Redefining Recovery

Today, I’m grateful for a grande latte with cold cream foam—and for community. ☕️🤎

With so many people still dealing with power outages after the storms, Portage Starbucks has welcomed people to charge their phones and laptops while getting some work done. I’m also grateful for the Portage Library, where we hold our substance use group, for offering our community the same opportunity.

Sometimes recovery and resilience look like neighbors sharing space, power, and support. It’s a community thing. ❤️

Day three since the storm came through, and my heart goes out to everyone still dealing with the aftermath. ❤️

So many are still without power, losing food, trying to keep phones charged, find a hot meal, take a shower, and figure out what comes next.

But in the middle of all of it, I’ve also seen something pretty amazing—our community showing up for each other. Businesses, churches, organizations, neighbors, friends, and complete strangers offering meals, places to charge phones, showers, supplies, and support.

There’s still a lot of recovery ahead for many families. Keep checking on your neighbors. Keep sharing resources. Keep helping where you can.

This is what community looks like. ❤️

“I don’t want to go to school.”

Sometimes there’s more behind those words.

Instead of jumping right to “You’ll be fine” or “You have to go,” try asking:

💬 What’s the hardest part about going to school right now?

💬 Is there something happening at school that’s bothering you?

💬 What would make tomorrow feel a little easier?

You don’t have to fix everything right away. Sometimes kids just need us to listen long enough to tell us what’s really going on.

DBT Skill: Check the Facts

Sometimes it isn’t what happened that sends us spiraling—it’s the meaning we immediately give it.

Someone doesn’t text back.
*“They’re mad at me.”*

Your partner seems quiet.
*“I did something wrong.”*

Someone gives you feedback.
*“I’m not good enough.”*

You have a difficult day in recovery.
*“I’m going backward.”*

Those thoughts can feel completely true in the moment. But feelings aren’t always facts.

Before reacting, ask yourself:

**What actually happened?**
**What am I assuming it means?**
**What evidence supports my interpretation?**
**What are two other possible explanations?**

Checking the facts doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings. It means giving yourself enough space to decide whether the story your mind created matches what actually happened.

In recovery, that space can make all the difference.

**Pause. Check the facts. Then choose your response.**

Sunday night check-in. 💛

Before the new week starts, give yourself a little credit.

What’s ONE thing you did this past week that you’re proud of — big or small?

Drop it below. 👇 Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that progress counts, even when it doesn’t feel huge.

Celebrating 50 years of life with a heart full of gratitude! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special through posts, texts, calls, cards, hugs, and so much love. I was able to reconnect with my girlfriend Linda at Starbucks. I have missed her. One of the sweetest moments was hearing Ellen and her kids sing “Happy Birthday” to me over the phone. ❤️

There was a time when I never imagined I would reach 50. Recovery gave me the chance to rebuild my life, restore relationships, and be fully present for moments like these. Every birthday is a gift—but this milestone feels especially meaningful.

Today, I’m grateful for 50 years of life, 26 years of recovery, and a life beyond anything I could have imagined. Recovery changes everything. 🙏