Untold Stories/Blog Posts

May 23, 2021

Ask yourself this. Why would someone appearing normal in every other way willingly take deadly poisons, knowing it is the common denominator to why their lives are spinning out of control? The bewildered parents of addicted children will often cry out, “Don’t they realize how much we love them?” Unfortunately, addiction can and will often trump even the power of love.

Due to the deadly resurgence of opiate consumption now devastating small-town America, addiction is once again gaining the level of attention it deserves. This menace has established deep-seated roots in rural communities throughout this great land. If we ever hope to slow down our national body bag count, we must first change our pie-in-the-sky attitude toward addiction. As Dorothy would say after arriving in the land of Oz, “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” my friends.

I am sure my family’s story is not much different from the millions of other families who have experienced addiction in their homes. Its far-reaching tentacles will prey upon and methodically squeeze the life out of everyone living under its rule. To some, it may come as a surprise that using drugs, drinking alcohol, overeating, smoking, or gambling may identify some of the manifestations of addiction but do not define addiction itself.            

I have read articles espousing scientific evidence of a genetic link to addiction. I do not dispute this evidence. However, I do not believe it is the predominant cause why people develop chemical dependencies. I believe it is the psychosocial atmosphere those susceptible to addiction find themselves in without acquiring the necessary skills to cope. Thus, the underlying cause of addiction is a spiritual deficiency, an emptiness of the spirit that drives those addicted to numb their emotional pain no matter what the cost.

Addiction is more prevalent today than in years past, primarily due to our preoccupation with the busy lives we lead. It is the crowding out of things that matter to that which is superficial and meaningless. We have become so attached to our “stuff” that we have lost sight of the things we say we value most. Most of us view ourselves as physical beings on a spiritual quest instead of spiritual creatures having a human experience. Once again, we have it half-assed backward.

Are you fearful, guilt-ridden, judgmental, self-righteous, resentful, irresponsible, jealous, prideful, arrogant, dishonest, controlling, rigid, manipulative, demanding, closed-minded, overly dramatic, insensitive, disconnected, materialistic, grandiose, paranoid, defensive, over-analytical, a gossiper, rebellious, lustful, abusive, greedy, critical, sarcastic, intolerant, lazy, vengeful, inconsiderate, dishonorable, or codependent?

These are the roots of addiction that separate us from our fellow man, compelling us to search for things outside ourselves to bridge this illusion of separation. These personality traits lay the groundwork for developing a chemical dependency or activating any number of process addictions, including shopping, gambling, overeating, hoarding, pornography, and excessive internet socialization.

When we see ourselves as different, separate, and apart from others, we set ourselves up for the pain, suffering, and disappointment that only exists within that illusion. When we choose to see life through the creative process, our lives seem to flow in a more fluid, peaceful, and positive direction. Let there be no misunderstanding; how we see ourselves and the world around us is created by design—our own.

Before we can experience a new way of being, we must first develop a new way of thinking. Circumstances do not create thoughts. Our thoughts are the ego’s perception of our experiences, and those perceptions can be off by miles. I believe the only way to overcome compulsive negative thinking is by developing opposing thoughts more conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

We can choose courage over fear, love over hate, forgiveness over resentments, and gratitude over self-pity. We all have challenges, and we never know what others may be facing. We are all fighting separate battles in the same egocentric war. If we wish to experience joy in our lives, we must never again see ourselves as victims of our past or slaves to the meaningless. We must rise above the ego’s perceptions and judgments and choose to live in communion with our higher selves.

May 3, 2021

Press Release: Author Shares His Gripping Real-Life Story Lifting Readers From the Dark Confines of Their Minds to Awaken a New Life of Possibilities
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March 21, 2021

I believe it is an obligation for all of us who have passed through times of great uncertainly to teach future generations that uncertainly is the only path we have to enlightenment. For more stories about the dedication, it takes to transform our lives, please sign up below.