Being positive isn't just about feeling good; it's a powerful force that can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, from your mental and physical health to your relationships and career. It's a mindset that, when cultivated, can act as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
The journey through addiction, for me and many others, have been incredibly difficult and honestly, really hurtful. People labeling and judging, not even giving a second glance. I go on a date with a man, tell him I am in recovery and 100% sober. What do I get in return? He said he can't be around me because he drinks. Didn't even ask me if I let people drink around me, which I do. So basically fuck that guy and whomever in the world with such a closed mind. So now and forever I will do my best every day to help people. It's so encouraging to see people starting to truly understand and work on ending the stigma around addiction. After all, no one knows any background so judging me is a waste of time, I only use my time with supportive and caring people. Even though I'm not in Narcotics Anonymous, I attend their meetings and group activities as well. I genuinely celebrate their milestones and many of those folks have become my good friends. They've also been a huge support for me, a my A.A. meetings. They come to my speaker meetings. Always a hoot! It takes a strong person and thick skin to go through the journey. It will get better if you have the will to quit. For myself, I know that some people will always see me as a "drunk" or a "boozer," no matter what I do. I can truly say that I don't care. I am proud to be sober and the journey to get here, this point of grace and self love. But you know what? I don't really dwell on my past anymore. I used to carry some shame and guilt, acting out in aggression. Something in my heart just said stop. It isn't even fun anymore, the disease cost me a lot in life but now I'll be damned if I ever go down that route.I have a permanent seat on the wagon and I am sitting comfortably. I'm loving myself now, putting myself and family first & I ensure this to myself and everyone, I'm never looking back. I haven't been this happy in many years. I truly hope that anyone reading this can say the same thing someday. I'd never said it out loud before, but I vividly remember the first time I said, "Aloha! I am Amanda, and I'm an alcoholic." It was bittersweet, but a massive burden lifted off my shoulders. Now, I can confidently and proudly say, "Aloha, I'm Amanda, and I am a grateful recovering addict."
Evolution is an incredible natural process, allowing all living things to gradually change and adapt to their surroundings. These adaptations are typically geared toward survival: becoming stronger, faster, more intelligent, more attractive, and so on. Those useful characteristics are then passed on to offspring and the process continues — albeit very, very slowly in most cases.The animal kingdom is filled with many extraordinary creatures that have evolved remarkable adaptations, from the ability to thrive in extreme environments to senses that far exceed those of humans. Some of these animal abilities are as bizarre as they are impressive, so we decided to explore the strangest and most astonishing skills found in the animal kingdom, from resurrecting frogs to creatures that can survive in space.
Photo above is myself when I was blonde, and my friend Jess. Taken at the "rock jump" at Kern River. Going camping was always and still is a way to reflect and reset my peace. Sincere camping, tents only, no showers or bathrooms. Just the beautiful scenery, great friends and family, funny conversations, playing horse shoes and sharing stories. The most laughter ever!
The lingering warmth of a truly lovely day spent with my mom still feels like a gentle hug. We laughed, shared stories, and simply enjoyed each other's company in that effortless way that only family allows. It was the kind of day that recharges your spirit and leaves you feeling content and connected. Now, as the evening settles in, a different kind of warmth is stirring – the anticipation of diving back into the vibrant chaos of my garden. It's a world away from leisurely chats and shared meals, but in its own way, tending to every leaf, bloom, and patch of soil feels just as fulfilling. The garden, in all its demanding glory, is my other cherished companion, and I'm actually looking forward to the satisfying work of nurturing its growth and beauty once again. The energy from my day with Mom feels like the perfect fuel to tackle the happy responsibility of keeping my little green sanctuary thriving.
This is definitely one of many favorite quotes. I love nature and traveling/hiking and camping so when I see what people do to the beautiful trees by carving names and leaving their trash at these historical parks make me sick thinking about it let alone talking about it but someone needs to. Call my "uncool" or "lame because I do care, a lot actually ..... about this beautiful planet that continues to give me life!
I often find myself "accidentally" thinking of a time machine. When I see the hurt in my families eyes, I wish I could go back and do everything different, yet don't we all? The allure of a time machine is a constant whisper in my mind, the tantalizing possibility of revisiting past crossroads and choosing different paths, erasing regrets and crafting a seemingly smoother narrative. There's a powerful yearning to correct missteps, to make the wiser choices I see so clearly in hindsight. Yet, a deeper understanding tempers this desire, a recognition that the tapestry of my life, with all its knots and frayed edges woven from those very "bad" decisions, is what ultimately defines its unique texture and, indeed, who I am today in Simi Valley. The lessons learned, the resilience forged, and the unexpected turns those choices led to have shaped my current perspective and strengths, creating the very "me" that now contemplates this fantastical journey. The past holds the ghost of what-ifs, but it also undeniably birthed the present reality I inhabit.
