Encouragement for the journey to change and recovery!
There are over 500 posts here to encourage you along your smoking cessation or addiction recovery journey. So whether you’re on a specific quest or just filling time, there’s something positive here for you. And for private answers to specific questions, remember that you can CONTACT us! You’ll find silly posts, pretty pictures, challenges, poems, and plenty of positivity.
Be Sure to Cher!
Yes, this is a public service announcement to remind you that this weekend (very early Sunday morning) we’re supposed to turn our clocks back an hour. That means we get “an extra hour.” It’s an interesting idea. What would you do if you had a free hour to use as you wish? What would you… Read More
Not Fair!
There are plenty of things in life that aren’t fair. Sometimes, some people are motivated to try to address disparities. For starters, we need to see the unfairness. If it’s something that doesn’t impact us personally, we may be completely unaware of glaring inequity. So, here it is – a brief and informative video that… Read More
Lavender’s Lit!
Lavender is brilliant and (for me) she’s local, too! I’ve known her and her family for several years and I will acknowledge my personal bias. Lavender is lovely! You don’t need to agree, but I suspect that you will. Lavender lives in Fitchburg, MA and was recently a contestant on America’s Got Talent. (TO BE… Read More
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Thanks to Stephen’s Place and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities for their inspiring work and helpful information. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month can bring awareness to the challenges that those with developmental disabilities face when it comes to interacting within their communities. Developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays affect… Read More
Simple
Meditation and mindfulness are both wildly popular and widely misunderstood. While I am not an expert on the subject, I have personally reaped great benefits from a daily discipline in the past. But I became complacent and wandered away from my practice. For reasons that remain a puzzle to me, I have been slow to… Read More
Brighter Days Ahead
Solstice greetings to you and yours! On this – the shortest (and darkest?) day of the year – may we look forward with a deep sense of hope about the brighter days ahead. And as nature marks this point in its cycle of seasons, let us seize the season and claim the brightness ahead as… Read More
Chilly Fishes & Warm Wishes
On this day when so many are thinking about reasons to be thankful, I wanted to pause and express my thanks for the privilege of daily serving folks who are brave enough for this journey. Trying to make positive changes in our live is surely the mark of courage. So thank you for taking good… Read More
COVID Quit Cassie
A Story of Numbers After my eighth serious quit attempt in three years, it finally took. Support from the QuittersWin group and mindful use of NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) helped me finally sever the chains from my 45-year, pack-per-day addiction. I noticed a difference right away! By the end of day two smoke-free, I was… Read More
On A Bridge
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Early on an October morning (5 years ago today) as I drove to work in the rain, I sat at a red light in the center of my hometown. There are two routes that will get me to work in about the same amount of time. One route… Read More
Fierce and Frail – Part Two
Maybe Miracles Do Happen? If people can maintain coherence and avoid terrible detox symptoms, they might be able to hold hope long enough for a miracle to occur. I’ve seen the bumper sticker that says “Expect a Miracle.” Some days I might scoff at such unreasonable hope. Some days I might wish that expecting a… Read More
Fierce and Frail
Part One – A Fierce Storm Today Rehab and Detox beds are nowhere to be found. Demand is higher than ever. Resources are more scarce. Staff are harder to hire and keep. Overdose deaths (CDC figures) rose 30% from 2019 to 2020 and another 15% from 2020 to 2021. The system has been broken for… Read More
Stress Less
Life will never be stressless, but maybe we can find better ways of managing our anxiety, stress, or feelings of despair. Why do we react to stress that way? When folks relapse and go back to vaping or smoking, it is almost always due to a stressful situation. The stimulation caused by nicotine in the… Read More
Let’s Unpack That!
