Christmas Fund: Oxford House recovery centre builds on the power of peer support

The night Jason Carriere’s friend offered to help him check into an addiction recovery centre, he knew it was the turning point he’d been so desperately looking for.

“I literally went downstairs and slept by the front door, so I’d be ready,” says Carriere, 42.

In the morning, he woke up and threw back a drink before heading out the door with her.

“That was at 7:35 a.m., July 5, 2017, the last drink of alcohol I’ve had.”

Read the complete article here

I was there when Jason was interviewed for this story. He was honoured to do so and does all he can to give back in the hopes that it will help someone else who is struggling. Please share or reblog this story!

Diana xo

❤

 

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I am not alone.

I’m so excited for this event tonight, and that Louise graciously agreed to speak at it!

Dare boldly

Unexpectedly, I am self-conscious.

Unexpectedly, I wonder if my words have meaning. Depth. Substance.

Most mornings when I write in this space, I am simply present. No artifice. No ‘gotta make people think this, feel that’. No, hmmm, what message shall I give today? It’s just me, the velvet night turning light outside my office window, the desk lamp casting a golden glow upon my keyboard and Beaumont, curled up on the floor behind me, sleeping.

This morning, the critter awoke and ego mind leapt into the fray. “You gotta make sure your words have meaning, Louise. You gotta write important stuff!”

The critter is a devious character. He likes to try to convince me that what I write must come from my mind. “Your heart is too soft,” he says. “Your heart will get you into trouble. Take care. Listen up and listen only to me. I will tell…

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Circles of Hope — We must share

I had the beautiful privilege of attending this event, and let me tell you the room was connected heart-to-heart. Well done Louise, Alexis and Inn From the cold!

Dare boldly

Photography by Mary Hone

It is 2am and I can’t sleep.

I don’t know if I’m still buzzed from the amazingness that was Circles of Hope yesterday, or if I’m just so emotionally exhausted even sleep can’t find space to turn up.

It was an amazing day.

Full house.

Incredible speakers and a team that made the entire thing look flawless and effortless.

Beyond the day however, is the emotional space created in sharing this journey with my eldest daughter. Of sitting with her and talking about the story of the past, our fears and sorrows and how to tell the story so that it not only inspires but reminds people that they are not alone.

Last night, I received an email from one of the attendees. They hadn’t planned on coming to the event, but a change in their schedule gave them some free time.

Being a parent myself…

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How to Tell Your True Story

I was immediately drawn to the title of this post and enjoyed it so much I had to share it with you. ❤
“Our temptation is to reduce people to one story. People are considerably more complex than a single story could ever convey.”

Jake Owensby

As the seventh graders started lining up to exit the classroom, the teacher said, “Not you, Sam Owensby. You sit back down. You’re staying right here. You’ll just ruin the whole assembly.”

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The Difference Between Judging and Discerning

I’ve been doing a lot of reading on dualistic thinking and how it limits us, so when I came across Val’s post yesterday, I just had to share with you! ❤
Diana xo

Find Your Middle Ground

When I was little, I was told how important it was to do what was “right” and not get into trouble by doing something “wrong”. Yet, as I grew up I saw that many of the rights and wrongs didn’t make sense. It all depended on the perspective and belief of the person.

When I was told that a terrorist is also a freedom fighter, depending on whose side you are on, I really got it.  It opened my eyes to seeing things in a new way.

Dualistic (either/or) thinking, prevents us from seeing the whole truth.

Judging is about determining what is right or wrong, good or bad. It comes from our minds tendency to think dualistically, in terms of right or wrong. We grasp on to this to keep us feeling in control and safe. In order to maintain a stable society, religion and the law reinforce this idea.

Yet…

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The Non-Complaint Department

In lieu of a Friday Pick. ❤
Gratitude is the best attitude!

notquiteold

I overheard the most ordinary – yet extraordinary – conversation yesterday.

Two friends were catching up after our Yoga class. One had just returned from visiting her son and grandchildren.

