31 May 2021

TODAY Marks My 17th Year of Continuous Sobriety

 


Neither Bragging Nor Complaining, Just a Simple Statement of Fact.

The Point is to Let People Who Are Newly Clean & Sober Know that RECOVERY is POSSIBLE, DOABLE & IRREPLACEABLE. May They, Too, Learn to Treasure Their Moment, This Moment, Every Moment, Clean & Sober.
As a Woman in my Recovery Group repeatedly states, "Your Life May Not Get Better, But You Will Get Better" as you accrue more time in Recovery.
On my 14th Anniversary, I Chaired a Recovery Meeting & was so Excited I Totally Botched Up a Favorite Quote from my book (Un-Botched here, lol):

"NOTHING MATTERS MORE THAN THAT WE REMAIN SOBER BECAUSE WHEN WE REMAIN SOBER EVERYTHING MATTERS MORE." 

I certainly thought I would die before I reached 40 after so many hospitalizations and other Alcohol-Related Near-Death Experiences.
I am 17 Years Sober this Day and I Turn 71 Years Old this Year to boot. That's Two Prime Numbers (17 & 71)!

THAT MAKES ME A 17 YEAR OLD TEENAGER IN THE PRIME OF MY LIFE! 

Neither Bragging Nor Complaining, Just a Simple Statement of Fact.
*****
read my book or give it as a gift to a friend, co-worker or relative:

ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon. Book it here: http://amzn.to/1bX6JyO 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

Stay Safe & Take Care!

Thank you.


22 May 2021

16 of 180 QUOTES by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous in ALL DRINKING ASIDE (Chapters 61 - 70, Part Seven of Nine)

Chapter 61

"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." - Andrew J. Holmes

*****

I actually feel less isolated upon reading this Quote by Andrew J. Holmes. We're all in the same boat, so it reminds me of the importance of connecting with others on our various journeys. It returns me to humility, a place of comfortable vulnerability and realistic self-worth. I could go on and on but that would contradict my humble intent (pause). 

Join me in being trifling exceptions.

Move forward.

"Me becomes We."

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon. Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Andrew J. Holmes (pictured) opens Chapter 61 [Depression And Anxiety (Dissolve)]of All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon page while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)






"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein

*****

A KISS GOOD-BYE:

This Einstein quote is a personal favorite. In an attempt to seek immediate solutions, there is a tendency by many to settle for any Over-Simplification that simply sounds good. "Don't Drink & Go to Meetings" may sound like an effective Prescription, but it doesn't invite depth and further exploration and questioning. To me, Addiction is Irreducibly Complex and every book I read, every person I meet. both broaden and deepen my understanding, lending nuance and returning gratitude. 

A simple understanding may sometimes only be arrived at down a complex road with many twists and turns. Epiphanies may appear simple and instantaneous but are often preceded by much experience and forethought.

The Simple is Elegant when it has been stripped of the unnecessary and it is allowed to display its true depth. 

For me, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) is often a Kiss Goodbye.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon. Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Albert Einstein (pictured) closes Chapter 61 [Depression and Anxiety (Dissolve)] of All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon page while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)






Chapter 62 A Pack Of Loners, Alone

"They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.": - Emily Dickenson

*****

WE ARE ZEBRAS OF EVERY STRIPE:

Seekers most seek Solitude and it is in this Quiet Place where thoughts of God or any other Unified Theory take hold before returning to the Greater Human Field found outwardly. We cannot stay long in this Quiet Place or we would die of hunger and thirst. Most Seekers don't want to stay there anyway. It is in this Quiet Place where some Unquantifiable Battery is recharged before returning to Human Activities.

At times I, too, have been a momentary recluse seeking a quiet place to find solace and to heal. 

The Emily Dickenson quote at the beginning of this post is emboldened by another of her verses: 

"Some keep the Sabbath going to Church-

I keep it, staying at Home-

With a Bobolink for a Chorister-

And an Orchard, for a Dome-"

Her verse concludes with

"So instead of getting to Heaven, at last-

I'm going, all along."

Kudos to all the Seekers out there. We are Zebras of Every Stripe.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon. Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Emily Dickenson (pictured) opens Chapter 62 (A Pack of Loners, Alone) of All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon page while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)






"Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we?" - Rose Kennedy

*****

BE-CAW-CAW-CAUSE WE CAN!

