam discovered this on a recent visit to our house. Erin … Continue reading Surviving Without a Security Blanket
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” ~ Aristotle But, oh, so elusive. My search for happiness has taken me on quite a journey. It was, no doubt, the reason I sobered up as booze had become a source of great unhappiness. I thought it was booze that kept me from being happy. So when I … Continue reading In Search of Happiness
In the spring of 1986, about twenty minutes into a flight from Seattle to Denver, the captain came on the intercom and abruptly announced he’d just received word there might be an explosive device on our plane. He told us we would be immediately returning to Seattle and he “hoped” to have us on the ground in 30 minutes. I remember an audible murmur ran … Continue reading A Song To Sing