Waking up can be a painful process. When we are deep in sleep, we may feel warm and secure. We don’t have to think or move, and we feel suspended in space and time for a while. When we wake up, we know we have to change our situation, sometimes facing things that we would [...]

This morning, my boyfriend asked me if I would be driving out to his place tonight. I paused, not quite knowing how to respond. I had just stepped off a plane, arriving home from a business trip which had been short, but exhausting. My house was a mess, and I had a list a mile [...]

It seems appropriate that on the last day of the year, I write a blog that incorporates New Year’s resolutions with a healthier use of one of our Isms. (And as my own New Year’s resolution I’ve decided to henceforth refer to supporters of alcoholics as SOA’s, to make writing this blog a little simpler.) [...]

A few weeks ago, I was sure I was going to die. It would happen – I figured – at some point during a business trip to Montreal. The plan would go down, or my cab would get into an accident. Regardless, my life would be over and my kids would be on their own. [...]

I’ve often said in this blog that when the Universe really wants you to learn a lesson, it will provide you with ample opportunity to learn. Sometimes, infuriatingly ample opportunity. The Universe wishes me to learn two lessons at present, and I’m getting lots of chance for practice. Once again, I find myself at work [...]

When I see isms in others around me, I can generally observe with detachment and compassion, creating an emotional space between their behaviours and my own involvement. But when those isms show up in people who are close to me, it’s so much harder to remain purely an observer. This started with the person who [...]

I haven’t posted in a while but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been experiencing life’s isms. Actually, they’ve been hitting me with full force over the past few months. Most of these instances have been related to my boyfriend and kids – understandable given the intensity of those relationships. More surprising, however, has been the [...]

Today marks the launch of my new book “Looking Up: Surviving Life with an Alcoholic”.  The book chronicles about four years of my life before, during and immediately after my ex-husband’s succumbing to alcoholism.  While there is no doubt in my mind that these years marked some of the toughest of my life to date, with [...]

“Stop whistling those dirty songs” said my English teacher in college, as a way of demonstrating to the class how powerful suggestion can be.  Now, of course a tune can’t really be dirty, but if the listener recognizes the tune and remembers the lyrics that go with it, they can certainly choose to be insulted.  [...]

Many of us, me included, like to start the New Year with a list of  things we would like to accomplish in the coming twelve months.  Over the years, I’ve realized that it is equally important my list also includes desired changes in behaviour and attitude.  It’s not always about adding to your life; sometimes [...]