Addictions
WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY?
It would be hard to let the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman go without anymore mention on this site. Is it just me, or does anyone else find the amount of attention this is getting to be more than average? We do lose celebrities – sad but true. Some of natural causes and others as my husband says, of “misadventure.” PSH is not the first star to overdose. But perhaps he is the one with the most gravitas, the most… Read More
SPEECHLESS WITH SADNESS
Not a common state for either one of us. We were working on our book when the phone alert from CNN announced the tragic death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman of a heroin overdose. He was clean for years, relapsed and now he’s gone at forty-six. One of our greatest actors. Father of three young children. His best years clearly ahead of him. Heroin takes another soul. R.I.P. “The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational… Read More
Action, Addictions, Bravery, Courage, Ego, Risk
THE COMPETITIVE SPIRIT
I’m not usually competitive. I don’t play most sports for obvious reasons. Age, height and weight combined with minimal hand-eye coordination have kept me comfortably on the sidelines. I do love golf but have never really been good enough to get all, “I’m gonna kick some ass out there today!’” about it. My greatest opponent on the golf course resides just under my hat and right between my ears. Like most golfers, I’m my own worst enemy. Too many swing… Read More
CREATION IS THE PLAY OF LIFE UPON ITSELF
When it comes to fear, there are a number of things I observe in my own behavior and the behavior of others. When the forms of our lives disappear we get scared. No form is permanent and at some point in everyone’s life, all forms, no matter how substantial they look or how important they may be, will disappear. The forms of our lives, our relationships, careers, health, wealth, our bodies and stuff we own, even the feelings we’re having… Read More
MARIJUANA WAFFLES
Actually, the headline should be “marijuana waffler.” Even as I type this I’m not sure I want to share my thoughts on the subject of ‘Legalizing Marijuana”. I read Tracey’s powerful anti Legalization blog and found many of her arguments compelling. I have the same concerns that she does. Addiction is rampant around the world and I don’t want to see anything done that encourages or increases the probability of kids getting high. That thought deserves a paragraph of… Read More
Addictions, Risk, The Right Stuff
POTTED
This blog post reflects my position and my position only. I have no idea what Paul thinks of the legalization of marijuana. He is on a plane, likely over Colorado and we have never discussed it. But I feel in light of the fact we are a site that deals with addiction in all its forms, we, make that I, need to address this issue. We are not about substance abuse per se, but there is no way we can… Read More
A BLOGGING BREAK
Grateful folks need a break to charge up their grateful batteries. That being the case, Paul and I are taking a little holiday break here. We will be back after the first. We will try and put up some affirmations in the next week. But if we don’t, know we are thinking of all of you. I am taking a vacation with my family. And Paul is taking some much needed downtime and I think playing a little golf. We… Read More
Addictions, Forgiveness, Happiness, Kindness, Living Fully, The Right Stuff
ON FRIENDSHIP
After all this reflection, I came to the conclusion that I am lacking the gratitude and trust that friendships require. I am taking my friends and friendships for granted. I am expecting way too much from those around me and possibly not enough from myself. I believe I need to change my perspective on what it means to be a friend. Right now, my expectations within friendships are somewhat unrealistic. This includes holding friends up to standards of inclusion and sharing… Read More
ADDICTION AS ATTACHMENT
Addiction can be seen as an extreme case of what the Eastern spiritual traditions call attachment. The wise ones advised us not to be attached to the attractions and aversions of worldly life. Because all sensory pleasures, all relationships, and all material possessions are transient, their satisfaction will invariably fade, giving rise to discontent, followed by brand new cravings, and when those are satisfied … well, you know the story: the cycle continues. And continues. The only lasting happiness… Read More