I was asked if everything was ok since I haven’t posted anything in over a week….life is great, cant complain. The other day someone wanted to know what my typical work week looks like. Simple.
Archive for the ‘Sobriety Hints’ Category
May14
Past vs. Present
May6
Best Day In A While
Sometimes there are days that can only be described as….special. Today was one of those days. 5 years ago I had my last drink and line of cocaine. It started off with someone who has spent more one-on-one time with me in California than anyone else. Someone who sees me at my best and also at my worst. When I got to theOasis, this is what I found.
May3
Hope
5 years ago, I was in my parents house….high as a fricken kite, without a clue in the world how much my life was going to change in 3 days. For 13 years all I knew was drugs and alcohol. It had become my god, what I served and would do anything to have. In the hallway there was this art piece my sister made when my mom was in the ICU room in 2002. Pictures of all us, even when mom was in the hospital. The scripture verse….
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.(Jeremiah 29:11)
Read this somewhere and it inspired me so much I copied it. Right now the one im lacking the most is 12…balance. Nothing new at all. The last 2 days ive had over 22 session, completed 1/7th of my homework, zero time on a social life and I even missed lunch the last 2 days. Guess I have been reminded once again I need to relax a little.
April27
HALT
HALT….Its saved my butt more times than I can count recently. Whenever I spoke at the rehab center one of the key sobriety hints was always talking about HALT. Never make a decision or act when Hungry Lonely Angry or Tired. I draw a comparison that if im hungry…. probably because im not taking are of my body. Angry…my mind is mentally weak. Lonely… spiritual life isn’t doing well. Tired….combination of the three.
April25
Obstinate, Defiant, Egotistical
“Your son is obstinate, defiant and egotistical. He wont stay sober with his plan.” Those were the words told to my mother when I insisted that any form of treatment after rehab had to have Bible Studies or the ability to grow deeper in my faith. In a roundabout way the clinician who said that was correct.
April17
Everything Happens For A Reason
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Slightly numb to emotions or feelings. In the span of 10 days…3 guys I knew have died. I don’t think this has ever happened before, actually I know it hasn’t. I realized something last night. Up until a few months ago I was coming across 300+ men per year battling addiction, over 1200 since I moved to California in 2008. That’s not even including the women through the recovery church or the times I led groups at the rehab. The reality is that death is part of my calling. Sad but true.
If there is one factor that leads to at least 50% of relapses (in my opinion)…failure. More specifically failed relationships. Its why I tell my guys to stay single for a year. Assemble the tools you need to cope with anything that life throws your way. Most importantly have your foundation set in Christ. Someone once asked me how do I deal with heartache? Never really thought about it. I can randomly spout off verses or quotes but that’s kinda easy when I have 73 pages worth saved on my computer.
April14
JOY Amongst Chaos
For about 2-3 weeks life was great. So much that my adopted mom commented she had never seen me so happy. Prayer, devotionals, being of service, etc. Were a walk in the park. It was easy to stay connected with God, why wouldn’t it be? Life was smooth sailing. Work + personal life + family + school was the best it had been in I have no idea how long. Prayers were being answered left and right, 8 hours of sleep a night and I didn’t have a care in the world.
April11
Solutions.
Death is something that Im sadly very accustomed to. Moving past the stages of grief are usually quick and painful. With Colin’s passing….im stuck on anger, longer than Ive ever before. Really angry at myself that I didn’t even reach out to him when it was suggested I do. Angry that I never made time to at least see him once since I got sober. Angry that I’ll never be able to talk to him again.
Tweets...