Ep #296: Long-time listeners will hear a vulnerability in me that I do not often expose while I am still going through emotional turmoil. New listeners, this is not how the show usually goes. Today I am going to use the show as therapy and talk to y'all about sadness and depression I have felt this whole month. Maybe you will hear something that helps. Perhaps I will expose something that helps me. Either way, essential for me to express is that not every day is the happiest day or the most content day just because we wake up sober - but it sure as hell is better than waking up hungover. Just ..read more

Ep #295: Cultural perspectives and perceptions shape how we think, behave, and view the world, significantly impacting our sobriety and recovery journey. This episode dives into challenging harmful perceptions related to self-worth, health, and capability. We'll explore how culture, media, and personal experiences shape our perceptions, often leading to negative self-views and self-sabotage. Our behaviors and thoughts are heavily influenced by our environment, including our parents, family, friends, and the broader culture, through imprinting and implanting. We often model the behaviors, thoug ..read more

#294: Whether you are new to sobriety or have some time under your belt, your attitude about the world around you and the life you create for yourself is a never-ending journey of self-discovery and evaluation. Circumstances, events, and actions pour at you like Niagra pouring off that cliff - the one constant we can know without a doubt is that everything we experience, and its good, bad, right, and wrong, is strongly influenced by our subjective perspectives. New to sobriety, and you might still find that hopelessness that engulfed you back then enflaming you today - but there is a way out ..read more

Ep #293: June is my 48th birthday month, and I am a Dragon too, so maybe it is my 48th name day - either way, this birth year is shaping up to be wonderous. In this episode, I discuss how to stop giving away the things you love to addiction, how adulting is finding things wonderfully awesome that I once mocked, and why you are capable and stronger than your addiction - no matter what you tell yourself, you are worthy. Yes, it is hard work sometimes. Other times, it's the juicy fruit on the lowest hanging branch. Just hit play, and let's dive in with open minds and hearts—you are in the right p ..read more

Ep #292: Do you recognize when you shift from one routine into the next? What cues you to change from the work version of yourself to the family, recovery, emotional, or working out versions? Oh, the list goes on. You know how you've looked around and said to yourself, "Well, now what am I going to do?" The main problem in that strategy is that our emotions and mood at the moment can send us back to our default behavior, to habits that are engrained through years of use - and if the habit that pops to mind is using, or vegging out or doom scrolling, then you are going to have difficulty starti ..read more

Ep #291: Ready to supercharge your sobriety? This episode dives into the battle of morning vs. nighttime routines and their crucial roles in recovery. We'll explore why your morning routine can be a game-changer, setting the tone for a day of success and stability - but also not beholden to the usual workout and meditation advice others accentuate without knowing anything about what puts you into flow. Additionally, we'll uncover the secret powers of a nighttime routine, especially since our nighttime selves were the ones tempting us back to old habits. Both routines are essential, with the mo ..read more

Ep. #290: Chasing the idea of "making up for lost time" in addiction recovery is a dangerous fallacy. In this episode, let's explore why recovery is a lifelong journey rather than a race against the clock. I'll discuss the unrealistic expectations and pressures this mindset can create, often leading to burnout and relapse. Emphasizing steady, incremental progress, it's critical for you to recognize the importance of self-acceptance and celebrating your small victories - which are probably more so perceived as small to the outside world but are VERY HUGE to you. You'll learn about setting reali ..read more

Ep #289: Regrets from our addiction years can be a heavy burden, but they don't define us. This episode dives into how to acknowledge and transform regrets into opportunities for growth. Learn the importance of self-acceptance and how it plays a crucial role in recovery. Discover practical strategies for self-forgiveness, goal setting, and mindfulness practices to stay present. We'll discuss the significance of building a supportive network and fostering empathy and compassion in our communities. Embrace collective healing by understanding and supporting each other's journeys. Turn past mistak ..read more

Ep #288: Have you ever wondered why some people choose not to share their sobriety journey with everyone? It's not about hiding; it's about protecting your truth. Let's explore the importance of setting personal boundaries, avoiding stigma, and maintaining healthy relationships. We'll delve into why focusing on the present and future, avoiding unwanted pity, and controlling your narrative matter. You'll learn how to create safe spaces for sharing and why it's crucial to pick and choose who you speak your truth. Your story is powerful, and not everyone deserves to hear it, let alone have earned ..read more

Ep #287: Most of us will not remember today over any other day. Most days are just another day in our lives. When you allow your emotions in the moment to dictate your behaviors, you can betray the promises you've made to yourself. Here's the deal. We forget so much about our lives. It's part of the brain's ability to store things in the unconscious so every little detail of our lives doesn't burden our conscious. So use this to your advantage when your life wants you to make the hard decision. To not use, to not drink, to not gamble, shop, porn, eat your life away - make the hard decision at ..read more