The Site

It came to me this weekend. An idea for a website, a network, a destination, all about sobriety - a crossroads of news, events, culture.

What do I call it?

Who will contribute?

Will it even get off the ground?

And if it does, will it be successful?

I have lots of ideas, but need to flush them out and this is the start. I love sobriety, it’s given me everything; clarity, purpose, vision, healing. I started coaching, and I really enjoy it, I love guiding people on their journey of transformation, but I also see it’s a crowded space and I know media and understand media.

Instead of solely being a coach, growing my following, clientele, etc. Why not create a following from people that are interested in sobriety like I am?

There are so many people at different stages of sobriety, not only looking for support, but seeking community, seeking life after sobriety. Maybe Living Sobriety or Living Sober or The Sober Times will be the name.

There’s so much to figure out here.

This all came to me while driving home this weekend from Avery’s the Cub Scout camp out. Thinking back on that same trip 4-5 years ago when I alcohol was more of a priority than my son. I look back on that time in my life with shame and terror. But not driving home early in the morning, sober, listening to a podcast about entrepenuers and I know I need to figure something out. There’s a calling inside of me - I can’t continue on my path of lucrative but ultimately unfulfilling dead end marketing jobs.

The journey starts now - hopefully. I’m knocking on the door of 45 and planning to start a media company with a full-blown website, contributors, columns, events, podcast and so much more. Wish me luck, universe.

Look Within

10 years ago when I started journaling and meditating, I had no idea what I was doing, so begins my blogging. One way or another, I’ve documented the past 10 years, journaling, public speaking, sharing my story in online forums. More and more, I’ve come out of my shell, more willing to share and peel back the layers. It’s fascinating how people become braver as they grow, learn, evolve. It’s called adversarial growth, what doesn’t kill, you makes you stronger. I used to feel embarrassed of these practices, sure there’s a certain level of vulnerability, but now it feels exhilarating to try new things and put myself out there. You’d be surprised who might be struggling or maybe even just feel similar ways that you do.

Through a lens of empathy and understanding, I recognize the challenges of present day life can feel more overwhelming than ever. Of course only living in this time in history, I don’t have any real way of knowing this, but as a kid growing up in the 80’s I can certainly say life is different nowadays. Depending on who you talk to it feels like our country, society is falling apart at the seems. Regardless of our tech, comforts, 401K’s, there’s a level of uncertainty in modern day life that if you think about long enough can be paralyzing or maddening.

I encourage people to take a step back, approach life with a lens of hope, patience, love, understanding, forgiveness. Whether with yourself, your family, neighbor, co-worker or your enemy. Stop looking for the easy fix, the quick hit, the temporary relief, the next reel, pointing the finger.

Pause, reflect, look within.

As Mahatma Ghandi said, “If you want to change the world, start with yourself".