Recovering Meth

From a trip to Chicago, to moving into a new house, to working on my physical fitness, life has been fast paced. With all that has been going on, it's easy to overlook the blessings each day carries. At times I get caught up in the past or lost in what the future may bring. This episode shares some ways I pull myself into the present. I don't want to miss out on the blessings each day carries.

The previous episode shared about recognizing the need for closure when it comes to several incomplete relationships that I have been consumed by, since the age of 12 years of old. Unknowingly, these have had a negative impact in my life, recovery and spiritual walk. Those chains had been broken when I found closure atop a mountain in prayer. As the burdens lifted, life again throws some heartbreaking news in the mix. Because I choose to follow Jesus and live a life without substances, that does not make me immune to the pain and struggles of life. They do allow me to have another perspective to navigate and overcome what life throws my way. What does recovery look like to me? Listen. Relate. Be Inspired.

Emotions are insanely powerful. They are frightening, uncomfortable, likeable and confusing. They are part of the human experience to say the least. How does one come to terms with them, especially while in recovery, and the waves are relentlessly hitting? This episode shares my experience of processing a season of heavy emotions. They aren't necessarily new, but the fact that I am processing them clean and sober made them all the more real. During the processing of feelings, I was able to uncover a need for closure from the incomplete relationships that I have held on to. The question was posed, "am I ready to let them go?" If so, how do I find closure from these incomplete relationships if they involve loved ones who have all passed on? Listen. Relate. Be Inspired.

Do you accept hardship as a pathway to peace? This past week has been a consuming wave of emotions. Joy, confusion, hurt, proud, worthy, unworthy, lonely, and the list goes on. A recent step out a relationship, 3 years clean and sober, and my actual birthday have revealed some dark emotions that reminded me of the significant people that have passed away in my life. This episode shares a lot of my confusion, trauma, but most of all, hope. I share how, though this season of my life has been very interesting, I am still holding onto what matters in my life today. Listen, relate, and be inspired.

Changes in life are inevitable. Planned or unplanned. Career changes lead to new responsibilities and new stressors. Relationships open up vulnerability. Quitting smoking, leads to a whirl wind of emotions. All these changes quickly sprung up during this season of my life. This episode shares about insecurities, vulnerabilities, stress, and the ways I am overcoming to acceptance. Accepting that I am learning, growing, and making progress. Accepting that I will never have it perfect. Listen, relate, and find comfort knowing that you are not alone with the experiences you may have during this season of your life.

The premiere episode of season 2, kicks off with an emotional release of anger, hate, and blame. Unknowingly, I've allowed those elements to consume me. To hold me back. It wasn't until a a conversation with a friend, where they posed the question, "has that 13 year old boy, fully forgiven your mother?" May seem selfish, but truthfully, I hid those feeling so far within myself. 19 years later, I am finally able to let go and release those. Almost 3 years of clean time, and I am still healing. "One day at a time."

Deaths from addiction are nothing but heartbreaking and unnecessary. Especially when help is readily available. Yet, they happen. This episode takes a stroll down 17th Ave and Colter to remind myself of some people I have meet during my active addiction. Regardless of what we may have been doing, they were/are good people that I have had in my life. Take a stroll with me and hear the encouragement you need to hear today.

Jordan and Justin join this episdoe of the podcast. Both on their own recovery journey and both share their experience, strength and hope. Jordan shares his very real and relatable background with addiction and how he is striving to become the best possible version of himself. Justin shares his troubled childhood and how that ultimately influenced his lifestyle of addiction. Both men share their hope with the Recovering Meth podcast listeners. A follow up in 3 months is definitely needed with these two gentlemen.

Self-condemning is one thing that I still struggle with today. My actions, my thoughts, what I've said or didn't, are all very deceiving when it comes to fueling the shame and guilt that lead to my self-condemning. I find comfort in the phrase "progress not perfection". Most of all, I am a Child of God and I find strength and comfort in His word. Knowing that I am forgiven is supremely what helps me overcome my self-condemning tendencies. Listen as I share my experience, strength and hope.

What sins are you holdiing on to that you need to let go of? Isn't it time you let yourself free but giving it over to God? This episode talks about "lust" and how it has been holding me back from the promises of being joyous and free that come along with recovery. If I ain't careful, it could consume me enough to fall back. So I chose to let it go and share my truth.