He was wearing shorts and flip-flops in February. I stood by the door and watched him leave – my son, heading who knows where. The door closed behind him, and for a moment, my whole house snapped into color. I could hear everything again – the birds, the wind, the hum of the street outside. … The post Holding Both: Grieving What’s Been Lost While Choosing Hope in Families Facing Addiction first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
Some of you may have learned that I had a terrible head accident in July 2024 and was forced to retire from my private practice and license of 44 years. Although I am partially competent to practice, I was unable to walk and hear properly, sit for long periods of time and concentrate on what … The post The News of My Demise Has Been Greatly Exaggerated first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
In this publication, over the past several years, I have not kept secret that I am an avid 12 Stepper and that I have been very grateful to have found the Steps. They have become a very important part of my recovery and life for over thirty years. I see the 12 Steps as not … The post Empowerment: An Important Element of Recovery first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
The numbers tell the story. In 2022, nearly 18 U.S. military veterans died by suicide each day, according to statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Some sources say that number may likely be higher, closer to 22 a day, according to Tim Murray, executive director of Bravo Zulu House, a recently opened sober house … The post New Sober House for Veterans With PTSD Offers ‘A Chance to Heal’ first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
The scene is a familiar one; I’m at an airport at 7am, waiting for a flight to Toronto, to begin a cross-country tour that heads west for 3 weeks. I’ve given myself ample time to comfortably check in, clear security, and grab myself a tea and pastry once I am through. I am showered, well-groomed, … The post What Touring Sober Taught Me About Resilience first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
As a faith leader in recovery, my life exists at the nexus of personal development and spiritual growth. If you read this column regularly, you’ll know that I am a recovering addict who lives well with bipolar I and that I became a pastor while in recovery. I have spent 2025 testing, deconstructing, and observing … The post Community-Made Vs Self-Made: Rethinking Recovery first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
Substance use disorder (SUD) is something that isn’t talked about in a lot of communities, especially those of a culture-specific nature. Take, for example, the Hmong people. “Hmong people are known as survivalists and are really resilient. And to add that we have a SUD, it’s kind of like shaming,” Xianna Moua-Yang, co-founder of Koom … The post A New Grassroot Recovery Organization Emerges to Meet Community-Specific Needs first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
September is National Recovery Month — a time to celebrate the millions of Americans in recovery from substance use disorders and to promote the evidence-based treatments, supports, and communities that make recovery possible. At the Minnesota Department of Human Services, we are privileged to work alongside providers, advocates, people in recovery, and families every day. … The post Three Reasons for Hope in Minnesota’s Recovery Landscape first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill. —Christopher Parker Procrastination is a con. It tempts me into thinking it will be easier later, tomorrow, next week. It lets my fears expand and my resolution diminish. It holds me in suspension, like salt in the sea, ever … The post Why Wait first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
“Anger is a symptom, a way of cloaking and expressing feelings too awful to experience directly—hurt, bitterness, grief, and, most of all, fear.” Joan Rivers My Frankie is like a split personality. Most of the time he is the sweetest guy. He’d give you the shirt off his back. But when he gets mad, … The post When Your Partner Has a Temper Problem first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
In many cases, substance use disorder is a disease suffered in isolation, as people often avoid treatment or health care due to stigma and other barriers. Preventing overdoses and providing paths to recovery requires resources – but perhaps the most important resource is human connection. This year, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the creation of Safe| The Phoenix Spirit
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on the mental health of people of all ages. In fact, many people who had never experienced mental health challenges have found themselves struggling for the first time. Never has it been more important to take care of ourselves, seek help when needed, and support our friends and| The Phoenix Spirit
The landscape for alcohol and substance abuse recovery has been dominated for 80 years by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its guiding principles The Twelve Steps which became the gold standard for recovery. While the program is credited with helping millions of people around the world, the gold is losing some of its luster. The National| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: September 2022| thephoenixspirit.com
