In 2018, I am finally going to start a blog working through 365 days of impacts on my life. This is meant to tell the story of who I came to be in bits and pieces. This exercise is meant to show we are all shaped by the people, situations, circumstances, joys and sorrows that have impacted our lives. Sometimes we are influenced just as much through learning about what we don't want to be like, than what we turned out to be. Sometimes it is a stranger who makes a lasting impression on us, and we may never know their name. Sometimes it is those who've been the worst to us that actually teach us the BEST lessons. If nothing else, since I don't have kids, this will serve as an autobiography of experiences that have shaped my character since May 3 1965. I will try to include pictures where I needed. Some will not need pictures. As I enter my 5th decade, I can look back and say that In my teens (as most are) I was extremely insecure, unfocused and had stage f...
Once an addict, always an addict, right? This shameful statement can pidgeon hole those of us that struggle with any type of addiction. Keep in mind the risk may be extremely small of a relapse when we learn the skills of developing true trust, emotional intimacy, and interdependency with others. Nevertheless, the phrase is still a good reminder for us to always remain cautious and never be so proud or boastful that we forget what we’ve learned in recovery. Lest we return to a life of secrecy and lies likely leading to a relapse of some form. Addiction has had a huge impact on my life. From many people, many forms. We all cannot escape it. We overeat, we have eating disorders, we drink ourselves numb from the pain, we compulsively gamble because of the high we get, we shop when we don't need anymore clothes or "things". We overwork ourselves into stress, anxiety and health issues resulting in asthma, hives, or worse heart attack/stroke. We compulsively check Facebook or Instagram for likes and hastags. Some people smoke pot, crack, do meth, shoot heroin, pop opioids. We game into all hours of the night to get to the next level. Bottom line is that Addiction does not save us from the lack of control that we feel this world is providing us. It is a stopgap for a permanent change in our lives. Next up - the many addictions I have been impacted by.