There’s a phrase I hear often and even when people are talking about serious matters, I’m tempted to smirk or laugh. Maybe you use or hear this phrase – “emotional baggage.” OK, “I’m pretty sure you meant to say “griefcase!” is a kinda funny response (I’m a sucker for a cheap laugh.) But the things… Read More
Black Lives/Black Lungs
While Black history should be accurately taught and celebrated every day, Black History Month is a perfect time to spotlight the fact that smoking is a social justice issue as well as a global health concern. The Tobacco industry has a well-documented record of target marketing to marginalized communities. “These tactics have serious consequences. African… Read More
Mirth and Motivation
Even the best of days would be better with a few smiles, smirks, or chuckles! So here’s a small dose of motivation for your day. Laughter is #GoodMedicine! If this doesn’t immediately ring a bell, here’s a hint – think about Abbott & Costello! Yup, I ACTUALLY laughed out loud the first time I saw… Read More
Welcome the Dawn
(even when it’s ten below zero?) I heard myself grumbling about the weather getting cold recently. It made me realize that I hadn’t performed my annual winter magic ritual. So, I looked at the 10 day forecast, picked the coldest morning, and created a calendar event so I wouldn’t forget. I was out on the… Read More
Not how, but why?
I recently stumbled upon this peculiar past performance by a very talented magician named Tom Mullica. Why the video attracted my attention should be obvious – he uses lit cigarettes in his stage trickery. Furthermore, I’ve always been intrigued by magic and illusions. So, I simply had to watch this video. I think you should,… Read More
I’mperfect
NOTE: I wrote this short post in 2017. Since then, I have become aware of some comments made by J K Rowling that are disrespectful to transgender individuals. That’s a big deal to me. I vehemently disagree with her AND (not but) I also love some of her novels and she serves as a great… Read More
Guilt and Shame
Guilt and shame are NOT the same, at least in my opinion (humble or otherwise.) So, to be clear, I am not even consulting a dictionary on this one. We all have a real internalized understanding of these two words. We know – in our gut – what they feel like. I’d like to challenge… Read More
What Do We Live For?
Here’s a quote that makes me feel good. “What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?” – George Eliot It makes me feel hopeful. Hope feels good. But I suspect that it also makes me feel good because if I’m thinking about making things less difficult for others,… Read More
Why?
Remembering our WHY can help us get back on track or stay on track in pursuit of recovery. Every person’s WHY is as unique as they are, of course. But understanding the different kinds of WHYs may be helpful because not all WHYs are created equal. Yes, there are different kinds of motivators to quit… Read More
Feeling SAD?
Disclaimer: To be clear, I’m not a doctor and I’m not trying to diagnose anyone. I just want to encourage folks to seek the help they need. One of my compassionate colleagues sent out a reminder about Seasonal Affective Disorder and it seemed perfectly timed. So BIG thanks to Danielle D’Addamio, PT, DPT! As the… Read More
COVID Quit Marion
My name is Marion. I have been a lifelong smoker on and off. I’ve had years at a time of abstinence, but always, eventually, go back to smoking. Each time it gets harder to quit and easier to start again. Read The Power of Now to see why attending groups BEFORE you’re ready to quit… Read More
COVID Quit George
My name is George and I am an ex-smoker since July 20, 2020. This is my story. I started smoking at the young age of 12 years old, thinking it was a cool thing to do. Eventually I became a full-time, heavy smoker in my late teens and continued smoking for about 50 years. I… Read More
September
To be clear, I don’t own this music or the rights to it. It’s just a great song by Earth , Wind & Fire that seems kinda perfect for TODAY! https://videopress.com/v/Ihj5rKVp?resizeToParent=true&preloadContent=metadata Songwriters: White Maurice / Willis Alta Sherral / Mc Kay Albert PhillipSeptember lyrics © Emi April Music Inc., Steel Chest Music, Irving Music Inc.… Read More
Nicotine Withdrawal
What to Expect and What to Do For folks addicted to nicotine in any of its forms, stopping means you will encounter some withdrawal symptoms. However, these symptoms can vary widely from person to person. The discomfort caused may not be directly related to the amount of nicotine you’ve been using or the length of… Read More
“The Secret to Getting Ahead”
According to Mark Twain or Agatha Christie (depending upon who you believe actually said it) “the secret to getting ahead is getting started.” And while the authorship of the quote may be contested, there is no question to its truth. The first step is often the hardest and always required for those who will grow… Read More
You’re Right, They’re Wrong
Life isn’t always fair, so I’m certain that somebody has judged you unfairly. And while it may be appealing to say or think, “they have no right to say that about me,” what they say or think is really none of our business. People have the right to be wrong – certainly in their thoughts… Read More
But I LIKE smoking!
