recovery

You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.

― James Baldwin

I remember when marijuana was medically legalized in Los Angeles. I would see massive lines out the door of dispensaries in my neighborhood. Looking at everyone waiting for their kush, I’d ask myself, “Are all these people really here for ‘medical’ usage? This feels more like legalizing mass addiction to cope with depression, anxiety and god knows ... See more

The more you thank God for the life you have, the more your life starts to look like the one you want.

One of the central myths of American romance right now is this notion that you and your partner should be able to tell each other anything and everything

I am begging you not to do this

There are so many things about you that are just for you, for your soul, as well as a whole other category of things that are only for your therapist or priest to kno... See more

The more of a substantial person you are, the better you make the lives of those around you.

It’s common for addicts to realize that it’s addiction all the way down. While some of us have had more “extreme” addictions, all of us have been captured by a recurring false possibility that a certain solution will ease our pain, only to make our problems and pain worse.

It’s baffling how susceptible we are to this progressive, possibility-narrow... See more

The three elements I've found most helpful in changing harmful habits and patterned behavior (addictions):

1. First, pause and notice that you're feeling something uncomfortable (most don't realize this) and that you're hoping this pattern will make it go away. Get curious about what that feeling actually is. Be with it.


2. Remind yourself of the consequen

... See more

Forgiveness performed from obligation does two things: it excuses the behavior of others, and it reduces our ability to be conscious and present with the pain we truly feel.

When we rush to forgiveness, we lose our connection to our original wounds.