14 Comments

"I want to share the examined life with as many others as possible, to continue examining myself on the other end of that exchange. I want to create beautiful things and help others unlock their own potential for artistic expression. I believe in craft, by which I mean craftsmanship: high aesthetic standards and intellectual depth."

These are things I can say I want in life also. I come from a family with 2 siblings that I've lost to addiction (alcoholism), so I'm deeply aware of the dynamics that play out in families. I've attended many 12 step meetings and found them to be helpful. I also once told my sister that I felt like I could be an alcoholic, but without the alcohol. I meant that I could see within myself some dysfunctional ways of behaving, I understand how painful life can be and that desire to numb the pain. I'm always interested in hearing other people's stories of addiction and recovery, and codependency. I think we can all benefit from 12 step programs. We've all got issues. Thanks for sharing your stories here, gentlemen.

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We all got issues—indeed. Thank you Melisa 🙏 I’m glad the piece touched you.

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Great conversation gents. I got a lot out of this. Thanks for diving into this topic and showing us a bit more about yourselves.

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Thank you sir 🫡

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Thank you both.

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"In my opinion we've struck at the heart of addiction and recovery with that idea of our relationship to things." Such a profound and interesting interview, Dee. I'll be unpacking and musing over this idea of "our relationship to things." I always come away with something good from your posts. Thanks.

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Thanks Stephanie. I’m glad it landed with you. 🙏

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An important conversation

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Thanks David! Glad you listened in!!

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Incredible perspectives and I loved reading this. In my humble profession opinion recovery is an individual process, something works for one person and doesn’t work for another. Thank you 🙏🏼

I’ll be checking out Josh's writing too.

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💯 K.

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As I said to Josh, it’s great to hear both your voices.

I always get curious about how and why we label things. It’s a bit analogous to having one of my clients ask me what my diagnosis of their situation is….. my question back is “ how will having a name for your process help you?” And I remind them that the diagnostic codes are to convey a general situation to insurance companies so that I can be paid. It might also be used to broadly relate information to another medical provider without disclosing personal information.

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One thing I have to be remarkable about the steps and principles of AA—and I resisted in the early days—was the simple program for living. Many people walking around AA have never had the mortal battle themselves—but came to it through AlAnon because of a family member. They grasp the simple program for living and apply it to their own lives without having ever had to hit any kind of bottom themselves. The community draws them in—much like it seems to have Josh. The attraction of that program and the community is what drives it and sustains it.

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I absolutely love the creation of a supportive community that has been created.💕

I kinda use back a bit on some of the labels or even the need for labels

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