The Phoenix Spirit talked with John Magnuson, the visionary founder of Relevant Recovery, a new Recovery Community Organization (RCO), designed to train and mentor Family Life Recovery Coaches at Minnesota’s first Recovery Ranch – a space and place where individuals, families and organizations can “experience” recovery as they build greater wellbeing. John's life story, his national network| The Phoenix Spirit
Former Minnesota Department of Human Services official, Amy Dellwo, will assume primary responsibility for short- and long-term public policy goals as NUWAY's Director of Public Policy. “We are thrilled to have Amy join the NUWAY team,” said Monique Bourgeois, NUWAY’s Chief Community Relations Officer. “Her depth and breadth of public policy experience will be an| The Phoenix Spirit
At the age of 55 one should be running out of “re-boots,” the do-overs, the “new starts,” the major moves should be done with, and instead one should be beginning to observe what one has made of one’s life, using amassed experience in a new way, approaching what’s called “wisdom.”Then there’s the economy. It’s the| The Phoenix Spirit
I am not a woman naturally drawn to serenity or stillness. I am often tangled in the trees and quite unable to detect the shape of the forest. I do not tend to meditate, or exercise with the kind of disciplined regularity required to make up a healthy habit. There is however, a place I| The Phoenix Spirit
Life is circuitous, at least mine has been, and often I find myself scratching my mop, wondering how I got to this particular place in time — and why. While the journey has been filled with twists, hairpin turns, and I’ve stopped millimeters short of a precipice or two, it’s been pretty darn good. Challenging,| The Phoenix Spirit
“Pain is mandatory--suffering optional” goes one of the many folksy sayings woven through the 12-Step fabric. This has some basis in literal fact. Neurologists have long known that the sensation of pain and our experience of that sensation as something awful are generated in different structures of the forebrain. However, since being alive requires that| The Phoenix Spirit
I am relaxed when I stop at the library, having dissolved a truckload of tension on a massage table. The library, not far from the spa, seems like a good place to kill some time before my next appointment. Good chance to pick up a novel and maybe a movie. Oh, here’s a good movie.| The Phoenix Spirit
Recently a convicted felon wrote columnist “Dear Abby” lamenting he was “on a one-way trip down a road that leads nowhere.” The man said he felt hopeless about his future behind bars and signed his name “Inmate on a Dead End.” A few weeks later, another reader of the column wrote to say: “I want| The Phoenix Spirit
The first thing I want you to know is that I do resistance training. I use resistance bands, weights, and such. OK, that’s on a good day. Truth be told, I probably do more resisting than I do exercising. I’m more inclined to be a slouch on the couch, thinking “maybe later” when it comes| The Phoenix Spirit
The Phoenix · Becoming Community “The most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.” – Kurt Vonnegut I miss people. I miss little people, big people, happy people, crabby people. I miss the spontaneity that a safe environment supports. I miss hugging friends and rubbing| The Phoenix Spirit
“Those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” — Carlos Santayana (1863-1952) Like it or not, we’re living in a historic era with all its suffering and promise. And what an era we’re living in! Most of us have feelings of unreality, worry, sadness and disbelief about what is happening, and uncertainty| The Phoenix Spirit
We reached out to Minnesota substance disorder providers, treatment centers and mental health professions—as well as people in recovery to hear how COVID-19 has affected them and how it will affect them after the virus has passed. Below are their response with minor edits from our team. We want to thank them for their responses.| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: September 2020| thephoenixspirit.com
This issue of The Phoenix Spirit is about retreats. This is when I usually blather on about retreats being my favorite topic of the year and that there exists a retreat to fit every budget, temperament, and shoe size. But this year is different. While all of the above is true, I’ve ventured, rather involuntarily,| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: March 2016| thephoenixspirit.com
In January 2014, my son, David, 39, passed away following a 15-year addiction to heroin. We started out as an average suburban family: Father, mother, David, and Bill, an older brother. David’s father was a police officer, and I worked part-time as a secretary at the boys’ elementary school. Our lives centered on our community| The Phoenix Spirit
Someone asked me recently who my favorite teacher was. Ok, truth be told, it was one of those password questions on a website for Delta. But it got me thinking nonetheless - despite the lack of face-to-face contact.I thought of Sister Brown at Sacred Heart School. She taught me not to laugh at the class| The Phoenix Spirit
