Kaleidoscope

A kaleidoscope is a compilation of broken, bright-colored glass pieces and tiny mirrors, which, when combined in precisely the right sequence, create unparalleled beauty. I have always loved kaleidoscopes. I find them stunning in their beauty and fascinating in their endless possibilities of spectacular images. I must pick up and gaze through any kaleidoscope I

Overcoming

Life is an obstacle course and how we navigate the obstacles is up to us. I have overcome some pretty great challenges in my days: incessant torment in early childhood by older brothers, bullying by playmates and others, sexual abuse both in childhood and adulthood, loss of my father early in adulthood and loss of

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

Sober Healing

For many of us, drinking booze has been a way to avoid feeling the intensity of the wounds, traumas, scars, hurts, and pain we endured throughout our lives. When we are triggered by the stress of the day, something someone may have said or done, perhaps the feeling of overwhelm, we drink alcohol so we

Pandemic and Addiction

Today I want to share this enlightening article. My addiction to alcohol climbed to a dangerous level during the pandemic, resulting in debilitating anxiety and depression. I KNOW I am not alone. Are you drinking more since March? https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/05/26/health/coronavirus-alcohol-addiction.amp.html

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,

Love Letter

Dear Creator, Thank you. Once I read that if the only prayer we ever practice is “Thank you”, that is enough. I get it. In my world, my thankfulness overflows. I am navigating the amusement park of sobriety with all its variety of entertainment: roller coasters, plunging adventures, dips into mighty scary realms – and

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

“Sensitive”

As long as I can remember, I have been told I am “too sensitive”. I have heard all too often that I need to develop a tougher skin, to not wear my heart on my sleeve. Maybe that’s why I became addicted to alcohol. Self medicating with booze is a very accepted way to tame

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