Alcohol, Marriage, Personal Growth and More
Refusing to Settle. Choosing Peace. Living Free.
Today, an attorney filed a divorce petition, symbolizing years of emotional exhaustion. Despite moving out five months ago, memories of conflict linger. Subtle criticisms during interactions reaffirmed the need for separation. While empathy remains, the author recognizes that peace, freedom, and respect are unattainable in a relationship marked by constant invalidation.
Tonight I’m writing from a place I never expected to be again: the house I used to call home. I’m here temporarily while my wife is in Chicago visiting her family for Christmas week. I am helping with the dogs, sleeping in the same bed where I spent so many nights trying to convince myself... Continue Reading →
A week in Hawaii has forced me to slow down, step back, and face a decision I’ve been avoiding — whether to lean all the way in or finally let go. This trip isn’t about escape; it’s about ending the mental gymnastics and finding peace, one way or the other.
One could read my story and think: this guy is weak, maybe dramatizing what everyone else calls life. Hard things happen to everyone, after all. And yes, I remind myself often — at least I don’t have cancer, I’m not homeless. My feet are firmly on planet earth and so I get those who might... Continue Reading →
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been through some of the hardest times of my life—facing marriage struggles, breaking free from alcohol, navigating a serious health scare, and figuring out who I am when old patterns no longer worked for me. Somewhere along the way, I began to notice that the habits and mindsets... Continue Reading →
It’s been just over two months since I made the decision to separate, and I wanted to sit down and put some words to what this has really been like. Partly for myself, because writing always helps me process, and partly because I know there are others out there who have either gone through something... Continue Reading →
The journey to this point has been brutal.It’s worn me down in ways I never thought possible. Heck, in ways I never knew could be possible. And while I’m still standing, I’m not the same man I was. Not even close. This didn’t happen overnight.It happened slowly, over years—until one day I realized the version... Continue Reading →
For years, I’ve been caught in an emotional whirlwind, wrestling with a deeply personal decision:Do I keep fighting for a marriage that’s carved painful and permanent scars? Or do I finally summon the courage to step away and reclaim my life? Writing this isn’t just therapeutic—it’s my reminder, my accountability, and maybe a lifeline to... Continue Reading →
We could all point to countless things that have been difficult, painful, or even traumatic in our lives. And frankly—sadly—that’s just life. Our suffering isn’t unique, but it is ours. And it’s real. If you haven’t hit a storm yet, just wait—your turn will come. Each of us carries our own story. What I had... Continue Reading →
For a long time, I asked myself if I was just too sensitive. If I was overreacting. Maybe I was the problem. I questioned myself constantly. I doubted myself. I lied to myself, saying, “It’s not really that bad,” because that’s what years of emotional and verbal abuse can do. It doesn’t always leave bruises.... Continue Reading →
Alcohol, Marriage, Personal Growth and More 