Before I became a member of a 12 Step group over 30 years ago, when I heard someone say “Sponsor,” I would think of the different companies that sponsor programs and advertise in magazines and newspapers. Since becoming a member of a 12 Step group, my ideas about sponsorship have dramatically changed. These days, I| The Phoenix Spirit
The Phoenix · Tiny Solutions Give Homes to the Homeless What does it take for people living on the streets to find a place to call home? The prevailing model in government and social service agencies for addressing homelessness is a “housing first” approach. Get the person out of the elements and into a safe| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: December 2019| thephoenixspirit.com
As we live through these very challenging times, I can’t imagine anyone arguing about the need for developing resilience. This is especially true for those of us in recovery from addictions, whatever be our addiction or addictions. In this article, I’d like to suggest four practices that I have found helpful in developing resilience. The| The Phoenix Spirit
We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Saul Selby of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge about using cannabis in treatment. Q: How did you get into the behavioral health field? I received treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at the age of| The Phoenix Spirit
We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Dr. Jody Friesen Grande of HopeAllianze about thriving and coping with holiday stress. Q: Could you please share a little bit about your background and what led you to working as a holistic therapist/counselor,| The Phoenix Spirit
If you knew nothing else about her, you knew she was an addict. A self-proclaimed train wreck whose talent was too often overshadowed by a tabloid-fueled persona that turned her public life into a frustrating spectacle. Amy Winehouse's addiction had become a pop culture punch line. According to media accounts, I was in good company| The Phoenix Spirit
We’ll feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions Q: How important is fitness/wellness in the recovery process? It is very important! I always say, “If you feel better physically, you feel better mentally. And if you feel better physically and mentally, you are more likely to stay| The Phoenix Spirit
I have always associated the word nourishment with food—and eating. The word nourish actually means to provide food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition; to promote growth needed for nourishment (including spiritual nourishment); and to maintain/ support/strengthen. What is interesting about the definition is that it makes the distinction among the| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: January 2023| thephoenixspirit.com
Many years ago in the late 70s, American Express had an ad about their credit card and their hopes for people who had one of their cards – “Don’t leave home without it.” With their credit card, a person would never be in a situation where if the spirit moved them to make a purchase,| The Phoenix Spirit
Just after takeoff from Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport (MSP), a seatmate asked my destination. I was visiting a cousin in Germany. He was on his way home from an Oregon vacation. We were both relaxed and free of the scowls on the faces of business class passengers. Finding common ground with friendly people is a bonus| The Phoenix Spirit
In the past eighteen months, everyone has been through an incredibly complex time as our usual ways of doing life and relating to others have changed – very often, radically! As I thought about and lived through these events and experiences, I found myself thinking about two realities – first, our need for places to| The Phoenix Spirit
The Phoenix · Head to the Barn to Horse Around Anne K. was having a bad day. An unpleasant experience while shopping set off massive feelings of anxiety. Her husband knew what would calm her. He pulled up on his phone a photo of one of Anne’s horses with a rainbow in view behind it.| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: November 2021| thephoenixspirit.com
With the Holiday season drawing near, my thoughts are turning to Christmas gift-giving. Who should be on the list? What should I give? Do I have to give a gift to co-workers? Bosses? Mail delivery persons? In the midst of all this mind chatter I like to slow down, think and get clear about the| The Phoenix Spirit
Does competition and recovery from addiction have a place in our journey?| The Phoenix Spirit
Most of us don’t think about our circumstances. We are like fish swimming in a body of water that is getting ever more poisonous. We don’t see how sick we are becoming simply due to the toxicity of the water. We adapt to living with environmental hazards and minimize toxicity. After all, other fish swim| The Phoenix Spirit
If you ever have been part of a winning team, you know what synergy means. It is like magic, When a couple becomes committed to each other, they become a team. It means they leave their respective families and join together to make a new family that is the first family and the roots of| The Phoenix Spirit
It never fails. About this time of year every year I start getting a pain in my gut and dread with no clear explanation why. Upon later reflection I realize why. It’s because I have to see my family — who are incredibly crazy... and the holidays are coming. I feel guilty thinking this way.| The Phoenix Spirit