I hear that fairly often. Typically it’s a health concern that brings a person to a place where they accept that they should quit smoking (vaping, drinking excessively, or using other substances.) But they really don’t want to quit because they “like it!” I’m not sure that anyone actually likes sucking toxic soot into their… Read More
Sucking Soot
(Special thanks to Thadryan* for the illustrations!) Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, a little rhyme might be of use For those quitting cigarettes (perhaps vaping or snus.)If you want to change, go ahead and read it. There’s help right here, for those who’ll heed it! If you’re in the mood for some silly rhyme, I think… Read More
MENders
MENders is an open concept support group for anyone who identifies as male. Our original, in-person meetings were located in Central Massachusetts. We migrated meetings onto virtual platforms in order to continue to provide support during the pandemic. MENders values and protects the privacy of all participants. We’ve created a safe, confidential space where all… Read More
Takin It To The Streets
Right up front, here’s my disclaimer: I don’t own the rights to this music or this video, BUT I can’t help but share a 45 year old song that holds up so well! And this song may not have musical, magical (almost medicinal) benefits for you, but it brings a smile to my face every… Read More
Wow, just wow!
At a recent QuittersWin meeting, a member who was feeling overwhelmed felt safe sharing their frustration, fears, and pain with us. Wow! What an honor to be there as that person’s safe place. We also discussed how by not always focusing on the quantity we use, but looking at other factors, we may gain really… Read More
Connect
I believe one of the “pearls among the rubble” of this pandemic will be that we choose to be more intentional and compassionate as we return to connecting with others. Maybe we could even try to be more like a Buddhist monk! https://youtu.be/NHk2jBbvvfU All of the services provided by QuittersWin are available without cost to… Read More
Work Hard and Be Nice
Another Michael Franti song caught my ear today. It’s a perfect musical message for a making your Monday matter! This song is dedicated to all my brave friends who are working hard on their journeys from addiction to freedom. Of course, like so much of Franti’s music, it has a great message for the whole… Read More
Rodrigo
#ICOVIDQUIT Rodrigo recognized that all aspects of his life got better when he quit smoking. Sure, the physical/medical benefits can be exciting. I’ve watched people get so healthy after quitting cigarettes that they were able to safely stop taking medications for hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and other medical conditions. But the non-medical benefits may be equally… Read More
Patanisha
#ICOVIDQUIT Patanisha decided to try and quit smoking when her doctor explained the increased risk she faced from COVID-19. While quitting was undoubtedly one of the hardest things she’s ever done, it’s also been one of the most rewarding. I LOVE what she says about quitting boosting her self-esteem. For over 20 years I’ve been… Read More
Katie
#ICOVIDQUIT The benefits of quitting may surprise you. Katie is very happy that she took this step – especially now! Maybe a pandemic is a reason to do it, rather than an excuse to wait. Listen to Katie’s calm courage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqBmuk3IJgU “It’s a feedback loop. When I would smoke, the feedback loop was, “I’m stressed, I don’t… Read More
Hassi
#ICOVIDQUIT People with courage enough to even try to quit smoking in the midst of a global pandemic are brave souls indeed, Hassi found a clearer mind, clearer voice, and clearer conscience. It’s hard and it’s worth it! Here’s his story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqv4ooCeh9A Get the support you need. Quitters are still winning – even in the… Read More
March Fo(u)rth!
You know how much I love music. You know I think music has the power to shift moods and change the complexion of our days. You know I think we should make music a regular part of our daily routines. So… Why doesn’t QuittersWin have an anthem?! Well, I don’t have a good answer except… Read More
Outsider?
