Category Archives: Sobriety

The Practice of Listening

I once thought wisdom was the exclusive domain of old folks but I’ve discovered some of my most important lessons have been taught by the very young.  One such lesson came from my nephew Jack when he was all of six years old.  I was newly sober and still stinging from a number of painful losses.  At the time I kept pretty much to myself as I felt … Continue reading The Practice of Listening »

The Walk to Albany Post Road

“When you’ve spent two years trying to wiggle just one toe everything else is brought into proportion.” ~ Franklin Roosevelt I have a suggestion when you’re at the end of your rope and feeling: Down and out Paralyzed in fear Questioning the future Imagine yourself taking a short walk down the driveway of Franklin Roosevelt’s Hyde Park home to the Albany Post Road.  It’s just … Continue reading The Walk to Albany Post Road »

Our Perfect Imperfection

“No human face is exactly the same in its lines on each side, no leaf perfect in its lobes, no branch in its symmetry. All admit irregularity as they imply change; and to banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality. All things are literally better, lovelier, and more beloved for the imperfections which have been divinely appointed, that the law … Continue reading Our Perfect Imperfection »

Greatness In Goodness

Over the last few years MAGA (Make America Great Again) has become the call letters of a new political movement, one that has attracted millions of fervent followers. But this movement and its call to return to a nondescript time of American greatness is one that has raised many thorny questions. Like — what era would we be returning to? President John Adams counseled against … Continue reading Greatness In Goodness »