“I see my grandchildren so much more than I ever thought I would,” the woman said. “It’s such an easy trip. Bradley [our Connecticut airport] is so fantastic.”

“I know!” said her friend. “Convenient parking, easy walks to the gates…  we are so lucky!”

Okay. Wow.

When was the last time you heard someone say something nice about AN AIRPORT????

But it’s true. We have a nice airport. And there are great airports all over the world. We can go anywhere. I did not travel the ocean in steerage to go to my business meeting in France.

I’m not saying we don’t have lots of problems with flying. But my God, we are flying.

And there are so many things…

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Let’s Talk #BellLetsTalk

Please read this important post, written by friend Louise Gallagher about mental health #BellLetsTalk

Dare boldly

I am crazy about my mental health.

Crazy about being healthy of mind, strong of body, and spirit.

I am crazy about keeping my mind focused, sharp, capable of thinking great things, capable of guiding me through each day without pulling me off track into the darkness of darkness, the sadness of sadness that blankets every thought, every word, every thing when depression hits.

I am crazy in love with being free of thoughts that would drag me down into the swamp of believing the only way out of life is death. Death is part of life, but it is not the all of life. and that’s what depression would have me believe.

I am not depressed.

I do not suffer from depression.

Anymore.

I had a big encounter with it. Once.  I was in a relationship that was almost killing me. I wanted to die. I thought about ways…

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Happy Thanksgiving!

In lieu of my usual Friday Pick, I am re-blogging Jennifer’s post as a reminder to myself how beautiful, wise and kind us humans can be when we want to.

From the mouths (and actions) of babes…

I’ve got lots to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. My husband, kids, and parents are all healthy. My extended family is doing well. Simply put, we’re happy. For that, I am immensely grateful.
Today, though, I feel especially blessed, and I’d like to give a shout-out to my teachers. I’ve had some of the best. Currently, I’m in class with true professionals. Am I in graduate school? Nope, elementary school–fourth grade to be exact. My teachers range in age from five to ten years old.
In a world filled with hate and division, what do a bunch of children have to teach us? On Tuesday, when our amazing gym teacher put on our annual Turkey Trot race at our school, I learned plenty.

In order to participate in the mile long race around our school, each child brings an entry fee of one can of food for our…

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A Corpus Christi Christmas

An old friend once told me, “It’s all about the memories you create together.” He was talking about what our children will remember when they look back on their lives. Johnny won’t necessarily remember the BMX bike you bought him, but he will remember how you encouraged him that day he felt less-than, or the laughs you shared at your family gatherings.

Christmas is a bit like that for me. My memories center on the family around the tree, on the traditions we incorporated into our Christmas celebrations; and seriously – I can barely remember the gifts I got.

This year I’m excited about attending ‘A Corpus Christi Christmas’ – A concert to Benefit Oxford House Foundation of Canada, and sponsored by The Legacy Family of Companies

Having attended many Christmas concerts featuring The Corpus Christi Male Chorale in the past, I’ve grown to understand the value they bring by creating a memorable evening that brings family together.

So, this Christmas, why not immerse yourself in the rich, warm sounds of the much-loved Corpus Christi Male Chorale, together with some of Calgary’s finest guest vocalists and instrumentalists, as they present Christmas favourites, old and new, including “O, Holy Night” “Mary, Did You Know?” “The Birthday of a King” and the classic “Ave Maria” by Franz Bieble and others?

I would love to see you there. Bring your kids. Bring Grandma and Grandpa. Invite your friends. Create some Christmas memories that will stay with you and your loved ones for a lifetime.

If you live in Calgary and are interested in getting tickets, please click here for more information or call me at the office (403) 214-2046. I would love to see you there! ❤

Diana xo

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

 

flyting.

Flyting seems to have been a necessary thing to do in a time when people could not hide behind their computer screens to take shots at people and the Housewives of (insert any city) did not yet exist.I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. 😉

Thanks for this awesome piece of history and teaching me a new OLD word Beth! ❤
Diana xo

I didn't have my glasses on....

i’d prefer this to the debates. at least it would be witty.

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credit:mentalfloss

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