The forgiveness part, for me, is essential. Despite decades of recovery, I wanted to hold grudges. I joke it's my Irish half, but eventually, in my Courage to Change meditation book, which I've read daily for 15 years and which feeds my alcohol-recovery self, I finally got that resentment blocks joy. That same day, in one of my many Pema Chodron books, I read "The greatest obstacle to connecting to our joy is resentment." I decided to offer my grudges, including those about myself, to the universe and focus instead on joy. It seems equally synchronistic that our political world is, at last, also focussed on joy. Thank you Universe!
Yeah, and if you listen to her lectures she's very recovery adjacent - a daughter in law evidently just intent on dying. But I believe eventually got sober. A sponsee of mine gave me Pema's first book and I've never looked back! Glad you love her too!
Chris, I enjoyed reading your story…it was like a mini meeting for me! So many times since getting sober I have been amazed at how much sober recovered people often have in common. In AA I found my Tribe and acceptance. Made me happy to hear you found a loving partner in sobriety.
Chris is a gift to the world—a living example of how to be a generous, useful artist in a landscape that does not always welcome these things. He is also deliciously smart and funny. I'm glad to have him as an elder, even if I am older than he is!
Good one!
Chris is the best!
aw shucks. xx
Thanks, Ayun!
Love love love what Chris responded with to ‘what are the best things about being in recovery’
thanks, Ashley! So glad you can relate. xx
Beautifully written, absolutely sober.
Thank you, Erin!
The forgiveness part, for me, is essential. Despite decades of recovery, I wanted to hold grudges. I joke it's my Irish half, but eventually, in my Courage to Change meditation book, which I've read daily for 15 years and which feeds my alcohol-recovery self, I finally got that resentment blocks joy. That same day, in one of my many Pema Chodron books, I read "The greatest obstacle to connecting to our joy is resentment." I decided to offer my grudges, including those about myself, to the universe and focus instead on joy. It seems equally synchronistic that our political world is, at last, also focussed on joy. Thank you Universe!
Yes! Love Pema, huge help with the difficult emotions.
Yeah, and if you listen to her lectures she's very recovery adjacent - a daughter in law evidently just intent on dying. But I believe eventually got sober. A sponsee of mine gave me Pema's first book and I've never looked back! Glad you love her too!
He was so inspiring. Thank you Chris!
Thank you, Grace!
The sheer euphoria of sobriety is a powerful thing. John Cheever, after quitting a lifetime of drinking, said it best. "What a pleasure to be sober!"
Chris offers enlightenment in everything he says and does, pointedly through his art. Here is another shining example.
True!
Thank you, Jay!
It was good to read this, Chris. Thanks for sharing so much.
Hi David! I'm so glad you enjoyed!
Chris, I enjoyed reading your story…it was like a mini meeting for me! So many times since getting sober I have been amazed at how much sober recovered people often have in common. In AA I found my Tribe and acceptance. Made me happy to hear you found a loving partner in sobriety.
Chris is a gift to the world—a living example of how to be a generous, useful artist in a landscape that does not always welcome these things. He is also deliciously smart and funny. I'm glad to have him as an elder, even if I am older than he is!
Truth!