Disclaimer: The video in this post was produced by L L Bean and while it’s not an advertisement, I want make clear that I neither endorse their products, nor do I receive any consideration in exchange for posting their video. I’ve owned some great L L Bean products, but they didn’t pay me to say… Read More
Not Now?
As a person who attempted quitting smoking at least two dozen times before I found the quit I could live with, I completely understand that timing really matters when it comes to big changes. The task is even more complicated because those things we’re trying to quit have been serving as “coping devices” for us.… Read More
Bear Hugs Kettle
Emmet Fox told a story about a bear that might be worth our time: “There is an anecdote of the Far West which carries a wonderful lesson. It appears that a party of hunters, being called away from their camp, left the campfire unattended, with a kettle of water boiling on it. Presently an old… Read More
Amazing!
In the midst of a global pandemic, who quits smoking? Quitting smoking is tough enough during the best of times (and few of us would use that phrase to describe 2020.) But, it has been my privilege and pleasure, over the last year, to witness tremendous feats of courage and determination. I have lost count… Read More
OK, I See the Dragon…
NOTE: If you grasp the five distinct aspects of your complicated relationship with tobacco (or other substances) you are already way more likely to be successful at taking back your freedom. As you probably know, unless you’re very new here, we envision those five distinct aspects as the heads of a dragon. If you want… Read More
Refillable
Perhaps we’re missing the point when we think and talk about the glass being half empty or half full. More important than the current state of the glass is this fact: The glass is refillable! That’s right! It’s my glass and I take responsibility for refilling it. So, what things can refill one’s glass? These… Read More
Dr. Jud: Power of Kindness
PLEASE make time to watch this video. Two and a half minutes that can absolutely change your day (and make the world a better place to live!) I know that sounds like hype, but let me know how you feel about the video after you watch it. I’m pretty sure this is a worthwhile way… Read More
Get Schooled
Prepare to be get schooled by a class of kindergartners who are well-versed in the practices of mindfulness and breathing techniques. Julie Bayer-Salzman and Josh Salzman were inspired by their son and his class who proved to have a lot of wisdom on the matter. They spent a day with the kids and families involved… Read More
Ambassadors of Change
My yard and gardens have been a source of great joy and peace during the past several months. Clinical evidence shows that time spent in nature can reduce stress. And even while my gardens are cultivated, planned, and planted for the most part, they are surely driven by forces of nature. Some of those forces… Read More
Tiny Habits Expert Library
Behavior Scientist, researcher, author (and genuinely great guy) BJ Fogg, PhD has made a truly powerful library of Tiny Habit trainings available for free! Taught by BJ Fogg and his trained Habiteers, these brief, accessible videos to help us all learn tiny habits that can help us live better lives (even in the midst of… Read More
Pearl Diving
According to the internet, Jay Shetty is a British vlogger, author, former monk, and motivational speaker. He has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh and Today to discuss mental health and life purpose. I don’t know Mr. Shetty and I don’t own the rights to the video below. You… Read More
A 9/11 Story
9/11 is a day that we will never forget. Janice has a very special reason to remember that day and the truth that silenced the “little voice in my head.” Read More
Natural(?) American Spirit
For as long as people understood that smoking tobacco was harmful, there has been an interest in a safe (or safer) cigarette. Interestingly, in the winter of 1886 Vincent Van Gogh painted “Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette.” So maybe he already knew smoking was dangerous. Funny how so many people thought he… Read More
Balance
Balance is vital. Balance is an essential aspect of the universe. In fact, the entirety of the universe attests to balance. The inter-relatedness of the universe necessitates the balance and its unceasing motion seeks balance. Our relationships require balance as well, if they are to be healthy. Two characteristics of healthy relationships which must be… Read More
Head Hands Heart Habits
When we’re have a flat tire we usually do two things. First we remove the defective tire, but none of us would think of hopping into the driver’s seat and driving away at that point. No, there’s another essential step; put on a good tire! I realize that may sound painfully obvious to you, but… Read More
Trauma: Sobering and Hopeful News
We have long said and heard things like, “Depression runs in my family,” or, “On Dad’s side there were lots of drinkers.” So I think it’s safe to say that on some level we knew there could be an inter-generational connection when it comes to mental health and addiction. Over the past several years there… Read More
Quitting Smoking is Fun?!
