They saw her through a lens of shame and proclaimed “She only had herself to blame.” They couldn’t see the afflictions that lay behind the addiction, That this wasn’t a choice; she was just another woman who’d lost her voice She would smile and try to pretend that everything was ok whilst trying her best […]
Cycle of Change
In pre-contemplation’s shadowed haze, My mind was veiled, lost in a narcotic maze. I didn’t know my own mind I was oblivious and blind Some people remarked I had changed But I scoffed and thought them deranged I had no intention of changing my behaviour Because my drugs were my saviour But the shit that […]
Stop listening to yourself and try having a word with yourself instead.
There is an old saying that says, ‘Talking to yourself is a sign of madness,’ but I would disagree because I would still have been in the madness had I not given myself a good talking to long ago. Then I came across a quote I had never heard while podcasting with a guy from […]
Fxxk the Recovery Police and do what works for YOU
I’ve been secretly wanting to write this blog for years to challenge some of the views and opinions of a small minority of whom I refer to as the “Recovery Police” present in the recovery community. The Recovery message is supposed to carry hope, yet a silent battle exists within some corners of the recovery […]
From Gleadless Valley to United Nations
As a child written off by the school system, I could never have foreseen that my path would lead me from drug-induced psychosis to centre stage at the United Nations. Throughout my career, I’ve delivered countless presentations locally and nationally. But being at the UN was a whole new level. To have a voice in […]
Recovery isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.
Recovery isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. For years, people told me to fake it until I made it. Only it was getting harder to hide my fears and doubts and pretend I’d got life all figured out. Always afraid I’d soon be found out. At times, I was an emotional wreck and felt out […]
Unanswered Questions
A poem I composed written following a conversation with a woman who recently lost her sister to alcoholism. Another taken far too soon. It’s called “Unanswered Questions” I’m still unsure when it all began or where things went wrong. But I do know I feel bereft and that my heart aches from actions undone. […]
Post Traumatic Growth
You’ve been through a lot; most wouldn’t understand. You’ve experienced the pain and endured shame. You’ve had to learn to wipe away your own tears and work hard to overcome your fears Most of it alone…. Some days have been tough and yet you refused to submit and didn’t quit. Instead you’ve continued to learn […]
Unlocking the Magic of Writing:A Personal Journey of Reflection
It was whilst caring for my father in his battle with alcoholism that I first found solace in journaling. My writing fell silent when he passed, but the urge to share my experience of being an affected family member never waned. I’d dabbled with the idea of writing a book and had at various times […]
Don’t play me
I ain’t nobody’s fool. And I have got a heart of gold, but lo and behold, if you try taking the piss. What you see is what you get. You see, over the years, I have had to my bed and have learned how to lay in it. Some say I’m passionate and outspoken. But […]
