Recovering Out Loud
When I was a child, I was convinced that adults never cried. I thought that maybe someday I would reach an age where crying would no longer be my emotional response to things like fear, stress or anger. When this change didn't occur, I started to see those who did not cry as strong, and myself... Continue Reading →
I wrote this on a day when I was struggling. I was hurting for a friend who was slowly dying because they were refusing to reach out for help for fear of what their family and friends might think if they admitted they were addicted. My heart was breaking and I was sad. When I... Continue Reading →
Last night I stopped at the gas station on my way home. There was a man walking around asking for change, which is not unusual in Milwaukee. I’ve learned how to say no when necessary. But there was something about this man that caught my eye. He looked strikingly similar to a young man I... Continue Reading →
I’ve been reading a lot of articles lately where individuals have been talking negatively about 12 Step fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc. It sometimes feels as if it is some sort of smear campaign. I can only speak for myself, but I completely disagree with the opinions of those who say Fellowships like AA and... Continue Reading →
“From the moment I started working towards a solution - instead of obsessing over the problem - I felt immediate relief! I am no longer afraid.” Vanessa Day
Missing…. That one word has so much depth, and brings back so many memories. I could talk about this word endlessly as it relates to my active addiction. I could talk about the times I missed my daughter, the times I missed family events, voluntarily at first and later because I was no longer invited.... Continue Reading →
Where do I even begin? I loved alcohol. I mean, I LOVED it! I loved everything about it. I loved how it gave me confidence; that it made me feel pretty. I loved the apathy that accompanied it. I loved that I was skinnier because I was never hungry. I loved that it was accessible, acceptable even!... Continue Reading →
The #MeToo movement has caused some serious self-reflection in my life. Although I am not ready to write about the actual assault in detail, I do feel comfortable writing about the aftermath. I think... First, there are the flashbacks... I am 19 years old and I have just woken up with a stranger on top... Continue Reading →
I met a woman once, when I was volunteering in a women’s prison, who had spent the last 15 years of her life as a prostitute in active addiction. She didn’t want to be at my meeting. She was one of the ladies who was required to be there. I could see it on... Continue Reading →
