Recovering Out Loud
Change. I wasn't always the type of mom who took the time to braid her daughters hair, or read her books at bedtime, or paint her fingernails 5 different colors. I wasn't always the type of mom who let her daughter crawl into bed with her after she’d had a nightmare. I wasn’t always prepared... Continue Reading →
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 →
Last week, my daughter came to me with tears in her eyes and told me that when she looked in the mirror she thought she looked ugly. She doesn’t like the dimples in her smile, she's not a fan of her “butt-chin,” and she was afraid that she would never fit in because of “her face.”... 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 haven't written in a few weeks. Life has been busy and full of the gifts of recovery. I am grateful, and I truly feel blessed. My daughter wants to be in theater. She is almost 8 years old, and she loves to sing and dance and put on plays with her friends. I brought... Continue Reading →
Thank you, Ryan Hampton, for sharing my story as part of the #VoicesProject! Here are the links to my previously published article, as well as to Ryan's blog. If you are interested in reading more about how others are speaking out about addiction and recovery, #VoicesProject will certainly inspire you! Ryan Hampton Site and Vanessa Day... Continue Reading →
People have told me I am brave for sharing my story publicly. Women have reached out to me, men too, and praised me for my strength and confidence. They tell me I am courageous. And every time I hear and/or read these words, I can feel the heat rising to my face, and my cheeks... Continue Reading →
