My Story of Lung Cancer

Getting diagnosed with lung cancer flipped my world upside down. I always knew smoking wasn’t good for me, but I didn’t really understand the full impact until I was sitting in that doctor’s office, listening to words that suddenly made the warnings real. Looking back, I want to share what lung cancer taught me about … Read more

How Alcohol Led Me to Cirrhosis

I used to think a stiff drink after work was something everyone deserved, a little ritual that helped me unwind and celebrate the end of the day. For years, I brushed aside warnings, dismissing them as worry or overreaction. It wasn’t until I found myself in a doctor’s office, staring at scans, blood panels, and … Read more

Overcoming Shame in Recovery

Shame can feel incredibly heavy and isolating, especially for anyone navigating addiction. It’s not just embarrassment—it’s that deep, lingering belief that something is wrong with you at your core. And unlike passing emotions, shame tends to stick, quietly influencing how you see yourself and the choices you make. For many people struggling with addiction, shame … Read more

Transforming Pain into Purpose

Pain and struggle often come hand in hand with addiction recovery. But pain can pave the way to some of the most powerful changes in our lives. I’ve learned that real progress happens not by avoiding pain, but by learning how to use it for something that gives us meaning and direction. In this guide, … Read more

Recovery Begins with Self-Love

Your adventure to recovery isn’t just a process; it’s an act of self-love at every step. Whether you’re coming back from a tough spot emotionally, mentally, or physically, the real power in healing starts with learning how to treat yourself with kindness. I’ve found that building a foundation of self-love can shape the whole experience, … Read more

Navigating Life After Rehab

Adjusting to life after rehab is a journey that blends hope, excitement, and a fair amount of uncertainty. Stepping back into everyday responsibilities—work, family, social situations—can feel like entering a new world, one where old habits may resurface and new expectations can feel overwhelming. I’ve seen how overwhelming this stage can be, but I’ve also … Read more

Rebuilding Trust After Relapse

Rebuilding trust after a relapse isn’t about grand gestures or smooth talking. It’s about taking steady action, maintaining honest communication, and exercising considerable patience. For anyone who’s slipped back into old habits, the path to rebuilding trust can feel overwhelming. I know from my own experience supporting others in recovery that it can be a … Read more

Visualization use through Cravings

Cravings can hit out of nowhere, and when they do, it often feels like your willpower disappears in seconds. I’ve been there—whether it’s late-night snacking, the sudden urge to smoke, or the impulse to reach for something you’re trying to avoid. Cravings tend to emerge at your weakest moments, often fueled by stress, boredom, or … Read more

Talking About Addiction Together

Creating a safe space to talk about addiction is crucial for making real change possible in any community. Hard conversations can feel intimidating, but when people feel comfortable and heard, healing and help can actually happen. I’m excited to walk through what it takes to encourage open dialogue about addiction and how to turn these … Read more

Teens, OCD, and Hope

Supporting teens dealing with both OCD and addiction is not always as straightforward as it might look on the surface. A lot is going on behind the scenes, especially when two conditions overlap and reinforce each other. I have found that understanding what is really happening, considering the challenges teens face, and using some solid … Read more