Like a DUCK

When I started working where I am currently employed, almost a year ago, I immediately butted up against an extremely narcissistic coworker, a youngish Millennial who is what would most aptly be described as “The Mean Girl” – the one in junior high that everyone avoids, the bully. I sought refuge with my closest next-in-line

Growth Opportunities

For the past few decades, I have been on an accelerated quest to grow, expand, transform, heal, and learn how to love myself. I am on a mission to learn the practice of letting things go, and the wonderful habit of pausing before speaking. I have a long way to go, but I have come

Learning not to Scream

As I have mentioned previously, I am a highly sensitive person, and someone who holds very high standards for myself and others. When I feel I am treated unfairly, it is incredibly difficult for me to restrain myself. I give all of myself to whatever I do, even if it is emptying disgusting, overflowing trash,

The Narcissist

I venture to guess that each of us knows a narcissist, someone who twists blame back to us at every opportunity, as they are never, ever wrong or at fault. That person who leaves us wondering “huh, what just happened??!” as we try to pick ourselves up and brush ourselves off. That “power” (controlling!) personality

The wake up call

My days feel almost magical lately, especially my mornings. I bliss out during my sacred time, and that powerful energy stays with me throughout the day. My energy is strong, but at the end of my work days at the winery, 9 hour days filled with nearly 5 miles of back and forth steps and

Pissed OFF

I’m pissed. I had a tender conversation with a colleague in the wine industry last night. She was in the depth of anguish caused by the negative impact of the Booze Bitch, stuck in the horrific mix of anxiety, despair, and depression. I so vividly remember feeling defeated and defenseless in the war against the

“Alcoholic”

I have a real issue with the term “Alcoholic”. I have always avoided the term, or rather avoided labeling myself as one. I felt such pride and confidence (and a bit of arrogance if I’m honest) in saying “There is no history of alcoholism in my family anywhere. No one that I know of ever

The Struggle

Day 37 Alcohol Free. I did not realize the extent of the sense of loss and grief/ discomfort I would experience throughout this alcohol free journey. I had not yet learned that letting go of a steady (albeit highly dysfunctional) companion would feel so odd. Not just hard, not just sad, nor merely lonely- but

The Breakup

…a letter to my “Ex” Dear Alcohol, Over three decades of loyalty to you and now I see those years were filled with lies, deception, grief and despair. You came wrapped in pretty packaging, The Temptress. I thought being a wine connoisseur and so steeped in your culture and romance meant I could enjoy you