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 […]
The War of Words – I Wish
Just a reminder that words and actions, or the lack thereof, have consequences. It came out of the blue. I was caught up in a crossfire of words. All parties were fighting to be heard. So desperate to be proved right. They continued to fight. Their words echoed around the room. Creating a cloud of […]
Learning to Drive – The Road to Recovery
Someone recently asked me, ‘Tracey, what have been the main lessons you have learned in your recovery?’ It was a tricky question because there has been so much more to my journey than just putting down the drugs. So I came up with this learning-to-drive metaphor to explain in the hope you can relate. Like […]
Navigating friendships in recovery and learning to let go
I have a saying: ‘Getting the balancing act right is a balancing act in itself’, and the same could be said for friendships or, should I say, people to whom we attach or align ourselves. Over the years, I have witnessed how friendships and relationships can negatively impact someone’s recovery journey, especially in early recovery, […]