When I was a toddler, it was all about me. Infants as a rule act out the theatrics known as the terrible twos. I, like most others in this age group, was only capable of communicating my most immediate needs. During childhood, hopefully we emerge from this narcissistic state through efforts of our parents andContinue reading “It’s No Longer All About Me”
Author Archives: dcatcohen
Seeing Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Originally posted on DAVID CAT COHEN In Recovery blogs:
The past year and a half has been extremely challenging for most of us.? Not only did we have to cope with a scary pandemic, stay at home lockdowns, social isolation, and an extended economic slowdown, there was been a chaotic political divide that further alienated…
Don’t Repeat The Same Mistakes, Make New Ones
It has often been said that insanity is repeating past mistakes and expecting a different outcome. Anyone who has dealt with the downward spiral of addiction has undoubtedly experienced this situation. Like moths that repeatedly singe their wings flying too close to a flame or hot light bulb, we can become trapped in destructive compulsions thatContinue reading “Don’t Repeat The Same Mistakes, Make New Ones”
What Anyone Thinks Of You Is None Of your Business
It is human to have a need for attention. One way or another, we all seek recognition from our peers, whether they be family, friends, or society in general. This basic desire to be appreciated can be rewarded or thwarted by the environment in which we live. Affirmation can help build confidence when we are acknowledged, but whenContinue reading “What Anyone Thinks Of You Is None Of your Business”
Isolation Is A Killer
Although most addicts have parts of their personalities that are extroverted, when we are caught in the throes of addiction, we go through long periods avoiding people and social interaction. This isolated life style is self-perpetuating, making us feel less than others, unworthy of validation from partners, friends, family, and society in general. This leads usContinue reading “Isolation Is A Killer”
Go It Alone Or Seek Support?
When one is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it is common to go through several states of emotion, much like in the grieving process. The initial shock may be accompanied by anger, sadness, despair, denial, hope, and/or resolve, not necessarily in that order. Whether the disease or condition is AIDS, cancer, or any other potentially terminal situation,Continue reading “Go It Alone Or Seek Support?”
Accepting The Good, Bad, Beautiful, And Ugly
Many of us go through life wanting things to be different than they are. We don’t have to look far to find reasons to be dissatisfied with the imperfect people, places, and situations around us. Putting on dark glasses, we can revel in “ain’t it awful” interpretations. I know that mindset full well. Whenever I used to feelContinue reading “Accepting The Good, Bad, Beautiful, And Ugly”
Why Taking Inventory of Our Shortcomings Is So Important
It has been said that confession is good for the soul. It seems that every religion and spiritual practice has a venue for admitting mistakes and asking for forgiveness. Catholics practice weekly confession. Protestant congregations each have their own variation of this. Jews atone once a year on Yom Kippur. Muslims have a similar day of atonement called Ashura. Buddhists meditateContinue reading “Why Taking Inventory of Our Shortcomings Is So Important”
Be Willing To Heal
When your doctor says the dreaded words that you only have weeks, months, or years to live, you can walk sheepishly out of his or her office and resign yourself to the assessment or you can gather up your inner strength and challenge it. Medical evidence and protocols may point to a grim situation for mostContinue reading “Be Willing To Heal”
Change Your Mindset, Change Your Outcome
Whether you are dealing with an antigen or a deteriorating situation that wants to take over your body, there are usually mitigating factors. A terminal diagnosis can certainly prompt a fatalistic mindset. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. As long as you are still breathing air and are decently lucid, you can still haveContinue reading “Change Your Mindset, Change Your Outcome”
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