Larry Winter

In the last 48 hours, I have recognized my mood spiraling. When this occurs I do the following to help manage my symptoms: When I find myself in this state of mind, I notice panic leaping to the surface. The source of this anxiety is connected to my history. I hold on to the memories […]

A therapist worked with several people. Before the end of each session, the therapist asked them to write down their recovery goals and share them with the therapist. The therapist didn’t say, “I am going to prepare a list of goals for you.” The Recoverees do what they are supposed to do. They don’t ask

Time magazine writer Belinda Luscombe wrote an article on October 15, 2021 titled, “Why is everyone so rude right now”? https://time.com/6099906/rude-customers-pandemic/ It’s true we live in a rude society these days because people are anxious and frustrated all around us. But we can never tire of small gestures of kindness. Martin (fictional name and story)

How do we communicate our beliefs? Our priorities? Our personality? What is important for us? Are they worthy, healing, and healthy? Enough to claim what we are doing to be the best version of ourselves? We hear the importance of one’s conduct, one’s actions, and accountability. Develop our muscle memory in such a way that

The will of humanity creates an opportunity for us to recognize the commonality we share. When we are invited to a banquet or wedding it is because we have a relationship with the people who are celebrating their occasion. This celebration is what we have in common with those attending the party. The beauty is

Mahatma Gandhi was a spiritual leader in the 1930s and 40s. A mother approached him with her son begging Gandhi to instruct the child on a particular behavior. When he heard this he walked away and the mother was dismayed by his behavior. Later in the week, Gandhi spotted the mother and her son in

Let’s proclaim today as a celebration for those in Recovery and those who support us (an informal recognition). Why do we celebrate a day such as this? It has its origin as far back as the Greeks, it was not until 1883 that German psychiatrist Emil Kräpelin (1856–1926) published a comprehensive system of psychological disorders that centered

Recovery sometimes depicts the shortcomings in our lives as the enemy. But today’s reflection encourages us to draw closer to the healing power of the 12 steps and the love they offer. So not all people condemn us for our shortcomings. We also must be careful to lump some people into categories with labels like

The first step of Recovery is, “We dedicate ourselves to a lifestyle of Recovery; our lives have purpose and meaning”. This reminds me of the names we go by. A name gives us meaning and an identity. Several years ago I asked my parents how they decided on naming me Lawrence (Larry)”? Mom had a

Today’s focus will be on Steps 8 and 9 (see below). We know how to interpret the appearance of the sky; it’s blue or full of puffy clouds or it is gray. We sometimes do not know how to interpret the present moment in our lives. But we may also refer to our present time