Of course, Rose Kennedy's Quote pictured here is not to be taken literally. 

What? When it stops raining, am I to go out into the streets and belt out a Song from "West Side Story" or "A Star is Born"

Shall I jump out the window and flap my wings because that's what birds do? 

Maybe she does mean it literally (except for the jumping out the window part)! 

Birds don't beat dead horses (although they may peck at them), so I'll lay off a bit here. 

If the last few sentences drew a basket of chirps or even the smallest of smiles, perhaps I really do understand this Quote?

Why? Be-caw-caw-cause I can!

Do like me. Sing off-key, but sing... 

Any Way, Anyway.

Way.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon. Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Rose Kennedy (pictured) closes Chapter 62 (A Pack of Loners, Alone) of All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)





Chapter 63 Inject Me Slowly, Truth

"Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

*****

OH, HOW I WAS SUCH A WIND-UP TOY! The Endless, Indistinguishable Repetitions of the Same Deadly Daily Cycles: Drinking Beyond Obliteration, Past the Point of Remembrance and Recognition.

 Yes, Oh Yes, Addiction is Mechanical!

ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS REMOVED. like the Spirit of the Devil being removed from the young child in THE EXORCIST, over time I became Free of my Bondage by Alcohol. I would have settled for this mere Removal of the Obsession. That would have been enough. But far more than I could Imagine would come my way in Recovery. 

I have come to Measure my Time Differently Today. Life's Fragilities have become a source of Gratitude for me. Such is the passage of Time no longer measured by Pints, Quarts and Irreplaceable Losses. Memories, Hopes, Dreams, this Very Moment itself Intact, Living in Recovery,

"Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical." Kudos across these many Decades, Mr. Emerson. I strive to live your message in thought and action. My Immeasurable Thanks to You.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here:  

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson (pictured) closes Chapter 63 (Inject Me Slowly, Truthof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)


Chapter 64 My Extreme Flowchart

"All human evil comes from a single cause, man's inability to sit still in a room." - Blaise Pascal

*****

This little Blaise Pascal NUGGET is Pure GOLD! Its sheer multiplicity of possible meanings will likely make most heads nod in agreement until arguments about its depths and varieties of meanings and interpretations soon become a source of division. 

Contemplation brings me back to ground zero. 

We wanted a quick fix only to learn that our impatience failed us and a quick fix only disappointed us. Illusions may simply fall away when we seek a quiet corner. When we let it, a few moments of tranquil reflection will return us to the intersection of Solitude and Belonging.

The ability to sit still in a room is good and it can be learned. The trick, for me, is to return there periodically. It is in this peaceful place that the rhythms of living may be restored to healthier proportions. 

I wish to live simply - and mostly do - when I cultivate the habit of routinely sitting still in a room so I may enjoy the view inside my head and outside in the world unobstructed. I do not wish to stay there indefinitely, but this is still a dwelling place where I may find balance and joy. 

Recovery from Addiction has become my human home and life is good.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Blaise Pascal (pictured) closes Chapter 64 (My Extreme Flowchartof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!





Chapter 65 Phantom Toes Wiggling

"Success is a lousy Teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose." - Bill Gates

*****

FAILURE felt like I CAN'T WIN when I repeatedly RELAPSED.

Addiction is Seductive & Destructive. Even knowing that my brain seemed to crave more alcohol than anyone's body could handle and still survive didn't seem to change my drinking reflex. Knowledge is Power, but it seemed Recovery and Alcoholism were Games of Whack-a-Mole and I was losing both badly. Relapse was to be a Lousy Trial & Error Teacher. I would Crawl, attempt to Walk and Fall countless times before Learning to Stand Sober & Strong.

Being a Victim of Addiction & Living Responsibly in Recovery were Worlds Apart for me. The Chasm between them took 8 long years to bridge before now living short of 20 years of Continuous Sobriety.

Thank you, Bill Gates, for reminding me that a Drink is Always within Arm's Reach.

FAILURE to stay Sober became part of Learning HOW TO remain Sober.

