Poetry

A letter to those struck by the loneliness of December

"Flowers in december" © Daniel Horacio Agostini, 2009. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Flowers in december” © Daniel Horacio Agostini, 2009. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
I tear out pieces of my heart.
Leave them like bread crumbs.
They will show you the way back.
Proof
at least one person
feels like you.

We don’t know how to fill those spaces.
Tried booze
and drugs.
Food
and lack-thereof it.
Razor blades
and perfect strangers. Continue reading →

Mental Health

Balance

"Balance of Trade" © Jed Sullivan, 2013. CC BY 2.0
Balance of Trade” © Jed Sullivan, 2013. CC BY 2.0.

A friend posted something on Facebook that said, “Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.” What a tragic mindset. A dangerous mentality. I appreciate the idea that complaining doesn’t do anyone favors. But I feel talking about the things that trouble us is one of the most important, powerful, and helpful things we can do for ourselves. That’s one of the reasons I keep a blog. Somehow I hope that talking about depression, about recovery, about the things that are difficult for me removes some of their power and creates a sort of community. Ever-hopeful knowing none of us are alone in this makes getting out of bed a little easier. Continue reading →

Autobiography

Grateful

"Wish Waiting to Happen" © Kent Landerholm, 2012. CC BY-NC 2.0.
Wish Waiting to Happen” © Kent Landerholm, 2012. CC BY-NC 2.0.
Twenty-seven days into November.
Twenty-seven things I’m thankful for this year.

Mason. My partner, my counterpart, my constant inspiration.
My family. By biology, by marriage, by careful handpicking.
Cheese. Pretty much any kind of cheese.
Shelter. Never wondering how I’m going to stay warm or where I’m going to sleep.
Sobriety. Every single day I have under my belt and all the ones ahead of me. Continue reading →