The Circle Recap: Stories & a Few New Friends
here is your June edition
Hi friends,
I’m trying something new. Every month, I want to pop into your inbox—not just to share what’s been going on in Circle of Chairs, but to lift up the voices of others who are doing beautiful, hope-filled work in this world.
If you’ve been in recovery or healing for any amount of time, you know we don’t walk this road alone. So, here’s what’s been happening lately, along with a few meaningful reads you’ll want to bookmark.
Recent Reflections
What if writing a book isn’t the thing?
“What if writing a book isn’t the thing? What if, instead, it is the overflow?"
This one’s a vulnerable share. I open up about what I thought “success” would look like—and how God’s idea of fruitfulness is often so different (and gentler) than ours. Also: I can’t believe I said this out loud.
6 min read
Q: "What is recovery?"
A couple months ago, my church invited me to share about my second book, You Are Not Your Trauma, in a 3-week book study with a group of folks who had been meeting regularly on Sunday mornings before services, some for nearly fifty years.
It’s not just about sobriety. I talk about what recovery really means—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. (Hint: it’s way more human than we make it.)
4 min read
"No" is a complete sentence
When I was in active addiction, struggling deeply in my teen and young adult years, I treated my body like a garbage dump.
Just in time for the long weekend, a gentle reminder: boundaries are holy.
2 min read
"I'm a cycle breaker."
Are you passionate about women’s recovery? I’d love for you to join our next listening session and discussion. See details at the end of this week’s letter.
Here are 3 things that shifted the way I think about addiction and generational patterns. Spoiler: you are not doomed to repeat the past.
3 min read
Liturgy of the Broken Beloved
Every so often a book moves me to not just read it, but study it. I reflect on and share my favorite reads with you here on a Thursday, every once and a while. Here is my every-so-often book review because I can’t not. This book is that good.
My book review of Josh Nadeau’s Room for Good Things to Run Wild—and why it made me cry in the best way.
4 min read
More Reads That Inspire
– “What Doesn’t Kill You Gives You a Story”Tanner shares a harrowing experience of being caught in a tornado while sitting in a rental car. His reflections on fear, faith, and finding God in the midst of chaos are both gripping and deeply moving.
– “What my daughter passing away taught me”– “Room for Good Things to Run Wild”Megan opens up about the profound loss of her 7-week-old daughter, Talyah. Her insights into grief, love, and the sacredness of every moment offer a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Josh’s writing is a blend of poetic prose and raw honesty. In this piece, he delves into themes of addiction, recovery, and the pursuit of a life filled with grace and purpose. His words resonate deeply with anyone on a journey of healing.
– “Why Bother to Pray?”
Patty candidly discusses her struggles with prayer, offering a heartfelt exploration of doubt, faith, and the journey toward spiritual intimacy. Her vulnerability is both refreshing and inspiring.
Before You Go
Thanks for being here. I hope something in this circle of stories reminded you that healing is possible and you’re not alone.
Feel free to share, comment, or subscribe to keep the conversation going.
With you in it,
Caroline
Thank you so much for the shout out! You don’t know how much I appreciate you recommending my post. I always hope my experiences can benefit someone else. Thx again!