Just as you wouldn't give up on a loved one with cancer…. JM

Therapy and 12 Step Fellowships have saved my life many times over. Connection, support, and sharing experience, strength, and hope are essential to those of us with addictions and/or mental illness. Reach out today! JM

A great reminder for all of us who are healing from toxic shame, trauma, false indoctrination, and the development of maladaptive behaviors as survival mechanisms. JM

Having been raised by someone with a passive-aggressive personality disorder, my personal experience, is that their gaslighting, (as discussed in this article); their rigid, limited, and maladaptive coping skills; their inability to empathize; and the conditionality of their "love" cause severe emotional damage, deliver a steady onslaught of psychological abuse, and deeply embed profound senses … Continue reading Cruelty Has Many Guises →

I am Pulling for You There is no doubt that those of us who have survived, and even continued to function in society with a severe mental illness, are strong people. Some of us call ourselves warriors. Personally, I prefer not to cast myself in that light.  But one thing that I know to the … Continue reading I am Pulling for You →

THE 'HARD STUFF' CEASES TO MATTER One of the most bitter pills I've had to swallow in my 53 year journey is that, as my father drilled into my head, "life doesn't get any easier." So far my experience has demonstrated that Dad was on to something.  I recall rolling my eyes (in my mind … Continue reading THE ‘HARD STUFF’ CEASES TO MATTER →

This spoke to me when I read this. It's a great reminder that I am not my trauma, my Bipolar Disorder, or my Addictions. I am not them. They are not my identity.  And while they inform many of my choices and shape who I am as I continue to evolve (because of my recovery … Continue reading I Am Not My Illnesses →

Years ago, before acquiring effective coping mechanisms, receiving the love and compassionate teachings of wonderful therapists, starting medication for my Bipolar Disorder, immersing myself in the AA way of life and Fellowship, and putting forth ongoing diligent efforts, I was the person with extreme anxiety described below on many occasions. I was blessed with the … Continue reading Look for the Helpers →

For all of you struggling with a mental illness or an addiction today, and for anyone else who is struggling, here is a truism from Eleanor Roosevelt that offers hope that we will get through the hell we are all experiencing right now. JM 💥