When I was a teen in the 70’s, my family would periodically visit friends of my parents. I so wished our family could be like them. They were happy and all got along. In 1995, early in recovery, I remember going to a meeting because I was very upset about something. I needed to be around… Read More When I Compare My Insides to Your Outsides
Many years ago, a mentor told me that when what I think, say, feel, and do are all in alignment, I am acting with integrity. I have done the footwork and very slowly become a person of integrity – or so I thought. After a recent experience, I realize I have more work to do… Read More If the Truth Hurts, Look in the Mirror
The day is approaching, and I’ve avoided thinking about it. I’m not in denial, or maybe I am, but I just have so much on my plate right now. Nothing will change if I spend energy on trying to understand what happened: how did it come to this? Was there something I could, should, or… Read More A Stone for My Brother
My mother-in-law (the last one in this case) and I were very close. I called her Mom. She had polio as a child and somehow survived. Over a period of three months in her 40s, she completely lost her hearing. She had breast cancer in her 50’s. When her breast cancer returned in her 80’s,… Read More We Each Decide When We’re Ready to Stop Fighting
In the past, I rarely thought my actions through very well. If I wanted something, I bought it, ate it, did it. The consequences meant nothing because my life was about instant gratification. I would deal with the outcomes down the road when the time came. In most instances, I would run from, avoid, or… Read More A Gift from Grandpa