Larry Winter

It has been a while since offering a reflection on our Family of Origin. To heal we need to go to our roots and find out how we have become the people we are. “We are our parents.” as the saying goes. As children, we internalized our parent’s personality. Even now grandparents, stepparents, or guardians […]

You may wonder what is discussed in a Depressed Anonymous or Peer Recovery Group. We have an opening outlining the boundaries that provide safety for each person. Next, the facilitator provides a nugget of information that inspires and challenges our beliefs. Then we each share whatever we want about our lives during the previous week.

Imagine Recovery being a person. Recovery has values and a purpose to help us heal. The values and purpose of Recovery are acted on by using the 12 steps. In Recovery, we find a home where we will never be put to shame. Recovery can save us and deliver us to wellness; bend our ear

Before entering into Recovery, there was a significant amount of darkness in my life. If a person were to ask me what fears did I experience I would have responded, “I don’t fear a thing.” When I opened the curtain into my heart and soul a significant amount of fear dictated my actions. For example,

Those receiving my blog for the first time I hope you will find inspiration, a welcoming community, and information to aid your recovery or the people you support with mental health conditions, addiction, and trauma. You will receive a blog post Monday through Friday. The blog is free. If you find value in these posts

People may wonder if they are actively implementing a Recovery plan. I ask myself if I am taking concrete steps to integrate all the tools I have been taught to support healing. Generally, three elements help me evaluate my progress: first, the Recovery Act, the tool chosen; second, knowing that it is a tool that

Joseph said to people in Recovery, “If you remain in the 12 steps of Recovery you will be a part of healing, and you will discover yourself and experience freedom.” The people answered Joseph, “We are following the formula that has been used for decades are we not free”. Joseph said, “Any person who falls

We are called in Recovery to become a grain of wheat, planted in rich soil to bear good fruit. The 12 steps are the wheat for our mind, the soil is our heart, and the fruit is our soul. When we enter into Recovery, “We die to self” to find who we are truly meant

Is it possible to be in darkness and be without fear, sadness, anxiety, and other emotions? The answer is, “Yes.” I realize I can use the tools I have learned during the last 30 years of recovery to help me through difficult moments. How about you? In your darkest moments do you overcome fear and

Working the eighth step doesn’t have to hurt, “We acknowledge our behaviors have impacted our relationships. We list those affected by our behavior and whenever possible become willing to reconcile or thank them for their support during a relapse or mental health crisis.” Working the eighth step requires us to be honest about past mistakes.