Ask any number of recovering addicts and they will agree, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of public law. Everything…… Read more “Recovering Addicts? Or Still Addicted?”
Recovery Coins
Numerous people have been talking about recovery coins, recently. Whether or not they are important in your sobriety journey seems to be an issue of some debate.…… Read more “Recovery Coins”
Life Expectancy Going Down
Remember when you were kids, and you found out that people didn’t always live to be 50 years old? The moment when you found out that the…… Read more “Life Expectancy Going Down”
Breathing Exercises: The Underrated Life-Hack
I have to keep reminding myself this week to stop and breathe. Haven’t you ever felt that way? You know, when life just keeps rolling like a…… Read more “Breathing Exercises: The Underrated Life-Hack”
Drink Your Protein
When I was first diagnosed with cirrhosis, so many things of my life were ripped away, alcohol ended up being one just the cherry on top. Amid…… Read more “Drink Your Protein”
Personal Truth with Nick Kastros
Personal Truth What comes to mind when you hear the someone mention personal truth? I pose this question because when you define your truth, you help to…… Read more “Personal Truth with Nick Kastros”
Rolling out the Red Carpet
To catch my first ever guest blog be sure to check out A Sober Bartender – Guest Blog page In honor of my first guest blog, I’m…… Read more “Rolling out the Red Carpet”
Change of Direction
As my blog nears it’s one year anniversary, I’ve been going back and taking a glance at my older posts and they all have a similarity. There…… Read more “Change of Direction”
Let Me Count The Ways…
Everyone knows how to say, ‘I love you,’ and when it’s right there in plain English, it’s very easy to recognize. Although, these first few months of…… Read more “Let Me Count The Ways…”
Recovery Works
“It works if you work it,” isn’t just a catchy phrase to help you get through the steps, it’s really a life strategy. Especially in the beginning…… Read more “Recovery Works”
Naturopathic Doctors
Recovering from addiction is not a cookie-cutter scenario. What I mean by that is, it isn’t exactly the same for any two people. In this way, naturopathic…… Read more “Naturopathic Doctors”
The Ball in the Box Flaw
Have you heard this somewhat old analogy, of a ball being in a box and how it’s similar to grief? What if I said something that revolutionized…… Read more “The Ball in the Box Flaw”
You Can’t Compare
Even though we do our best, and try our best, sometimes we simply just can’t help but compare ourselves to others. I’m here to tell you…… Read more “You Can’t Compare”
Daily Meditation
Yes, I know I’ve said it before, but I’m here to tell you again unless you are meditating daily, you aren’t meditation enough! There are multiple ways…… Read more “Daily Meditation”
Sobriety Can Do’s
In case you haven’t heard there is some hot debate in the recovery community right now involving two seemingly small contractions; can’t and don’t. To anyone on…… Read more “Sobriety Can Do’s”
(Relapse) Dream On!
Dreams have fascinated people for years, to the extent that ancient Greeks and Romans considered dream interpretation to be an art form. If that’s the case, what,…… Read more “(Relapse) Dream On!”
The Sackler Family: A Blood Money Legacy
Google the Sackler name, and heading the results is an article by Forbes touting the Sackler’s as being the 19th wealthiest families in the United States, though…… Read more “The Sackler Family: A Blood Money Legacy”
Not A Moment Too Soon
650 days sober! I suppose I should start by saying, whether it’s your first day, or thousandth (yes, you know who you are), it’s not a moment…… Read more “Not A Moment Too Soon”
Have A Good Day
For Christmas, I received a timely bracelet (from my mother, oddly enough) that says, ‘Find the Good,’ and since the day I have put it on I…… Read more “Have A Good Day”
Good Grief
While I am a huge Peanuts fan, I’m not referring to Charlie Brown when I spout, ‘Good Grief!’ Otherwise known as ‘healthy coping’. For those of us…… Read more “Good Grief”
Dry January: What’s The Hype?
