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Recovering Relationships Newsletter - October 2025 (formerly Parenting in Recovery)
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Apologies for missing the September newsletterLife got louder than planned, and I chose to pause rather than send something half-baked. Although it’s already nearly halfway through the month, I’m grateful you’re here—and we’re back to our regular schedule this month.
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Raw Thoughts - Sober October (Halloween Without the Potion)Halloween without alcohol can feel like walking past a haunted house—your mind screams, “Don’t go in.” But go in anyway. The fear isn’t the party; it’s the story that you’re less fun, less brave, less yourself without a drink. Call that lie out. Wear the costume, eat the candy, dance like a weirdo, leave when you’re ready. Hold a seltzer like a shield and keep your boundaries clear. Notice the relief when you wake up clear, unmasked, and proud. This October, let courage be your costume. You don’t need a potion to be electric—you need to show up.
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New Podcast Series: Home Is Within the Family — Heart-Centered Parenting (a sub-series from Nadia Davis’s Podcast, Home is Within You)
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Nadia Davis and I are exploring what it means to parent in recovery. Each episode of Home Is Within the Family: Heart-Centered Parenting dives into the real work of raising children while tending to our own growth, recovery, and inner peace. We talk about self-compassion, breaking cycles, and reconnecting with the calm, grounded parent within. It’s honest, hopeful, and rooted in the belief that when we heal, our families heal too. |
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Helpful tip from the book, Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery - It’s Okay to Have Mixed FeelingsOne of the things that surprised me about inpatient treatment was that there came a time when I didn’t want to leave the rehab facility. I had finally begun to feel safe, supported, and understood—things that once felt out of reach. As discharge approached, the sense of safety started to feel fragile, and part of me wanted to stay. If you feel that way, you’re not alone. Change is scary, even when it’s healthy. It’s okay to have mixed feelings about leaving. Talk about them openly often marks the beginning of real-world healing, not the end of it. And remember: ambivalence shows up in every big transition—moving to a new city, starting or ending a relationship, changing jobs, graduating, becoming a parent, even retiring. Wanting growth while grieving the familiar is normal. Make room for both: honor what you’re leaving, name what you’re hoping for, and build a small, steady plan for the first weeks of the new chapter.
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This month’s Recommendations
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Book - Soul-Led Sobriety - by Chrissy JanigaWith grace and grounded wisdom, this book provides a refreshing, soul-centered approach to recovery. Drawing on personal experience and generous guidance, it supports readers in healing through authenticity, self-trust, and inner connection—reminding us that lasting sobriety grows from within. Practical reflections and gentle prompts turn insights into daily actions, meeting readers wherever they are. It’s a compassionate companion for both newcomers and experienced travelers on the recovery journey. |
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Social Media With Real Impact - IG@Mind Muscle Pro — Where Movement Meets Mental Wellness
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Every so often, I encounter an organization that exemplifies true, heart-centered recovery—and Mind Muscle Pro is one of them. Founded by Nicholas Murray and thoughtfully guided by Cheyenne Halbert, with support from Laci Renee, this nonprofit is redefining how we discuss mental health and healing. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2022, Mind Muscle Pro has been guiding people toward wellness through various paths, including fitness, art, music, yoga, dance, writing, and more. Their work challenges stigma by demonstrating that mental health support can take many forms. Healing can happen in a gym, classroom, or quiet creative space. |
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Their programs meet individuals exactly where they are—offering free virtual classes for adults, school workshops for teens, and even reading programs for children that foster emotional awareness from a young age. Through creative outreach and compelling storytelling, they remind everyone that you are not alone and that your story matters. Nicholas and Cheyenne are doing extraordinary work—building a community that combines education, movement, and purpose. It’s a powerful example of how wellness flourishes when compassion leads the way.
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Sun, Apr 20
Which One is Right for You?
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One more FavorI’m deeply committed to this book and truly believe it can help many people. But I can’t do it alone. Your support means everything. Please consider leaving a review, or hit the button, “follow the author,” sharing my account with a friend, or requesting the book at your local library or bookstore. Word of mouth is the most powerful tool I have to reach those who need it. By the way, bulk discounts are available for quantities of 25 or more. Email me for information. |
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Please share this newsletter with anyone who you think might find it helpful. My mission is to reach anyone struggling with their addiction, mental health, or their ability to reconnect with their friends and family.
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Please feel free to email me with questions, information.
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Additional Resources For Information and HelpSuicide & Crisis Lifeline dial 988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 AA world service - https://www.aa.org Al-anon - https://al-anon.org/ Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families - https://adultchildren.org/
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