As the Christmas holiday nears, it is often the best time of year for friends and family to come together so they can enjoy each other’s company, friendships, and joyful spirit. But for so many people, the Christmas season can also trigger stress and anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. It’s important that we acknowledge those loved ones this holiday that may be in treatment or recovery for substance abuse or alcoholism. This week, Nicole Soria published an important piece in Thrive Global … [Read more...]
An Interview: My Journey as a Recovering Addict and the Power of Storytelling
I recently had the privilege of talking with Thrive Global about my journey as an author, educator and recovering addict (“F.A.T.E From Addict to Entrepreneur With Dr. Tyra Manning Author of “Your Turn” And Michael G. Dash”). The interview Q&A was a great way to help launch my latest book, Your Turn: Ways to Celebrate Life Through Storytelling, at the beginning of October. This was a candid and long-form interview in which I discussed overcoming addiction at length. Although that … [Read more...]
Look for the Helpers
On a beautiful fall morning 16 years ago, our nation’s collective consciousness was shattered by the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center. That day, our shared belief in the safety of our nation and its borders was instantly changed into a sense of disbelief, fear and anger, all of which persist to this day. However, despite the negative ramifications of that fateful day, I’d like to remember a bright spot, reminiscent of which I witnessed this past week in the way first responders and … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: Five Feet High and Rising
Like millions of Americans, I’ve remained glued to the television and other news outlets chronicling the epic deluge that Hurricane Harvey has unleashed across Houston, Rockport, Galveston, and along the Gulf Shores of Texas and into Louisiana. As a fellow Texan and an American, it’s been heart wrenching to watch the powerful destruction so easily wrought to the works of men by Mother Nature. As a lifelong educator and a parent, I am especially moved by images of babies, toddlers and … [Read more...]
Just Lock Me UP!
After Larry left for Vietnam, my psychiatrist in Lubbock, Texas, told me I could get better faster if I went to The Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. When he discharged me from the Psychiatric Unit at Methodist, Hospital in Lubbock, I moved to Seminole to live with Mother until a room was available at Menninger. Laura, almost two years old, stayed with her babysitter in Lubbock. My Clinical Depression was so severe I couldn’t take care of her. Mother was a teacher. She left me in bed every … [Read more...]
