A powerful and deeply insightful essay by Mary Nikkel. It reveals Tolkien's deliberate use of Frodo as a metaphor for those of us who suffer the internal conflicts and torture of addiction, trauma, and mental illness. We are still, and always, enough. JM I’ve threatened this digital essay for some time, and now I feel … Continue reading Even when our minds give out under the tremendous weight, we are still enough
I am Pulling for You
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
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
I Am Not My Illnesses
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
Look for the Helpers
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
Good Qualities in the Human Soul
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 💥
Surrender
Control is an illusion that we create to assuage our fear. It is exhausting and self-destructive to maintain that illusion. May you find the willingness to surrender and find peace today. JM 💚 Image Credit: Angela Olah
It’s a Private Hell
Obsessive thinking and Compulsive behavior are powerful components of my Bipolar Disorder that also contributed heavily to my two addictions. I sought to self medicate my way out of the mental torture they inflicted upon me. I lived this private hell from ages 6 to 26, when I was introduced to Cognitive Behavioral and Exposure … Continue reading It’s a Private Hell
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
YOU ARE NOT ALONE We are living in an incredibly unstable, uncertain time filled with tribulations and suffering. I remember how I marveled at my grandparents for having lived through the Great Depression. Yet now, we are facing challenges of a similar magnitude, including a highly infectious, virulent pandemic, frighteningly intense social and political unrest, … Continue reading YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Please Don’t Abuse Yourself Today
Please Don't Abuse Yourself Today Read this today and I am going to save it as a mantra to counter my perfectionism. Sharing it with anyone else who may need it. "I am part of a larger whole. I am not in control of the process of life. And whatever I do is part of … Continue reading Please Don’t Abuse Yourself Today