In the UK, 20 people daily die as a result of their own drinking, and the total amount of lives affected is innumerable. As a result, Dry January has become a widely accepted ‘challenge’ -for lack of a better term. Although, the public campaign isn’t entirely about abstaining from alcohol
Keep Doing Better!
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” -a quote by Dr. Maya Angelou Most people live this way,…… Read more “Keep Doing Better!”
Time To Talk Astrology
It’s a pretty widely accepted fact that the human body is usually 75-55% water. Of course other factors play into this percentage, but this is roughly the…… Read more “Time To Talk Astrology”
NYE: The Sober Traditions
Well, as I mentioned in my last blog, if you really need to find a ‘new crowd’ or a new tradition to maintain your sobriety this NYE,…… Read more “NYE: The Sober Traditions”
New Year, Who Dis?
Well, 2019 is knocking at the door, and before you finish blinking we will be ringing in the New Year! As we leave 2018 in the dust,…… Read more “New Year, Who Dis?”
No Bubbly? No Problem!
Yes, yes I know New Year’s Eve is the champagne holiday of the year, but I promise you, it doesn’t have to be as scary as you…… Read more “No Bubbly? No Problem!”
Recovery Quotes You’ve Never Heard
If you have spent any amount of time in recovery from any addiction, you’ve gotten your fill of cliche recovery quotes and generic inspirational sayings. There is…… Read more “Recovery Quotes You’ve Never Heard”
Faced With Alcohol
It happens periodically, where I find myself face-to-face with alcohol; either in restaurants, parties or other random social settings. Actually, it seems to be rather unavoidable in…… Read more “Faced With Alcohol”
Recognizing Relapse Before It Happens
What many people don’t realize is that relapse doesn’t always sneak up on you in the shadows and pounce on the unsuspecting. In fact, behavior studies show…… Read more “Recognizing Relapse Before It Happens”
Happy Holidays: Building Sober Traditions To Last A Lifetime
There are a lot of Christmas and holiday traditions that don’t involve alcohol that you can partake in while in recovery. Traditions, even though they are ‘age-old’,…… Read more “Happy Holidays: Building Sober Traditions To Last A Lifetime”
7 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written About Addiction
click song titles for downloads, and band names for more background info on the lyrics =} Chances are you’ve heard, Rehab by Amy Winehouse, Breaking The Habit…… Read more “7 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written About Addiction”
5 Reasons To Break-Up With ‘FoMO’
It was fun while it lasted FoMO, but like all things, it’s time to close this chapter and move forward. When the phrase FoMO, short for Fear…… Read more “5 Reasons To Break-Up With ‘FoMO’”
The Cost of Drinking
There are a lot of people who will never understand addiction simply because they refuse to believe it can happen to them, so I get that a lot of my blog topics might fall on deaf ears for those who have never been involved.
Not everyone can wrap their mind around addiction, because they’ve never dealt with it. So let’s talk about something we’ve all dealt with – the $$
Getting Older – Growing Grateful
My journey could have ended April 2017, and my friends and peers would still have gone on to live their lives. So, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude that I get to be here to witness…
The Addiction Cure…?
Ibogaine Ever heard of it? Don’t feel bad if you say no, I hadn’t either until a few weeks ago. As it turns out, Ibogaine is a…… Read more “The Addiction Cure…?”
