Hugh Smith is a person in Recovery and sponsors face-to-face Depressed Anonymous (DA) Meetings and Online DA Meetings. He has a website and does an occasional blog. https://depressedanon.com Last evening during a local DA Meeting our facilitator directed our attention to his blog for the day. He states, “As we dig deeper into the benefits

A friend recently published her first book. The title and author is “Burn Bright, Not Out” by Sybil Hall, and is available on Amazon. The book is written for teachers, Sybil was a teacher for over two decades. She has now established herself as a full-time author, consultant, mentor, coach, and online business owner. I

JONAH – Joining Our Neighbors Advancing Hope (Chippewa Valley Wisconsin) – is a community group that exists to deepen relationships within and among faith communities and partner organizations to empower people in addressing the root cause of social injustice in the greater community (JOHAH Annual Report 2023-2024). Yesterday afternoon JONAH held a volunteer recognition to

While going through outpatient treatment for my mental health condition I learned the importance of having a daily routine to help manage my feelings and urges. I recall incorporating a routine into my life when I was an adolescent. I attended a four-year boarding school called St. Lawrence Seminary. Each morning I was shaken out

People who have chosen to read my book have taken time, to write me about the impact it has on them. Some people write their thoughts at the end of each chapter titled, “Reflection, what have I learned from reading this chapter?” Here are some of the themes I am receiving either verbally or in

For a long time, I found it difficult to be close to God. I was angry at God for allowing sadness, anxiety, and people to hurt me. When I began Recovery I was unwilling to turn my life over to God. I thought, “Why would I allow God to direct my life since he did

When we are sad, depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed from trauma it can be difficult to feel at peace. Thank you, Recovery, that the 12 steps offer an infinite amount of wisdom, hope, and action to take. The 12 steps are a vessel of grace, peace, and joy. When we are in need, all we have

On Saturday I had the privilege of having a booth at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk (NAMI). Several people approached my booth to purchase a book, discuss my work, or share their stories of Recovery with me. One person shared the mental health condition of a twin brother. He is suffering from schizophrenia

Tomorrow (September 30, 2023) I will be attending the first ever NAMIWalks (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Wisconsin walk in the Chippewa Valley. I invite you to attend to support this critical social issue. When you decide to attend look for my booth. I will have books available for you to purchase. You can also

Equipping yourself as you continue your recovery journey increases your odds of successfully managing your mental health condition and substance use disorder. This does not mean you will have days that your symptoms will not be overwhelming, this also means you will have overwhelming feelings and give in to your urges. Perfection means to being