Happy Birthday Robin Roberts

This Black Friday  I happened to  catch GMA.  I watched a musical vignette led off by Stevie Wonder singing his now iconic Happy Birthday song. As the music played images of exuberant loving fans including viewers, co-workers and several celebrities flashed signs and sang along with Stevie.  

I confess that I never watch Good Morning America and I know very little of Robin Roberts one of the co-hosts of the ABC show now on sabbatical for health reasons. What did strike me however as the music played was how the tears started to fill my eyes. The reflection of love these people have for Robin Roberts was transmuted across the screen and I instantly felt a connection to this beloved former athlete and TV personality in the faces of those that carry her close to their hearts. 

Authentic emotions are one of the gifts we humans can share with each other and for this human I felt it for Robin Roberts. 

Dick Tracy

Dick Tracy was a detective and like all good detectives, I mean really good detectives they solve mysteries. Some mysteries are tough to solve because there are few clues. Dick Tracy gave me this clue and I pass it on to you. The Butler did it.  

When Will This Ever End?

When will this ever end?  Have you ever asked yourself this question? Of course you have and the truth is that even when we think we are “in” something it’s changing nonetheless. We get so absorbed in the unpleasantness we don’t see we are moving toward a different outcome and creating a new beginning. 

Questions. Do You Have a Problem With Alcohol?

1. Is there a particular time in the day you prefer a drink? 

2. Do you drink alone?

3. Do you hide bottles when you are through with them?

4. How old were you when you first picked up?

5. Has your drinking interfered with your relationships at home/work?

6. Do you think you can stop anytime you want?

7. Do you need a drink when you’re in mixed company or in a group?

8. When everyone else has stopped drinking are you the last one to stop?

9. How do you feel before you pick up? Are you happy/sad/depressed?

10. How do you feel the next day after a day/night of alcohol and or drugs

11. Do you feel remorseful? 

12. If you had to stop could you?

13. What would have to happen for you to stop?

14. Do you think alcohol has had an adverse affect on your life?

15. Can you imagine a life without alcohol/drugs? 

See if you can answer these questions with rigorous honesty. Then ask yourself what has to happen next? 

CASAC Section II

The more I read and study about the certificated course in CASAC (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) the more excited I become about becoming the best counselor on the East Coast. I make this unabashed claim because I know that I was born to do this. The experience of 23 years in AA, a degree in psychology, an outgoing personality and the fact that I am a sexagenarian will all lend themselves to being a value added asset to those afflicted with the dis-ease of alcoholism. 

Today I started the 2nd section of this course and it is considerable in length 85 versus 150 hours and I am up for the challenge. Bring it!