I will never forget the first time I heard the phrase Surrender to Win. It was shared at one of the 12 step meetings I attended in early recovery. It’s a very powerful statement….but what does it mean? I give up? I’m a loser? My life is just over? I am a failure? Instead of

“Don’t Listen To Yourself. Talk TO yourself.” These were the words of Jon Dorenbos, a pro-football player, contestant on America’s Got Talent. A juicy piece of wisdom he dealt out while shuffling cards for his special brand of magic that was as much inspirational as it was sleight of hand. These powerful words, likely missed

A single mirrored drop of water sails through thick coastal air. A single drop expelled from heavy gray clouds, joins a school of like-minded peers free falling. A single drop swan dives, splatters against my windshield. Pushed aside by the wiper, like a finger washing tears from his cheek. The vent blows cool air in

Carolyn Elliott is my latest mentor and probably the most bullshit free teacher I’ve ever had. She has taught me the essence of being fearless and thorough, which is spoken about often in the recovery world, but rarely have I seen it……until now. This exquisite woman doesn’t just sparkle, she sizzles. When I came across

It doesn’t matter where you are, as long as where you are, you’re eking out all you can. That sounds nice as long as you’re in some cushy place with down pillows and 800 thread count sheets or lounging in the beauty and serenity of the ocean breeze. How does that even make sense if

di·lu·tion  (dī-lo͞o′shən, dĭ-) The process of making weaker or less concentrated. The other day I was buying dog shampoo and noticed the ones I liked best were concentrated. They suggested a dilution ratio of 3: 1. Three parts water to one part solution. This got me to thinking about thoughts. Thinking a thought has a way

In hindsight I can take a deep breath and be grateful that I lived through the times of intense hyperactivity and anxiety – moving as fast as a locomotive. Learning to be still and quiet was not part of my nature. Feelings of calmness and being at peace were only ideas in theory. Unless I

My friend JayJo had a four-question acid test she used to make decisions: Will it make me Smarter? Richer? Healthier? Or Sexier? If it didn’t pass the muster it was a “NO.” Saying “No” is a skill that can be acquired if it isn’t already deep in your DNA. As a recovering people pleaser, I’ve

“I just went out and had some fun.” That’s what Simone Biles said after winning the Gold Medal. Her refrain has been repeated by winning athletes for as long as I can remember watching the Olympics. “Fun.” What a concept. Clearly an Olympian’s journey to Gold is not about FUN everyday. In fact, Olympians endure grueling