Tag: Sobriety Birthday

December 21, 2020

Staying Current With 12-Step Work

Posted by Administrator in Alumni
sobriety

Those of us who have experienced living with the disease of alcoholism and addiction remember how desperately we sought escape and freedom. We also remember the hope and relief that we felt we finally found the program of recovery. Maybe it didn’t look exactly how we imagined it, but we sure were happy to find a solution to our deadly disease, finally. The sheer joy of seeing people who had alcoholism and addiction just like we did, but were now living happy and free lives in recovery, was incredible. Our time spent losing our lives trapped inside our disease could finally be over. We heard these recovering alcoholics and addicts talk about participating in the program of recovery. They spoke about attending meetings, being of service, and getting familiar with the concept of fellowship. They also spoke often about taking the 12-Steps. They called all of this “working a program”…

Continue Reading

May 12, 2016

Lois Celebrates 26 Years

Posted by Administrator in Insights

On May 10th 2016, Lois Porcelain celebrated 26 years of sobriety. Lois is undoubtedly one of the greatest human beings I have ever met in my life. Yes, of course, an amazing therapist with an ability to connect with people that is rare in this world, but without question one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever encountered. Lois helped me in a time of tribulation in my life and has done so for thousands of men and women throughout her lifetime, not because that is what she does for her occupation, but because that is who Lois is. The great American poet Robert Frost once said, “My object in living is to unite my avocation and my vocation as my two eyes make one in sight.” I am always reminded of Lois when I read these words. Jaywalker Lodge is a very special place and as far…

Continue Reading

May 5, 2016

Bryce Celebrates 1 Year

Posted by Administrator in Alumni

I met Bryce last year when I was in the transition from night tech to weekend day tech.  I was a bit nervous and out of touch with life.  I remember Bryce coming into to the tech office full of life and energy.  He has a wonderful outgoing personality and he helped me with my introduction back into communication with the client population.  I was stuck in this fearful shell from working overnights and Bryce was my out!  There was one evening in particular where Bryce taught us how to “Whip it & nay nay,” and it was the first time I was able to get out of that shell and enjoy being free!   He showed me how to feel comfortable with who I am and that it is ok to be me.  God places people in our lives to help us with our personal journey in recovery.  Bryce may…

Continue Reading

April 14, 2016

Nikki “Rock Stock” Soda Celebrates 12 Years

Posted by Administrator in Insights

On April 14th 2004, Nikki Soda checked herself into Turning Point of Tampa.  Oh, there were consequences in her life to be sure, but the main one was being tired of living the life she was leading.  Not many people that I have been around go to a 30 day treatment center once and remain sober, but through a mixture of desperation and determination, Nikki put enough 24 hours together to get to 12 years. I did not know her when her nickname as a low post basketball player was “Rock Stock,” but I certainly know the personality that contributed to it by now.  Having the privilege of having her in my life, I have been able to see the dedication, drive, desire and intensity it took to get that nickname, and ultimately succeed in recovery and life.  I have also had the privilege of watching someone who lost their…

Continue Reading

April 13, 2016

Sammy Celebrates 3

Posted by Administrator in Alumni

I met Sam a little less than 3 years ago, while watching the Jaywalker alumni softball team.  I could immediately tell that he was fresh to town and was more than likely a Jaywalker by the sheepish look on his face.  I introduced myself, and he told me that he had come from Caron Treatment Center for a wicked cocaine and alcohol addiction.  I could tell right away that the drugs and alcohol had run their course, but that Sam was “done”. Little did I know that Sam would become my best friend over the next few years. Sam went straight from the Landing to Solutions, so we were able to hang out quite a bit early on.  He immediately got a sponsor, and began diligently working the steps.  One of the greatest gifts of the program is getting to see the lights come on in another recovering addict/alcoholic.  I…

Continue Reading

April 4, 2016

Jim Soda Celebrates 12 years

Posted by Administrator in Insights

On April 4th, 2004 Jim walked into Turning Point of Tampa treatment center, willing to do everything they told him to do in order to get better and stay sober.  And he did.  Jim went from having a handful of college credits to begin working as an overnight tech at Turning Point, to earning first his Associates degree, then a BA, to then earning two Master’s degree. Jim truly has a gift for helping people who struggle with addiction and is the hardest worker I know.  Although quiet at times, Jim has a dry and witty sense of humor and is able to cut through BS to get to the point and help those who want and need help. I am beyond grateful to have met Jim in 2004 and am blessed to have gone this journey of sobriety and life with such an incredible person. Interesting fact about Jim,…

Continue Reading

March 25, 2016

Larsen Celebrates 6

Posted by Administrator in Alumni

Larsen and I have become best friends over the last six years. He is my brother. We have that unshakeable bond of having escaped common peril. When Peyton asked if I could write a piece on Larsen for his sixth birthday I was thrilled. There were three qualities that immediately came to mind: values, stability, and power of example. I had never met a guy quite like Larsen. He loved rap, voraciously read philosophy, practiced meditation with the highest priority, and had a cutting sense of humor. I was interested. He was serious about his recovery and had worked through the 12 steps. We hung out nearly every evening and he helped me through my early recovery. Over the next couple years I watched Larsen grow. He embraced a Buddhist practice and began to build a strong 11th step. He was taught the importance of values in spirituality, that if…

Continue Reading

March 11, 2016

Stanley Celebrates 4 Years

Posted by Administrator in Alumni

Our very own southern gentleman and scratch golfer, Stanley Jones, celebrated 4 years of sobriety yesterday! Stanley and I sat down for coffee yesterday to reminisce about his last 4 years in sobriety and how his life has completely turned around. Stanley is currently in his last semester at Colorado Mountain College and will be graduating in May with a bachelors degree in Business Administration. He has even been invited to give the commencement speech for all other graduates! Stanley, thank you for leading by example and being proof of the promises of sobriety! Peyton Ward Alumni Coordinator

March 7, 2016

Wesley Celebrates 1 Year

Posted by Administrator in Alumni

I first met Wesley when he got to Jaywalker last year. He had just completed La Hacienda and appeared to “have come all the way in and sat all the way down”. In his short time here in our community Wesley has sponsored numerous men, and become a very active member of our alumni community. He currently works at the Lodge as a Technician. Wesley is a great athlete and has truly taken up the Jaywalker way of life. Congrats Wesley! Peyton Ward Alumni Coordinator

February 25, 2016

Seth H Turns 2

Posted by Administrator in Insights

I first met Seth a little less than four years ago. I was a few months removed from a relapse and getting work through the local temp agency at the time. It was summer time, and the temperatures were closing in on 100 degrees by the afternoons, so of course, I found myself sent off to a job digging trenches and breaking rocks around the foundation of a house in Glenwood Springs. Of the eight people assigned to that particular worksite, only one guy other than me did any real work. That guy was Seth. He didn’t cut corners or slack off, he didn’t complain, he just worked hard on the job that he had in front of him, because he was getting paid for it, and because it was the right thing to do.  To be clear, I worked hard as well, but I complained the entire time. Seth…

Continue Reading

Read more

Archives

Tags