It's Crazy. I'm Crazy. There you go.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Bill Gates (pictured) opens Chapter 65 (Phantom Toes Wigglingof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)




"Talk doesn't cook rice." - Chinese Proverb

*****

"PRAY WITH YOUR FEET" is about the only four (4) word QUIP I can COOK UP in Quick Response to "Talk doesn't cook rice."  

OKAY, there is INSTANT RICE, but even that requires you to Get Off Your DUFF & DO SOMETHING. 

"Action! Action!! WE WANT ACTION!!!" is a Cheerleader Chant I heard many times over watching my college football team on the field. The Best Part of Recovery Groups (to me) is to continue to MOTIVATE Change. 

"RECOVERY is EARNED." Three (3) Words (Guess I'll Quit While I'm Ahead)!

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here:  https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Chinese Proverb (pictured) closes Chapter 65 (Phantom Toes Wigglingof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)




Chapter 66 Insanity Cubed

"The human heart in its perversity finds it hard to escape hatred and revenge." - Moses Luzzatto

*****

"Teach Them to Hate Before They Turn Eight" is a slight misquote from South Pacific's "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught." Hatred and Revenge are likely learned responses which in a Civilized Society can be unlearned and be replaced by Love & Forgiveness.

IN THE MEANTIME, I'm working on my own little Corner of the Universe. 

Addiction is Insane and Inhuman. In Recovery, one Hopes some Sanity will be Restored and a Human Heart Repurposed. 

Love & Forgiveness: Teach me, Recovery, to move in that direction.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Moses Luzzatto (pictured) opens Chapter 66 (Insanity Cubedof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)








"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." - Albert Einstein

***** 

I truly like this Quote, but I have my apprehensions, as if "Something is rotten in the State of Denmark."

Thoughts and feelings are a curious mix for me. Believe as you wish, but I for one, tend to stick with what will be upheld by a Court of Law or in the Halls of Science. I'm not sure exactly what Einstein may have meant by this famous statement, but for me, Science and religion are not some kind of Yin & Yang of Perfection, mutually exclusive yet inseparable. 

I'd put it more like Facts without Feelings are Sterile and Feelings without Facts are Delusional. Even that's saying too much and a bit out of kilter. Balance. A life in balance is what I'm driving at.

Still, this quote makes me feel good and I have to laugh at it, not derisively, rather... joyously, laughing at myself and human folly.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Albert Einstein (pictured) closes Chapter 66 (Insanity Cubedof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)



Chapter 67 Monkey Frocks

"Alcoholism isn't a spectator sport. EVENTUALLY the whole family gets to play." - Joyce Rebeta-Burditt

*****

A BUTTERFLY'S WINGS ARE BROKEN and the Catastrophe Spreads Outward. This BUTTERFLY EFFECT Somehow Becomes Up-Close and Personal... EVENTUALLY.

My first visit to an AL-ANON Meeting showed me that I had usually been too anesthetized by alcohol to be aware of the pain I exacted upon others. Families suffer, too, and in many ways more that the addict. After all, they're not taking drugs to relieve their pain. The "whole family gets to play" and eventually will need help too. Soon, there will be no Spectators, only a Tragic, Destructive Spectacle that fans out far and wide. 

The Butterflies are Dying. 

This is Global. 

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Joyce Rebeta-Burditt (pictured) opens Chapter 67 (Monkey Frocksof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)




"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." - Maya Angelou

*****

THIS IS NOT A COP OUT. A 30-year Drinking Career obliterated the life I had or could have had. My Autographical Fiction contains all those gory details. Suffice it to say that Recovery has brought me a whole new life, strong, grateful, satisfying. 

I might have been considered more successful if my life had turned out some other way, but now success has been redefined for me and it is fine and good. The River of Time is Slow and Deep and I am Nourished. 

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Maya Angelou (pictured) closes Chapter 67 (Monkey Frocksof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c   

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)








Chapter 68 Epiphany-Deprived

"When we're connected to others, we become better people." - Randy Pausch

*****

ADDICTION IS THE DISEASE OF SEPARATION. 

The Drug is Part of Everything you do Until it Becomes THE ONLY THING YOU DO. Recovery is the Process of Separating from the Addiction and Reconnecting with Yourself and the World. 

SHARED COURAGE...

HUMAN.

KIND

CONNECTED.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

The Quote by Randy Pausch opens Chapter 68 (Epiphany-Deprivedof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!)






"Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle." - Helen Keller

*****

RED WAGON! RED WAGON! Someone pulled me along until I was old enough for a Tricycle, then a Bicycle (with training wheels). I eventually graduated to a barrel on its side and a Unicycle.

NO MATTER THE MODE, NO MATTER THE LOAD, to this day, I lose my balance, still, at times. 

My INTOLERANCE of those INTOLERANT of OTHERS has been more difficult than all of the above. It's My OXYGEN MASK, I have to remind myself, it's my Serenity, I mutter. Breathe, Jim. JUST BREATHE. Meanwhile, pedal like a son-of-a-bitch. And breathe.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c 

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Helen Keller (pictured) closes Chapter 68 (Epiphany-Deprivedof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://lnkd.in/esP83n-c  

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!





Chapter 69 My Last Relapse

"Contentment makes poor men rich. Discontent makes rich men poor." - Benjamin Franklin

*****

It is no coincidence that THIS Ben Franklin Quote ends THIS Chapter of All Drinking Aside. I was Broke and Teetering between Content & Discontent when "My Last Relapse" occurred. My Recurrent Relapse & Recovery Period lasted 8 Years. Understand that I never was and still am not Rich in any conventional sense, so "Contentment makes poor men rich" is the only part of this Quote that fits me now, despite the 30+ years of Discontent I experienced in my Addiction. 

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/dkF767RT 

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://www.amazon.com/All-Drinking-Aside-Deconstruction-Reconstruction/dp/149239730X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PWTERDUN8SM5&keywords=all+drinking+aside&qid=1691069707&s=books&sprefix=all+drinking+aside%2Cstripbooks%2C60&sr=1-1

#alcoholism #addiction #recovery #books

All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Benjamin Franklin (pictured) closes Chapter 69 (My Last Relapseof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://www.amazon.com/All-Drinking-Aside-Deconstruction-Reconstruction/dp/149239730X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PWTERDUN8SM5&keywords=all+drinking+aside&qid=1691069707&s=books&sprefix=all+drinking+aside%2Cstripbooks%2C60&sr=1-1    

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!






Chapter 70 This Is Page One

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." - Lily Tomlin

*****

ADDICTED TO CHAOS is not my QUICK RESPONSE to this Quote by Lily Tomlin. It is my measured response after quiet deliberation. When I hear someone say that they are "Addicted to Chaos," with near certainty, I can predict that they are likely in Early Recovery. Chaos is one of the Consequences of Addiction and it becomes what one is accustomed to. This Sober Life is Infinitely Rich and Infinitely Smoother than the Drugging Life. Even in moments of Chaos in Recovery, the Chaos is a Challenge OUT THERE, met with inner calm and resolve INSIDE me.

*****

For an added treat, check out my NEW Non-Fiction, BECOMING UNBROKEN: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery on Amazon here: Becoming Unbroken: Reflections on Addiction and Recovery: Anders, Jim: 9798786167857: Amazon.com: Books  

In the meantime, Immerse yourself in my Descent into Addiction and eventual Recovery in my Autobiographical Fiction, ALL DRINKING ASIDE: The Destruction, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal  

Find it on Amazon.  Book it here: https://www.amazon.com/All-Drinking-Aside-Deconstruction-Reconstruction/dp/149239730X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PWTERDUN8SM5&keywords=all+drinking+aside&qid=1691069707&s=books&sprefix=all+drinking+aside%2Cstripbooks%2C60&sr=1-1     

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All Drinking Aside bookends each of its 90 Chapters with Quotes by the Famous, Infamous & Anonymous.

This Quote by Lily Tomlin (pictured) closes Chapter 70 (This Is Page Oneof All Drinking Aside.

Resolve to read it. Explore your own mind within its pages. Check out the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon pages while you're there: https://www.amazon.com/All-Drinking-Aside-Deconstruction-Reconstruction/dp/149239730X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PWTERDUN8SM5&keywords=all+drinking+aside&qid=1691069707&s=books&sprefix=all+drinking+aside%2Cstripbooks%2C60&sr=1-1      

Enjoy BOTH OF THESE BOOKS on ADDICTION & RECOVERY! (Print & Kindle Versions of Both are Available!