From My Substack
I write about recovery, nervous systems, and the messy middle on my Substack, Progress Is Progress. These are a few of the pieces I’m proudest of, written from my own lived experience as well as my work as a counselor and recovery coach. I hope something here meets you where you are.
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A Relapse Does Not Erase Your Progress: Why ‘Starting Over’ Is a Myth
“Repeat after me: A relapse does not undo your progress. A moment of weakness gives you information—hard data about what’s still injured in your nervous system, what parts of your life need more attention, and where the old habits of numbing or chaos are trying to reassert control. Telling yourself you have to start from square one keeps people trapped in shame instead of learning.”
Read the full post on Substack (opens in a new tab): A Relapse Does Not Erase Your Progress: Why ‘Starting Over’ Is a Myth
The 72-Hour / 7-Day / 30-Day Reoccurrence Protocol
“A reoccurrence is information, not a verdict. You do not have to feel that yet. You just have to act as if it is true long enough to get through the night.”
Read the full post on Substack (opens in a new tab): The 72-Hour / 7-Day / 30-Day Reoccurrence Protocol
Self-Sabotage in Recovery: Why Your Nervous System Sabotages Your Progress (and How to Stop It)
“Self-sabotage isn’t laziness, weakness, or “not wanting it enough.” It’s your nervous system’s misguided bodyguard on high alert—convinced that real progress, success, or change is dangerous. You don’t have to be flawless to start.”
Read the full post on Substack (opens in a new tab): Self-Sabotage in Recovery: Why Your Nervous System Sabotages Your Progress (and How to Stop It)
Triggers Aren’t the Enemy—They’re Messengers From Your Nervous System
“Triggers are not a flaw or a failure—they’re your nervous system doing exactly what it evolved to do: protect you. I know this in my bones from both sides. As someone with over a decade sober from methamphetamine, I’ve felt the old cravings hit like a freight train during family holidays or right after a win in my business.”
Read the full post on Substack (opens in a new tab): Triggers Aren’t the Enemy—They’re Messengers From Your Nervous System
When Success Feels Dangerous: Why Getting Better Triggers the Hardest Self-Sabotage
“I should have been celebrating. Instead I sat in my car, turned off the engine, and ugly sobbed until my throat was raw. When life begins to look stable, calm, or successful, the body does not cheer.”
Read the full post on Substack (opens in a new tab): When Success Feels Dangerous: Why Getting Better Triggers the Hardest Self-Sabotage
The Shame Lie (and Imposter Voice) I Still Whisper… and the 3-Minute Move That’s Actually Shutting It Up
“I used to let it win. Numb it, minimize it, white-knuckle until it passed. Last night I didn’t.”
Read the full post on Substack (opens in a new tab): The Shame Lie (and Imposter Voice) I Still Whisper… and the 3-Minute Move That’s Actually Shutting It UpThere’s more where these came from. New posts go up on my Substack, and it’s free to read.
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