My daughter climbs into bed with me at 4:30 am, after awakening from a nightmare. She cuddles up against me and I stroke her hair, telling her to go back to sleep. Not minding that I am now up for the day. Glad I can be, in this moment, a comforter and a protector. A Read More
Category: Sobriety
Too Much of a Good Thing
In my post March’s Word of the Month: Cultivate, I revealed my endeavor to give up sweets for Lent. Now that I’m wrapping up this season, I can reflect on this period of abstinence and evaluate the place of sugary food in my life. I also want to give an update on my overall healthy Read More
April’s Word of the Month: Escapes
As part of my continuing monthly series, my word for April is Escapes. I feel like I need to preface this post with the acknowledgement that there are millions of people in the world who are living the reality of physical escape, and thousands more who are not able to. I know that, sitting across Read More
March Intentions Update: Learning to Play Again
The month of March felt both short and long, containing setbacks and spurts forward, much like the overall journey of life. Some of my intentions for mind, body and spirit fell by the wayside this month, and I’m still unsure whether I will pick them up again. Maybe consistently not doing something is a sign Read More
How Self Care Changes When You’re Sober
Yesterday, I was sick enough to take a day off work. My daughter and I both have a rather nasty cough (but not Covid). I texted my dad that I was home and he didn’t need to come let our dogs out, something he does for us since we work and he’s retired and loves Read More
Begin at the End
Endings are often beginnings. Saying goodbye opens a door. Walking away means walking toward An over-due death yields a life reborn. Why do we cling to what needs releasing? Grasping tightly with blind might When we know that it is darkness, and what we deserve is light. Why do we fall into the wrong patterns Read More
Three Years Sober: Going Places
“Step into the fire of self-discovery. This fire will not burn you, it will only burn what you are not.“ Mooji Here I sit, in the blessedly warm, quiet house, reflecting on three years of sobriety. Doves cooing soothingly through the chimney, hot coffee and small dogs, my loyal companions. Never mind that I’m seized Read More
March’s Word of the Month: Cultivate
Spring is early in our area; last week contained several 70+degree days and this morning brings a cool, light drizzle. March marks the beginning of the growing season, a time to prepare and cultivate. I chose the word cultivate to focus on this month because it is the time of year I get intentional about Read More
February Intentions Update: Filling Time
The last day of the month brings an update on my intentions for mind, body and spirit. This bite of wisdom by James Clear caught my eye because all that I’m trying to do by setting intentions and following them is better organize my day so that I’m filling it with good habits that produce Read More
When Habit becomes Addiction
One of the inevitable side effects of coming through the other side of a traumatic experience or chronic condition is that you tend to rehash and try to make sense of it all. Was I that bad? Did I almost die? Am I lucky to be alive? How much time was wasted by this horrible Read More