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Keep Your Head Above Your Feet: From Panic to Peace
After getting sober in 2012, I learned to pause, breathe, and respond instead of react. From family emergencies to job loss, recovery has given me tools to stay grounded. This story reflects on how AA principles, faith, and community helped… Continue reading
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The Backstreet Boys, The Sphere, and Staying Sober in Sin City
Jason Mayo shares his experience of attending a Backstreet Boys concert in Vegas while maintaining sobriety. He reflects on the immersive visuals and emotional connection to the music, emphasizing the joy of being present without alcohol. Jason highlights the monumental… Continue reading
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10 Common Mistakes That Make Grief Worse
Jason MacKenzie discusses the difficulties of responding to someone in grief, highlighting common mistakes people make, such as minimizing emotions or rushing them to move on. He introduces the LEAD Model, a framework for validating emotions and supporting others effectively.… Continue reading
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Life After Alcohol: Finding Myself in Sobriety (Part Two of Two)
Michael Letzeisen shares his journey from alcoholism to sobriety, highlighting the challenges of admitting his addiction and seeking help. After his wife confronted him, he attended AA meetings, discovered therapy, and embraced sobriety while facing emotional struggles. Despite a turbulent… Continue reading
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From College to Crisis: My Journey with Alcoholism (Part One of Two)
Michael Letzeisen reflects on his lifelong struggle with alcohol addiction, beginning in college and worsening over the years. His drinking escalated, leading to a DUI, relationship tensions, and neglect of family responsibilities. Despite recognizing his problem, he failed to seek… Continue reading
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A Full Circle Moment: My Journey to Recovery
In 1979, the author’s family staged an intervention for an uncle struggling with addiction near a Parksville resort. Years later, in 2001, the author entered treatment at the same facility, experiencing a surreal déjà vu moment that connected past family… Continue reading
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From Rock Bottom to Bearcrawling Toward Purpose
Brenton shares his personal journey from alcohol dependency to recovery. He reflects on the signs of his addiction, including a DUI and deteriorating health. After recognizing his problem in 2022, he sought help and underwent treatment. Now, he embraces sobriety,… Continue reading
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Recovery Poetry: The Straight Line
The speaker reflects on their existence as a lonely, lost point amid the vastness, symbolizing feelings of being broken yet ultimately recognizing that everything has purpose and meaning. Continue reading
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I Don’t Want to Be Disabled, But I Am
Sarah Fader challenges the negative connotations of “disability,” expressing frustration with societal labels that deem her inadequate. Embracing her uniqueness, she rejects the idea of “normal” and advocates for self-acceptance. As CEO of Stigma Fighters and an accomplished author, she… Continue reading
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A Room for Recovery: Reflections from the Local Jail
The author visits a local jail biweekly to facilitate recovery meetings with inmates, sharing personal insights on addiction and recovery. They approach these sessions as a peer, emphasizing the importance of honest dialogue and hope. This experience is deeply meaningful,… Continue reading
