When I speak to people in Recovery or those who attend a support group the word, ‘Guilt’ often comes out. If I asked Catholics what we are known for the answer usually is, “Catholic Guilt.” Depending on a person’s view of the world I may get different answers. If we look back over how we […]

Jim and Steve were going to the ‘Healing Place’ for the six o’clock hour to attend a Peer Support Group. A man suffering from severe depression and anxiety from adolescence was dropped off by a friend to attend the group. The man begged for healing from the people who were entering the building. When the

When I began Recovery I had patches over my eyes. Depressed Anonymous allows me to admit the truth and accept responsibility – the opposite is denial and blame. I admit I was afraid because I was exposed, but I was still in denial. I avoided the real reasons I was sad and anxious, and the

We can let go of any mirage we hold onto that Recovery is something other than to struggle, suffer, and love and value interdependent relationships, no matter how rumbled things become in our lives. I fall short many times to live out the steps of Recovery. For instance, I have become a little weary serving

Last evening we observed Holy Thursday in the Catholic Church. A tradition is the priest washes the feet of people in a similar format that Christ did at the Last Supper to his apostles. I was able to participate in this ritual which has an incredible amount of meaning in my life. When my wife

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