Our Lives Make Ripples

+ a note for my friends who are anxious

When we go camping, something (with kids) that always seems like a better idea until we actually get there, my son always wants to throw stones into the water.

Creeks, ponds, lakes. It doesn’t matter the type of water; he wants to watch as heaviness drops into the glistening pool or the rushing mountain stream.

He likes to watch the splash of the rock and how it disappears out of sight. He asks me to help him find flat stones that he brushes the top of with his gloved hand in the cool of early morning.

One…two…three…the flat stones dance on top of the water until they find their home in the muddy bottom.

It reminds me that we can make ripples.

Our lives can extend beyond ourselves.

Photo by Charlotte Collins on Unsplash

[here is some wild info on the origins of the “ripple effect”]

In recovery and in writing, I’ve discovered a way to be of service in the recovery community. An aim and a hope to spend my life for something bigger than me.

It’s part of why I’ve committed to showing up here every week to connect with you.

Are there ways that you’ve found to be of service?

Are you looking for a way to spend your life for something bigger than you?

Like my son, are you still looking for the perfect stone, or are you already gliding across the water?

Have you settled into your place, in this time, here…or are you waiting, flying, expectant for something new?

Are current events stirring waters, making you feel uncertain, unsteady?

I feel you.

How ever you are showing up today, my hope is that these words remind you that your life has impact just as you are right now.

Perhaps you’ve lost sight of this or perhaps you are afraid of what’s next.

Dear friend and reader,

If you need support, get it.

If you need to find new community, start today.

If you need to build community, there is a time for this too. And perhaps that time is now.

If you are feeling anxious about the coming changes to many of the programs, grants, and services (for my friends in the substance use and mental health field in the U.S.) and how this is going to impact the people you serve and care about, let’s talk about it. Let’s support each other. Let’s get creative and innovative.

Let’s not forget that we are ripples for each other.

I’ve joined the team at Recovery.com as the Managing Editor. We are re-doing the resource hub and adding new articles to support addiction and mental health (check out a new article with insights from

Dr. Lee Warren

: How Long Does It Take to Rewire the Brain From Addiction? I’m also working with the team to develop two new podcasts that share your real recovery stories that I will be co-hosting. I’d love to create this with you!

What would you like to see in a new recovery-centered podcast that focuses on sharing stories about addiction and mental health?

Recovery.com would also love to invite you to be a guest! After completing the survey, me or another team member will follow-up with you on more information on how to apply to be a guest on the podcast.

Coming soon…

and…