When I was growing up, my grandparents lived across country. And even though I only saw them every few years, the time I spent with them is a still a treasured memory. I am luckier than they were because three of my four grandchildren live close by, and I am able to spend time lots and […]
Our Little Max
We already had six other dogs. Granted they were small dogs, but, still, their number added up to six! Then, a month ago our daughter, who had recently moved into a new house, called us in crisis. “Mom,” she said. “We have a problem. Max almost drowned in the backyard pond. Do you think that you could keep […]
Co-Dependence
Co-dependence is a learned behavior, rooted in shame, where the needs of others are chronically put before your own. The co-dependent lets others define who he is and sacrifices his own integrity to insure the emotional wellbeing of another. Co-dependents are caretakers and rescuers, controlling their outside world to obtain inner peace. Where Does Co-dependency Come […]
Living History — Confessions of a Real-Life Relic
As a 56-year-old college student, I face certain challenges but none so great as my last two required classes. Let’s talk about Psychology One, the first of the two that I am enrolled in. I signed up for this class to learn about the workings of the mind. But to my abject disappointment, it is all about […]
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Stephen has been clean and sober for seven months. This is a miracle because it’s the longest period of abstinence that Stephen has managed to put together since he began using drugs 12 years ago. Everybody is happy with him. His boss pats him on the back regularly, and his wife has stopped nagging him. […]
Acceptance
The most important lesson that I have learned outside of school is that my inner peace is directly proportional to my level of acceptance. This way of thinking revolutionized my life. When I was younger, I believed the opposite and lived my life trying to control everyone and everything within my little sphere of influence. I surmised […]