Published in Mental Health and Addictions Community·PinnedWhat You Can Learn From Snorting Cocaine in Your YouthYou probably won’t be fluent in a new language when you sober up — People marvel at my ability to speak nearly fluent Spanish. I’ll bet no one knows the real reason why I sound like I was born in Mexico. I’m exceptionally adept at learning foreign languages. I took classes in college, and I enjoyed it immensely. But that isn’t why I’m so…Addiction5 min read
Published in Heart Affairs·PinnedWhen You’re Blessed And Cursed By The Ability To Read PeopleWhen you know, you know. — If you can read people well, you know if they’re a good fit before you meet or go out on a date. You don’t always know why you know. But you know. And it’s painfully obvious. …Relationships6 min read
Published in Mental Health and Addictions Community·Apr 29When You Let Twelve-Step Recovery Groups Convince You That You’re PowerlessRemember you can take back your power anytime — Domesticated cats are a divine paradox — fierce, feisty, yet often gentle, and reliant on us to care for them. They’re one of the most powerful animals I’ve encountered and I’m honored to have one as a pet. I’ve had many cats, and I’ve noticed how much they own their…Addiction Recovery10 min read
Published in The Partnered Pen·Apr 14Here’s What Happens When You See Your Time as a Valuable ResourceYou’ll stop being a martyr and accept what you’re worth — If you see yourself as a valuable resource, you won’t keep others waiting and you won’t tolerate others wasting your time. You’ll know you’re a badass with plenty to offer, and won’t let anyone take advantage of that. And you never work for free. …Work7 min read
Published in Heart Affairs·Updated Mar 11Why Hold Onto Past Exes, When You’re Ready To Let Go of Future OnesIt’s time to let go or be dragged. — I’m wearing a new tank top today that says it best: Let that shit go. I’m no longer willing to take up time or space to hold onto people, places, or things that have worn out their welcome long ago. I don’t want to waste any more time living in…Relationships4 min read
Published in Mental Health and Addictions Community·Mar 3When We Shed Our Old Skin and Grow More Beautiful Than EverHumans have a molting process, too — Did you know the reticulated python continues to molt throughout its lifetime? They need to keep shedding their skin, because they can grow to be 30 feet long and weigh 550 pounds. Animals molt so they can grow bigger and stronger. …Mental Health5 min read
Feb 28The Day She Returned My Words to MeI knew my muse had never left — Incessant tick tocking of the clock becomes amplified in this empty room Mind numbing oblivion comes far too often as I wait for my muse to save me from my doom She smolders inside, but I forget her ignoring her pleas to create my masterpiece of words I hear her call…Poetry2 min read
Published in Hello, Love·Feb 18When You Realize Valentine’s Day Isn’t the Real ProblemAnd the solution is always an act of love. — Celebrating Valentine’s Day can be lovely. We express affection for our loved ones, our children cut out and offer pink and red construction paper hearts, and treat us extra special. It’s cute and fun and filled with sweet things. Why not? Sadly, Hallmark turned what I prefer to call Love…Love6 min read
Published in The Partnered Pen·Feb 18The Simplest Way To Unleash Your Inner Badass CreatorWithout sacrificing quality, talent, and skill — You know you’re a badass, right? I hope so. But some of us hide behind a respectable persona, stopping ourselves from creating with complete abandon. Why do we do that? Have you ever read a story and wondered, “Where’s the rest?” …Creativity5 min read
Feb 6Earth AngelIt’s time to fly free — Earth angel, he’s broken at the seams and keeps searching for his wings I know I left them somewhere around here he says, as he drinks another beer Earth angel, he’s covered in mud I once saw him without all that crud emerging all shiny and new fresh and gleaming like the morning…Poetry2 min read