Relapse Redefined
When looking at the statistics of recovery and relapse, the numbers can really play a big part of your state of mind during recovery. I remember when…… Read more “Relapse Redefined”
One Day Can Change Your Life
Take a look at the clock right now and ask yourself, where are your kids? Are they small enough to keep an eye on at home (even…… Read more “One Day Can Change Your Life”
Healthy Habit Building
Recovery from addiction is not entirely about building a life free from chemical dependency, but it also deals a great lot in building new healthy habits. The…… Read more “Healthy Habit Building”
My 18 Months Sober and The Biggest Gift It Came With
Well, #soberoctober has come to a close, and hopefully, you all made it through relatively unscathed. For me, it was a month of both struggles and rewards;…… Read more “My 18 Months Sober and The Biggest Gift It Came With”
My Recovery Without AA
When you go through recovery, a lot of people think of the typical AA meetings, having sponsors, and the 12 steps; but that is far from the…… Read more “My Recovery Without AA”
The Social Debt Game
If you follow me on Instagram, you saw my recent post about a thing I referred to as “Social Debt”. What is that? I’m not only going…… Read more “The Social Debt Game”
2018 Recovery Fest
Perhaps you missed it because quite frankly, I did, but Seattle based rapper Mackelmore most certainly did not as he headlined for the first ever Recovery Fest,…… Read more “2018 Recovery Fest”
Are You Resting or Resetting?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night stressed, or possibly even upset about things you might not have control over? In these wee…… Read more “Are You Resting or Resetting?”
Celebrity Addiction: When The Music Stops…
Well, this round with celebrity addiction was especially jarring for Mac Miller fans and rap listeners around the globe; bringing to light the very real probability that,…… Read more “Celebrity Addiction: When The Music Stops…”
Practice Makes Progress
It’s very hard sometimes, to monitor our own progress because we acclimate to the change as it comes. Much like if you were to walk to the…… Read more “Practice Makes Progress”
Relearn And Refresh; Repeat As Needed
Life is nothing if not a constant learning process and to that end, some things get forgotten and fall by the wayside. So this post is going…… Read more “Relearn And Refresh; Repeat As Needed”
Liebster Award 2018
No, I’m not making things up this is an actual award, given by bloggers entirely over the internet to another blogger. The word Liebster itself gives much…… Read more “Liebster Award 2018”
Creating Yourself
Recently, I’ve been asked a lot about finding yourself in early recovery. After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that it’s not so much about ‘finding’ yourself, but the…… Read more “Creating Yourself”
Your Peace of Mind is Non-negotiable
One thing I wish someone would have taught me at a young age is that no one has the right to make you feel scared, hurt,…… Read more “Your Peace of Mind is Non-negotiable”
Chase Your Fears, Don’t Let Them Chase You
Thrill seekers and adrenaline-junkies may be onto something when it comes to chasing and tackling your fears. Obviously, I’m not going to advocate that you become a…… Read more “Chase Your Fears, Don’t Let Them Chase You”
Believing Becomes Achieving
I know that I have touched on positive affirmations and how to form them in one of my earlier blogs, Recalibrate Your Compass but I feel like…… Read more “Believing Becomes Achieving”
Addicted To The Escape
“Actually, I hated drinking; I loved the escape.” When this statement fell out of my mouth this weekend, I was just as shocked at its bluntness as…… Read more “Addicted To The Escape”
Demi’s Overdose Shakes The Recovery Community
Much like every other instance in life, we watch the celebrities face personal trials and triumphs and we collectively mourn or celebrate according. When these people are at the top of their game we are all on the sidelines rooting for them, and even more stunning, when they are down-and-out we collectively feel a loss.
They open up a very personal part of their lives to us, and in return, we loyally show unwavering support and embrace them.
Demi Lovato is one of these people.
Refreshments, Anyone?
Well, here we are approaching another summer holiday and for some of you, I know it’s officially crunch time. Summer parties send up triggers and temptation like…… Read more “Refreshments, Anyone?”
Reflections Of The Past While Moving Forward
A sliver of light broke over the horizon as I poured myself into bed this morning; happy, clear-headed and completely sober. I did it! I officially…… Read more “Reflections Of The Past While Moving Forward”
We Tried Brutal, Now Let’s Try Compassionate Honesty
Your recovery is directly dependant on your honesty and to some degree your ability to be vulnerable while still communicating effectively. This, for many people and for…… Read more “We Tried Brutal, Now Let’s Try Compassionate Honesty”
Find Your ‘Fix’ In Nature
In recovery a lot of people will ask, ‘what was your key’ or ‘how did you stay sober’ and I never really have an answer. Well, that’s…… Read more “Find Your ‘Fix’ In Nature”
Essential Oils: Are They Essential To Your Recovery?
