Loss and Grief: When Pets Leave a Hole in Your Life
Loss and grief have been quiet companions in my life, but the hardest losses were my animals. When a pet dies, the silence can be crushing, even for a man who thinks he should be “tough.” This is a reflection on love, heartbreak, and staying sober through it.
Self-Care Is Not Selfish, It’s Maintenance
Self-care once felt selfish to me. What I’ve learned over time is that it’s not indulgence, it’s maintenance. The kind that keeps us steady before everything falls apart.
Reflection Friday: What Actually Knocks Me Off Centre?
Being knocked off centre doesn’t always come from something big. Sometimes it’s subtle, like financial uncertainty or internal pressure. This reflection explores noticing it sooner and responding with steadiness instead of panic.
My Half-Second Rule (Not Reacting Right Away)
The Half-Second Rule is a small pause that changes everything. One breath, a silent count, and you move from reflex to choice, especially in everyday moments that used to set you off.
Why I Hesitated to Let My Writing Be Seen
For a long time, I kept this writing to myself. Not because it wasn’t ready, but because a familiar internal voice said no one wanted to read it. This is why I hesitated, and why I’m sharing it now.
Resentments Are Unmet Expectations
Resentment isn’t just anger that lingers. Often, it’s an unmet expectation we never named, examined, or questioned. A reflection on why that still matters.
Early Sobriety Tale: Thinking I Could Outrun Myself
Early sobriety taught me how small time sometimes needs to be, one day, one hour, even one song at a time. This is what I learned when I stopped drinking but didn’t yet know how to slow down.
Being Thanked Without Shrinking
What it means to receive appreciation cleanly. Reflections on service, humility, and being acknowledged without shrinking or inflating, grounded in lived experience at The Gatehouse.
Another Lesson in Rebuilding
Rebuilding has shown up again and again in my life. This is one story about losing a job, learning humility, and starting over, one more time.
A 3-Minute Body Check for Men Who Can’t Sit Still
A quick 3-minute body check for men who struggle to sit still. Notice tension, follow one breath, and ask what your body needs, then move on with your day.