Some of the groups I facilitate each week are Tobacco Cessation groups. I’ve listened to the voices in the meeting and I’m sometimes surprised by the amount of laughter in our soundtrack. Bear in mind that as I report this, the world is grappling with remnants of a global pandemic. My country is facing some… Read More
Massachusetts Menthol Smokers!
Hey! For any Massachusetts menthol smokers, here’s your chance to get $50 and up to 8 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy. Quitting smoking just became an even better deal! Read More
Illness vs Wellness
As soon as “I” join another and become a “We” Illness becomes Wellness! It’s really true – sometimes the difference between illness and wellness is just connecting with another “I.” Sometimes a whole room full of I’s can become a tremendously powerful We! There is something not quite mathematical about the power or joining with… Read More
Look or See?
Sometimes I look and do not see. Often it’s because I’m hurrying or have my eyes in one place while my mind is elsewhere. I can look at something without really being there. And that’s when I miss out on some of the real beauty in this world. So, maybe this post is about slowing… Read More
Addiction: Blame vs. Responsibility
I have never accepted what was the conventional wisdom that addicted people needed to “just say no” or choose differently. I didn’t believe it was that simple. Read More
Dandelions
I spoke with a fellow recently and he told me a story that I found to be helpful. I decided to share it here. He said that there’s a person who calls him on the phone and they both go outdoors and take a walk “together.” In actuality they don’t even live in the same… Read More
Prescribe Subscribe
Here’s some #GoodMedicine! John Krasinski highlights some good news around the world and brings in his friends Guy Fieri, Martha Stewart, David Chang, and Stanley Tucci for an SGN potluck. Read More
Tiny Habits
You’ve probably either read or heard me talk about the power of BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits approach to behavior change. I’m a big fan and more importantly a convinced believer. Tiny habits make a deceptively big impact when it comes to behavior change. BJ Fogg has researched extensively and developed a method that helps people… Read More
Today Humpier?
Today is Humpday, and in my corner of the world, the day feels humpier than other HumpDays. I suspect that I’m not the only one feeling that way. So maybe this reminder isn’t just for me, but I know that I need to be intentional about how I look at this HumpDay. Maybe you do… Read More
Dr. Jud: Stress Eating?
Emotions are running high these days, and that can lead to all sorts of negative habits, especially around food. Are you eating more than usual? Or maybe so worried that you’re forgetting to eat? Stress affects our appetite in major ways, but there is a simple approach to identify and change these behaviors so you… Read More
Please Pause
Grab a cup of tea or coffee (and maybe a tissue?) and treat yourself to some real hope. America is suffering from a spiritual virus. The good news of Easter is that we have a vaccine. By Otis Moss III America is infected by a virus that has changed life for millions. This infection does… Read More
A BIG Favor, Peeps?
Favor is a verb. – “My mother always seemed to favor black jelly beans, so we’d save them for her.” It’s the root of the word favorite, and it’s a noun. “May I ask you a favor?” Today I’m asking some of my favorite folks (Yes, I’m talking to you) to do a favor for… Read More
Five Finger Breathing from Dr. Jud
Five finger breathing: a simple way to reboot your brain, calm down and be in the moment. Worry takes up your brain’s “RAM” (working memory.) Paying attention to many senses (seeing, feeling) & body parts (hands, breath) at once crowds out worry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QVqMaWrP-s&feature=youtu.be Please go to YouTube and subscribe to Dr. Jud’s daily update! #GoodMedicine!… Read More
Gratitude: Ready, Set, Recharge!