“The cawing of the crow, the lament of the quail, the coo of the dove – all of these songs remind me of ‘home.’” —Louise Elowen Nature has all sorts of beautiful music to offer. And I don’t just mean the sound that your noise machine produces, like the ocean, which helps to lull you| The Phoenix Spirit
The Phoenix · Get Up and Sing: The Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Choir Sunday morning is not the time for sleeping off a bad night of boozing or shooting up. Nor is it time for making more broken promises to yourself that you know you’re going to break. At least that’s true for choir| The Phoenix Spirit
“Hope begins in the dark.” Anne Lamott Throughout my life, that little thing called hope has refused to go away. Even in some of my darkest moments, hope sat there, like a little flame in the darkness, quietly glowing and waiting for me to notice it again. Through blinding tears, I’ve seen it shimmer and| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: March 2020| thephoenixspirit.com
When I was ten years old, my mother gave birth to my youngest sister. Afterwards, she was dead for about eight minutes until the doctors brought her back to life. I was there for my sister’s birth and there afterwards, through all the pain and frantic decisions my parents made following that day. When I| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: January 2020| thephoenixspirit.com
In 2008, an estimated 20.1 million Americans aged 12 or older used illicit drugs within a month prior to a survey done by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA). This estimate represents 8 percent of that population. During that same time an estimated 22.2 million persons (8.9 percent of the population aged 12| The Phoenix Spirit
Perfectionist. Smart. Beautiful. These are a few of the many positive words that I was known by as a young teenager. On the outside, I was the girl who seemed like she had it all. The girl who had great friends, a boyfriend, was a cheerleader, and more. However, while the outward appearance and demeanor| The Phoenix Spirit
My counselor recommended this clinic to me so that I could have a tooth pulled out. So, I was kind of disappointed to find out that you don’t do that here. I had to drive quite a way, with poor instructions from her. But that’s not your fault. And at least I got some information| The Phoenix Spirit
The author spoke of his earlier self, describing how he so desperately wanted to bring good things into his life to attract the wealth, health and happiness he had always craved. He eagerly and often lined his shelves with tons of books about all things spiritual. This fascinated me, here was someone writing about wanting| The Phoenix Spirit
As part of my estate planning law practice, I work with clients in drafting and executing prenuptial agreements prior to marriage. This is something that I am particularly passionate about, largely due to what I have witnessed and experienced through the divorces of my parents, friends and family members. I have written and advised on| The Phoenix Spirit
"Wealth is the number of things we can do without." Leo Tolstoy If you're one of the many people who are going overboard this holiday season, this article may not be for you. On the other hand, it may be perfect for you. So many of us express our love for others by buying things| The Phoenix Spirit
"Wealth is the number of things we can do without." Leo Tolstoy More and more people aren't managing their money well. Often their money is managing them if not completely overwhelming them and their families. Besides work, money is the leading stressor in the richest country in the world-America. Things are getting worse with our| The Phoenix Spirit
Smell is the strongest of our human senses. That makes it both a gift and a curse. If you want to inhale the beautiful, soft scent of the newest rose in your garden, it’s a gift; but if you’re passing the sewage treatment center, well, think again! In the book, Perfume: The Story of a| The Phoenix Spirit
Grandpa was a difficult man. He was kind and loving on his own terms, but not at all forbearant with people, places, and things that he did not understand. My wife and her family didn't regard him as odd in the least—well, that's not true. They had simply grown accustomed to his idiosyncrasies and each| The Phoenix Spirit
“Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed and rearranged to relocate us to the place we are meant to be.” Life on Purpose – Mandy Hale When I had a nervous breakdown, I was in a bad way. The world I thought I knew had fallen apart. I was supposed to be| The Phoenix Spirit
Raising little kids is hard. After a grueling day it's mommy this and daddy that. And I don't like macaroni and cheese any more. And why can't I jump on the couch?! Then it's scream, scream and tears because my tummy hurts. Besides I don't want to go to bed tonight. And by the way,| The Phoenix Spirit
“Being empty is a lot like knowing the words to a song but not knowing the music. Feeling full is just the opposite. You know both the words and the music to the song and are able to sing them aloud with your whole heart.” *** “I don’t know why I’m I so unhappy. I’m| The Phoenix Spirit
