Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
How did you find the key to your life’s song? A little story on how I found mine. I was blessed with an enlightened aunt, a Catholic nun with the Sisters of Charity Providence. Born Annabelle, she took the name Sister Mary Audrey. She was a wise woman, raised during the Depression in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. She learned many lessons from her life and … Continue reading Living Your Questions
“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
I celebrated my 32nd sober birthday on June 14. On this day each year I take a pause to reflect on who I am, where I came from, and what I’ve become. It’s not a day for “attaboys” or self congratulatory talk. On the contrary, it’s a day I remember that years are only accumulated days, single moments aggregated over time. For me sober … Continue reading A Thought on Turning 32
Life without parole is a sentence we all share. I became aware of this fact in my early days of sobriety. I never fully understood the real meaning of “I have your back” until I learned from those who had been incarcerated the abject necessity of having “back saving” friends. Prison is not the place to be without such friends. Alliances are formed with others … Continue reading Embrace Your Life
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