NOT BY A LONG SHOT And I do believe this for everyone. But I am confining this reflection to those of us with mental illnesses and addictions. Not because our suffering is any worse or more important than other vulnerable members of society who face discrimination, ostracism, neglect, and abuse. But because I am can … Continue reading NOT BY A LONG SHOT →

MAKE IT STOP The excruciating pain of mental illness is real. And to those cruel, ignorant folks who cynically say, "it's all in your head," I say, you are correct. The torture that those of us with an untreated mental illness experience IS in our head. Because that's where the organ that has the malady … Continue reading MAKE IT STOP →

GARBAGE INTO THE BRAIN, GARBAGE OUT One of many things that I learned as I struggled to survive for many years with the misery and crippling symptoms of untreated Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism is that the brain and the human mind are receptacles of information and sensory perceptions, leaving them vulnerable to the toxins we … Continue reading GARBAGE INTO THE BRAIN, GARBAGE OUT →

GARBAGE INTO THE BRAIN, GARBAGE OUT One of many things that I learned as I struggled to survive for many years with the misery and crippling symptoms of untreated Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism is that the brain and the human mind are receptacles of information and sensory perceptions, leaving them vulnerable to the toxins we … Continue reading GARBAGE INTO THE BRAIN, GARBAGE OUT →

Letting Go of the Demons Inside Despite the fact that our demons torment us to the core of our being, those of us caught in the throes of mental illness or addiction often find it hard to allow for their exorcism. Even once presented with the opportunity, assistance, and tools to do so. Change can … Continue reading Letting Go of the Demons Inside →

SAVED FROM MYSELF For years I put myself into situations in which I needed someone to "save me from myself." Many were dire, potentially life-threatening, and severely self-destructive. Surviving with untreated Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, and Porn Addiction, I put myself through the mill and engaged in myriad high risk behaviors when I was manic and … Continue reading SAVED FROM MYSELF →

GRATITUDE AS A STATE OF BEING Gratitude is a powerful healing balm for tortured thinking and emotions. I know this from hard-won experience. Prior to the start of my spiritual recovery in AA several years ago, I took all of my blessings for granted, either feeling entitled or oblivious to them. In the midst of … Continue reading GRATITUDE AS A STATE OF BEING →

"Pain Changes People" Pain certainly changed me. For the worst while I endured it. For the best when I came out on the other side. Much of the pain and suffering I have experienced in my 51 years have stemmed from my Bipolar Disorder and addictions. Whether it was the excruciating mental and emotional pain … Continue reading “Pain Changes People” →

LEARN, LOVE, AND BE OF SERVICE In my 25 year journey (which is ongoing) of awakening spiritually and becoming more stable, I have come a long way, by the grace of God and by my blood, sweat, and tears. My starting point in 1993 was a life shattered by untreated Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism. The … Continue reading LEARN, LOVE, AND BE OF SERVICE →

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Many of us were taught this horrific lie at a young age. Henry Gale wrote, "It’s one of those folk wisdom retorts or pieces of general wisdom that filters through the culture until any original author fades from recollection." It is far … Continue reading Be careful with your words. They’re the hardest things to take back →