This morning I came to the desk where I sit when working from home. As I internally expressed gratitude that my work is continuing, I looked at the small fleet of mobile phones plugged into their various charging cables and the “easy” button which I use to celebrate various tasks I accomplish. The subject of… Read More
Get and Use Zoom
Please download and use this FREE app, Zoom. At this time when we have to maintain social distancing we may be feeling disconnected from people we care about. This video talks you through the process of installing Zoom. If you only watch the first 90 seconds, you’ll have what you need to join in to… Read More
The Power of Truth
We have probably all heard some variant of the expression “you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” As a facilitator of groups I have countless times witnessed how one person’s truth can also set other people free. That’s why I am such a proponent of gathering in groups. Sharing one’s… Read More
Remember! There is Good News.
Please REMEMBER that when we hear about more cases of COVID-19 that part of the reason is that testing supplies are getting out to more communities – good news! So they can now accurately identify people who need treatment. Good news! And to be encouraged to self-quarantine to avoid further spread. good news! There’s actually… Read More
Meetings ReZOOM!
Weekly QuittersWin meetings had to pause when in-person gatherings became potentially unsafe, but thanks to a free app you can install on your phone, we’re able to reZOOM! Zoom is an app for our phones that can allow us to see each other and talk. I think it’s important to feel connected during times like… Read More
Pause & Shift: QuittersWin groups online!
So we’ve been thinking about and planning to offer web-based meetings and COVID-19 has provided the nudge we needed! So for (at least) the rest of March, we’re holding QuittersWin groups ONLINE! We hope to support as many of our existing participants as possible AND meet some new friends, too! MONDAYS at 6:00 pm (EST)… Read More
Action Beats Worry
There’s plenty going on that can cause anxious thoughts. And to be fair, some of those thoughts can protect us from dangerous situations. But often those worrisome thoughts get amplified and we can obsess until we feel like a gerbil on a wheel. Physical running can be really good for us, but mental or emotional… Read More
COVID-19 Got You Anxious?
Beat anxiety in uncertain times by staying calm and connected! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDnU3_AYDGM#action=share Some timely advice from Dr. Jud Brewer to help us reduce the anxiety we feel in uncertain times like these. Read More
Do Good = Feel Good
Hey, we all know that doing good feels good. And in these uncertain times, doing ANYTHING can reduce some of our natural anxiety. So, let’s help out our local businesses right now (and maybe reduce some of our anxiety, too!) Today’s tip is can help out local restaurants feeling the pinch of COVID-19 crowd suppression.… Read More
Never a Failure
When we ignore the lesson offered to us by a setback, we choose to fail. Searching for the tip at the scene of a slip, or in the wake of a mistake, is a move that winners make. Building the habit of expecting and detecting the clues changes everything! Read More
Just Breathe
Slow, intentional, deep breathing is #GoodMedicine! Here are an assortment of GIFs that you may want to download and save on your phone. Try deep breathing with each of them and find the one that feels good to you. Count the dot as 1, the line as 2, and the sides of the polygons 3,… Read More
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
A poem (on the occasion of Dr. Seuss’ birthday) Quitting smoking sure is toughWe’ve learned for years to love each puff And habits and feelings can make you craveTo make this journey, you must be brave And if quitting again has hopes saggin’Learn about the 5-Headed Dragon! We’d like to help – you’re not aloneYou… Read More
Reframing Failure
Let’s face it – ‘FAIL’ is a four letter word. It’s rarely a helpful word. It’s a word with very negative connotations. It is often misused, especially when we are talking to ourselves. In my opinion (humble or otherwise) we’d be better off without the word. When we think that we have failed, we are… Read More
What a Time to Be Alive!
That expression, usually uttered sarcastically, often while shaking one’s head, has long amused me. I thought that perhaps I should have a category of posts here to which that expression could apply. This category might have also been labeled ‘just when you thought you had seen it all’ or maybe even ‘someone’s got a little… Read More
Remember
This cactus developed was feeling droopy, but the prognosis is good! Remember that you aren’t alone on this journey and there’s no shame in asking for help. Remember that this site is searchable. Just click on the magnifying glass at the top of the page. There are over 450 posts here, so whether you’re on… Read More
Two Words: You Matter!