Essential Oils: Are They Essential To Your Recovery? Whether you have dabbled in them or are well-versed, I bet you haven’t considered the fundamental role essential oils can have in your recovery process.
WE STAND UP FOR LIFE
Regardless of what my next post was intended to be, in light of the recent news events I think it’s only right we have the conversation no…… Read more “WE STAND UP FOR LIFE”
Self-Worth, Juggling, And You
When you really start to map out all that you manage and deal with on a daily basis, it’s actually kind of crazy.
So when we start to feel run down, worn thin, and generally stretched to the max, why do WE feel like failures? Why do we so closely relate our self-worth in our ability to work ourselves to the bone with our job(s), parenthood, night school or whatever else you are trying to juggle?
This gets amplified for addicts who are:
still using, because they feel like they will never be able to overcome the pressure
or
in recovery who already feel a step behind the rest of the game because they are back at square one.
When did our self worth depend on our ability to drown ourselves in responsibility until we are just treading water?
FOMO? No mo’!
Well, readers, it’s Memorial Day weekend, so now is just as good as any to address the elephant in your recovery room; celebrations. Also how i overcame my FOMO – “…we talked about a lot on these drives…this day, in particular, might have saved my life…”, and how to take your power back! -catch ya on the #soberside
Who Says The Grass Is Always Greener…?
Growing up 20 miles south of the Grand Canyon was different, to say the least, but it taught me a lot about being grateful. Take for instance…… Read more “Who Says The Grass Is Always Greener…?”
Don’t Wait For Rock Bottom
Recently I was asked a seriously thought-provoking question by a very close friend of mine. I’ve debated on the answer internally and tossed it around as a…… Read more “Don’t Wait For Rock Bottom”
Add Dayton To The List
Less than 24 hours after the shooting in El Paso, gunshots echo through another American city. At approximately 1:00 am this morning, yet another lone gunman opened…… Read more “Add Dayton To The List”
Prayers To El Paso Only Go So Far
In the wake of yet another public and mass shooting, it seems less than sufficient to say ‘our hearts our with you, El Paso.’ Although the statement…… Read more “Prayers To El Paso Only Go So Far”
Blog Like You Mean It
In all this time you have been reading blogs, I bet you’ve come across some that seem to take off, while others struggle to gain momentum. These…… Read more “Blog Like You Mean It”
Off To A ‘Rockie’ Start
The Colorado Rockies have a tough week ahead of them with a nine game stretch at home, each series against their division. Things didn’t look to promising…… Read more “Off To A ‘Rockie’ Start”
Beyond Meat Day?
If you haven’t noticed the all the buzz about Beyond Meat today, I’ll fill you in! We’ve reached a time in the world where vegans very passionately…… Read more “Beyond Meat Day?”
It’s Ok To Have A Bad Day
Not every single day of your life is going to be a good day, despite your best efforts; and that’s ok. There can be, however, good in…… Read more “It’s Ok To Have A Bad Day”
How ’bout them…Diamonbacks?
Arizona Diamondbacks have already risen to the second place spot of the National League West (NL West) with a win-loss record of 16-13 for the start of…… Read more “How ’bout them…Diamonbacks?”
Dating Sober
This is a recovery blog and one topic I haven’t gotten into is ‘dating in recovery.’ Yes, to those who know me they will agree that my…… Read more “Dating Sober”
Not Drinking Saves Me Daily
Sometimes it seems like life just won’t give you a break -I know because I’m there right now! To be perfectly honest, not drinking is a blessing…… Read more “Not Drinking Saves Me Daily”