Addiction is often referred to as a disease of the mind, but it’s more accurately described as a disease of deception—a cunning enemy that distorts our reality and blinds us to the truth. This self-deception becomes a constant companion, whispering lies that trap us in cycles of destructive behavior. It…
The 12-step model remains highly influential. It provides structure and community for individuals in recovery, encouraging a spiritual awakening and reliance on a higher power. However, not everyone connects with the spiritual or religious aspects of the 12-step program. For those who feel that the 12-step model doesn't resonate with…
No matter how far we stray or how low we sink, God is always calling us to come back to Him. It's easy to feel as if we've wandered too far, crossed too many lines, or made too many mistakes to ever be worthy of God’s grace again. In our…
Sobriety is often seen as a significant milestone, a marker of a new beginning after years of battling addiction. However, even with years of clean living, some deeper challenges remain—challenges that sobriety alone can not heal. One of the most profound obstacles to genuine emotional freedom is unaddressed childhood trauma.…
In this video, I share how writing helped me confront one of my deepest wounds—growing up without knowing my father. For years, I lived in denial, pretending his absence didn’t affect me. But during treatment, my counselor asked me to write about it, and as I poured my feelings onto…
Childhood trauma, often buried deep in the subconscious, can shape a person's entire life. These experiences, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, often linger, manifesting in harmful patterns, unhealthy relationships, and a disconnection from one's true self. Yet, one of the most powerful ways to heal from this past hurt is…
What would happen if we started to see ourselves the way God sees us? This profound shift in perspective has the power to transform not only how we see ourselves but also how we live and interact with the world. One of the core aspects of seeing ourselves through God's…
For years, I was lost in addiction, unable to face even the smallest of challenges without running to some form of escape. The chaos, the selfishness, and the isolation that came with my disease were like walls between me and the people I loved, including my mother. It was as…
Emotions that are consistently ignored do not simply disappear. Instead, they simmer beneath the surface, eventually boiling over in destructive ways. Many who were raised in emotionally suppressive environments struggle with uncontrollable anger as they grow older. Because they never learned how to express their frustrations as children, their anger…
In the journey of addiction, the phrase "hitting rock bottom" is often spoken of with a mixture of dread and inevitability. It’s that point where everything seems to have crumbled, where the weight of one’s choices and the pain of living a life dictated by addiction become too much to…
In relationships, particularly between men and women, communication is often cited as one of the most critical components of a healthy, thriving partnership. However, despite its importance, many couples struggle to connect on a deeper emotional level. One of the most common misunderstandings in these dynamics is the misconception that…
In this video, I delves into the profound journey of healing and self-acceptance, exploring how the absence of a father during childhood left a deep emotional scar that was long denied. Through the transformative process of a 4th step inventory in recovery, I confront the hidden pain and reconnect with…
When a parent struggles with addiction, it affects the entire family, particularly the children. The eldest child often feels a unique burden—a deep sense of responsibility to help their parent recover and to restore the family’s stability. This experience can be overwhelming and confusing, yet it also offers important lessons…
The loss of a loved one to addiction is a heart-wrenching experience that leaves a profound and lasting impact on those left behind. The pain is often compounded by the heavy burden of regret—the "what ifs" and "if onlys" - that torment the mind and soul. Living with regret after…
Noah’s story is one of profound transformation, a journey that took him from the depths of despair to becoming a beacon of hope for countless others. As a bestselling author of the book Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming, Noah’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the…
Before we can experience a true breakthrough in our lives, we must be willing to confront and deal with the baggage of our past and our character defects. These burdens—our shame, hurt, anger, and resentments—act as barriers that prevent us from becoming the person our Higher Power intended us to…
Vernon is a dedicated Certified Recovery Coach with over 14 years of personal experience in clean and sober living. Passionate about helping others find their path to recovery, Vernon brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to his coaching practice. As the founder of Sick & Tired LLC and the…
There comes a time in every person’s life when they reach a crossroads. For some, it is a moment of quiet reflection, a gentle nudge toward change. For others, like me, it was a hard fall to rock bottom, where the only direction left to go was up. The day…
Beliefs are the bedrock of human experience, shaping how we perceive the world, interact with others, and understand ourselves. These mental constructs, often formed in early life, give us a sense of stability and predictability in an otherwise chaotic world. However, when these beliefs become rigid and detached from reality,…
The journey of life is often marked by our attempts to control people, places, and things around us. This need for control, deeply rooted in fear and insecurity, can become a significant barrier to personal growth and freedom. Learning to let go is not about giving up; rather, it’s about…
Growing up in a dysfunctional home can profoundly impact a child's development, shaping their emotional, psychological, and behavioral outcomes in significant ways. A dysfunctional home is often characterized by instability, neglect, abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, and inconsistent parenting. Children raised in such environments face numerous challenges that affect their…
Recovery is a journey, a gradual process that requires patience, resilience, and most importantly, a willingness to share. At the core of this journey lies a powerful tool: your story. Sharing your story in recovery not only fosters personal growth but also inspires others who may be struggling. It’s about…