Don’t ever forget these two words: You Matter! Someone is drinking coffee from a cup you gave them. Someone walked by their fridge smiled as they saw your photograph. Someone saw a car like yours and smiled. Someone is wearing a scarf today that you gave them. Someone is chuckling over your post on social… Read More
Superbowl!
POTENTIAL SILLY POST WARNING: On the day when millions of people tune in to watch the Superbowl, I thought we might look at things in a slightly different way. So here are some photographs, each of which draw attention to a superb owl! #SuperbOwl First, this might remind us that there at least two ways… Read More
I Pressed On
Perhaps you have also recently seen this on a social media platform. If you rearrange the letters in the word DEPRESSION, you can spell I PRESSED ON. I love words and scrambling or jumbling them. So, this post caught my attention immediately. My first impression was that it was clever and perhaps significant that those… Read More
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
I fell in love with a few pages of the book that I found on social media and started sharing them while I waited for my copy of “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” to arrive. I’ve shared the pages at seven treatment groups in three days. I’ve shared the images on… Read More
BESOCHEMPS
BESOCHEMPS This stunning and sobering depiction of the 5-Headed Dragon, BESOCHEMPS, was created by the very talented Santiago Bautista. Each of the heads is different and influential to varying degrees. Subsequently, each person has a unique relationship with their substance of choice. If you haven’t yet heard of the 5-Headed Dragon, BESOCHEMPS, you’re either new here,… Read More
Solstice and Solace
Some people say that today is the “shortest day of the year.” Technically it’s the day of the year (if you live in the northern hemisphere) when there are fewer hours and minutes of daylight than any other. So in actuality, today will be neither longer nor shorter than yesterday. And while this cold and… Read More
Freedom
As a child I remember being stunned first by the beauty of the rows of pristine white stones arrayed in lines on the lush green grass when my family visited Arlington National Cemetery. The markers seemed to radiate in every direction for as far as I could see and fell into rows no matter which… Read More
Yes or No?
Yes or no? Oh, if only it was that simple! A few months ago I noticed a billboard on my drive to one of my consulting gigs. It was sponsored by an organization that serves addicted individuals. The sign said, “Addiction is not a choice. It’s a disease.” Upon reading it my first response was… Read More
Massachusetts Temporarily Bans All Vaping Products
Yesterday afternoon the Governor of Massachusetts, Charles D. Baker, declared a state of emergency and announced at a press conference that the state will ban the sale of all vaping products. While precise details are not available at this time (exact starting date of the ban, duration, etc.,) comments made during the presser make it… Read More
Change is Beautiful!
Change is beautiful and essential. When we stop changing, I think we stop living! While not wanting to rush the seasons to change (as if my wanting it made it so – LOL!) I have been a fan of autumn for as long as I can remember. So, revisiting a series of quotes and photos… Read More
W. H. E. N.
We all WANT to do things that we know aren’t good for us from time to time. And feeding those urges with occasional splurges may be OK now and then. But when it feels like the habit has us on its leash, it’s time to take our control back! Read More
Blow Away Your Stress?
Some of us carry a so-called “stress-buster” in our pockets every day. In fact some of us would NEVER think of leaving home without them. Most of them come in a handy pack of 20 – some with a flip-top box! In order to use these alleged reducers of stress, one generally needs to light… Read More
Oh, I See!
Who’s outside today (or who was recently?) What wonders are waiting for us – sometimes right under our nose (or our feet?) When we take a few moments to really stop and look around – look closely around – we might find something truly amazing or at least something that’s interesting. ‘Spent any time with… Read More
Smile-makers
Just a quick question for your Monday: Here’s hoping there are more smiles on your way! Remembering and revisiting those things that used to make us smile can be #GoodMedicine. So, consider dusting off your paint brushes, canoe paddles, dancing shoes, or any other smile-makers that may be stashed in your closet or basement, and… Read More
JFK
A friend texted me his favorite JFK quote last night. It’s from a speech Kennedy gave in the stadium at Rice University in Houston on September 12, 1962. “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that… Read More