Four years ago today, I ended a six-week relapse and took my last sip of alcohol. I call it a relapse now but, in all honestly, when I first stopped drinking in June 2014 I had no intention of making it a forever thing. It was just a good long break to get healthy for […]
I started dating my now husband of 17 years just 12 days before Valentine’s Day. Twenty-three years ago. I can’t recall how long we’d been together before he told me he didn’t believe in Valentine’s Day. “There shouldn’t be special day to celebrate your love for someone,” he said. “You should celebrate it every day.” […]
It’s not truly broken until you look at all the shattered pieces and have no idea how to put them back together again. Right? That’s what I used to think. It’s how I used to live my life, even after I stopped drinking. I was content to let my health and finances suffer … as […]
Talbots’ new #BecauseImALady campaign encourages women to politely set the record straight and unapologetically redefine the meaning of the term “lady.” Therefore, I make zero apologies for how unfiltered and rude I am about to be. You see, the moment I saw the “Having just one glass” video on Facebook last night, my politeness ran […]
Ever since I started writing about my alcoholism and sobriety and recovery, I’ve received a lot of praise from people congratulating me not only for acknowledging and battling my addiction but also for being brave and courageous and honest and truthful in the way I tell my story. While I appreciate their kindness and respect […]
Dear Sugar, We need to talk. Yes, it’s serious. You should probably sit down. I’m sure you noticed I haven’t been looking for you at all this month. Did you wonder where I went? Well, I need you out of my life. Really. You’re such bad news and you’ve brought me nothing but heartache. I […]
You know that feeling when something is clearly bothering you but you haven’t identified what it is? When you have zero patience and no ability whatsoever to tolerate the sound of anyone’s voice talking to you? When you feel nauseous, your head throbs as if it’s about to explode, and your eyes just start crying? […]
I completely shocked myself this morning. While I have become increasingly vocal in sobriety, my voice still lives mostly in my writing. Unless, of course, I’m barking orders at my family. Or presenting strategy to clients. In groups of other parents, I tend to sponge up what everyone is saying, bite my tongue if I […]
I’m exploring fear right now. Mostly because I’m fairly certain it’s what’s consuming and overwhelming me as I prepare to tackle a huge goal next week. But also because I haven’t fully examined my relationship with fear – the role it played in my life as a drinker and how it influences the decisions I […]