The Coronavirus situation has a lot of people sitting in fear, worry and anxiety. And this can affect those of us in recovery. I created this special episode of Buzzkill Pod to tackle this topic specifically, and which is loaded with tips and techniques on how to shift your mindset through your mental, emotional, spiritual…
Are NA Beers and Kombucha Safe to Drink for Alcoholics?
So here’s a question: Is it safe for those in recovery or who are cutting out alcohol for a while to drink NA beers and/or kombucha? Now, both of these beverages contain less than 0.5% alcohol, so for some, it’s not a problem. There have been unscientific experiments where people will have 15-20 kombuchas or…
The Myth of the Functional Alcoholic
So what the heck is a “functioning alcoholic”? There is this almost epic lore about the person who can drink excessively and daily, and somehow magically keep a career, a family and a life together without getting arrested, losing their job or getting divorced. This “unicorn” of the booze-hound family tree seemingly has the best…
Battling Envy
Okay, I admit – I get envious. Even a “spiritual giant” like myself (oops, I almost spit out my coffee there) sees what other people has and wishes he had what they had. In fact, that happened this morning to me. WTF, Pauly? (That is how I refer to myself when I am finger-wagging in…
Signs You May Be Drinking More
Happy New Year, guys! I hope you are having a great 2020 so far! Festivities have finished and we’re all rolling into business as usual. But I wanted to share something that I know most of us have gone through at some point in our lives (and this is for those who aren’t in recovery): It’s…
Word Of The Year
I haven’t done a “word of the year” in about six or seven years. I think the last time I did it, it was here on Message In A Bottle. But there is a word that keeps popping up for me lately. It’s been a hell of a year, in terms of growth and…
Books Giveaway
Well good day, fine folks! It feels weird but comforting to be writing here in the blog again. I tend to have other outlets these days – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest…with videos, content, etc. So being here is like slipping on comfortable shoes! But I felt compelled to involve my old posse here. Not…
Emotional Sobriety
What is emotional sobriety, and why is it so important in recovery? It’s been called the “next frontier” of recovery by Bill Wilson, and simply put, is being able to experience, confront, and accept all emotions, even the painful ones. It doesn’t mean “turning a frown upside down”, but it does mean having a healthy…
I Remember You
I know. I KNOW. It’s been a while. But as R.E.M once said, this is part of Life’s Rich Pageant – we grow and move on and do things. You know…things. (I am about the segue in the most awkward way possible. Hold on to your hats) Speaking of doing things, let me tell ya…
The Resolution Will Not Be Televised
I read an insightful tweet written by a friend the other day. He suggested that if you were to see “resolutionist noobs” at the gym, to please encourage them. He felt the reasons why so many don’t stay after a few weeks is that because they are treated with disdain and mockery. That statement hit…
Message in a Bottle 