Larry Winter

I am participating in a 3-day retreat. The topics that are being presented do not directly focus on mental health but have some alignment with our mental health conditions, addiction, and trauma. The purpose of this blog is to reflect on the 12 steps of our program. I ask myself whether I accept the demands […]

I am working intentionally to set aside time each morning to read and meditate. I am attempting to clear myself of any external distractions and mind chatter. I listen for the voice inside my heart to guide me through the day. Sometimes I do not hear a thing. Other times the message is barely audible.

We live busy lives responding to all the stimuli around us. The child who needs a ride to basketball practice, a spouse who wants you to pick up their prescription at the pharmacy, the boss informing us of a new project assignment, preparing meals, and a host of other responsibilities we need to respond to.

A shepherd has a huge responsibility to tend to his sheep. One beautiful sunshiny day, a shepherd gathered the flock and escorted them out to a pasture not far from the farm. Of course, while the sheep were trotting along a few of them strayed from the others. Each time this occurred the shepherd gently

What is the definition of covenant (Before you read further think about this for a moment and then write down an answer)? My answer is a two-part definition of the term. For example, right before I married my wife we had to go to our local courthouse to secure a marriage license by filling out

During meditation time earlier today I attempted to clear my mind and tune into my heart. I hoped I could find direction on what to write about for today’s blog. The voice inside of me whispered, “Forgiveness.” Next, I listened to a video and the theme for the day was “Forgiveness.” Finally, a reading reflection

Some people with a mental health condition, addiction, or trauma are attracted to professions such as; social workers, nurses, law enforcement, teachers, doctors, and other helping professions. Spiritually we are meant to serve others humbly. This can be done by; giving a compliment or two; listening rather than speaking; just plain being nice to certain

This morning I had my follow-up CT (computerized tomography) scan. The journey toward healing is long when it comes to healing my right lung from pneumonia. Based on a discussion I had with my doctor, there is no known cause for what I am going through. There are times when I think why me? To

We are inspired to unite in a deeper and more intimate relationship with God and each other. Connection is the source and summit of the Recovery life. Everything else we do is bound up with being in a relationship with other people. For in the connections with people is contained the whole spiritual good of

In her book, “A Different Kind of Fast” Christine Valters Painter asks some pointed questions. What things are we holding onto? What are the patterns and ways of being, the habits and compulsions that are life-depleting? Which things divert our attention again and again from the radiant creation that we are? Are there resentments? Overwork?