The Phoenix · Where Is Your Hope? Is your hope these days in a vaccine? A new political or economic vision? More public attention to ending racism or climate warming? Whatever we look to outside of ourselves is always transient. A more reliable basis for hope comes from within our own hearts and minds. What| The Phoenix Spirit
Ah, the new year! Starting over, a clean slate, a fresh beginning wrapped up in our lists of resolutions to improve some aspect of our lives, to make the year ahead better. But better than what? The uptick in ads and commercials for fitness club memberships, diet plans and body sculpting would indicate a narrow| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: November 2020| thephoenixspirit.com
It might seem like the easiest thing in the world to accept hugs, kindness and caring from another person but in fact many of us have the hardest time doing that and we may shun people who are loving to us. Most of us actually need warmth and compassion from others especially when it is| The Phoenix Spirit
Therapist John Driggs shares the reasons for divorce among older adults and ways to prevent divorce.| The Phoenix Spirit
“Life can only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards.” Soren Kierkegaard Here at The Phoenix Spirit, we take time each spring to reflect on and explore the practice of retreating. Retreats, like most rituals, come with a familiarity and a structure that can mask the magic of the experience. Whether you take a retreat| The Phoenix Spirit
Are you looking for a unique destination to explore that's within easy reach? Consider taking a day trip to discover the hidden gems in your backyard. With Minnesota and our neighboring states brimming with a wealth of experiences and attractions, you're bound to find something that suits your interests. Embarking on day trips and experiencing| The Phoenix Spirit
The sauna meister artfully swirled a white towel over his head, sending waves of eucalyptus scented steam to envelope us. “Try to hang in there and breathe it in,” he urged those of us remaining in the room. A couple of people from the group of 22 had slipped out the door already, opting instead| The Phoenix Spirit
Most of us are aware of those sublime experiences of life we call love. We may feel uplifted in being more than we already are through the continued tenderness of a loved one. It’s as good as it gets. We may also have magnificent moments when we have transported a dear one to be a| The Phoenix Spirit
Some years ago, a friend offered me her cabin “up north” for a week and said I could include friends. Overjoyed, I quickly called the two women whom I met with weekly for mutual spiritual support. “How about creating a week of silent retreat together?” I suggested. Both responded with a rousing “Yes!” Quiet, undistracted| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: May 2019| thephoenixspirit.com
Month: March 2021| thephoenixspirit.com
We’ll feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions Q: What does "bami soro" mean, and how can it be helpful for people in recovery? In the Yoruba language of the West African ancestors of many Black Americans, bami soro means “talk to me,” in a way that’s| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: May 2017| thephoenixspirit.com
"Letting go of our ideas about how life should go is a choice that sets life’s magic free.” Melody Beattie Melody Beattie, the woman who brought the term codependency into normal conversation, died on February 27, 2025, at the age of 76. Her story is grounded in Minnesota. She was born in Ramsey, went to| The Phoenix Spirit
September is National Recovery Month, a time for us at the Department of Human Services (DHS) to celebrate people’s journey to recovery from substance use disorder and mental illness. There’s a lot for us to celebrate. Most people who enter chemical dependency treatment complete it and show considerable improvement, according to the National Institute on| The Phoenix Spirit
“No one will ever love you.” Mom jabbed her index finger into my bicep for emphasis, so I would not forget. I almost dropped a dish as I cleaned up the kitchen. “You think you’re better than us, smarter than us, but you’re too stupid to do anything,” she yelled. “Yeah,” chimed in my brother| The Phoenix Spirit
I was in the middle of what I thought was a soulful, honest share when a voice bellowed from the back of the room. I turned to see a crusty old guy, holding an unlit cigar, who looked impatient for me to either finish baring my soul or move on to a different subject. “It’s| The Phoenix Spirit
It was Christmas Day. I was in my pretty little Connecticut condo, a gelatinous, grey fog enveloping, but not quite paralyzing me. No, I wouldn’t celebrate with friends. Or drive to be with family. The thought of merrymaking left me cold. Though swaddled in depression, I had planned ahead. I had checked out all three| The Phoenix Spirit
As a detox clinic nurse, Diane watched the revolving door of repeat drunks. Some she knew she’d see again, having failed at sobriety one more time. Others seemed so very promising. One patient, when ready to leave, so clearly talked the talk and walked the walk that she was sure this one would make it.| The Phoenix Spirit
Nutrition expert from Ball State University shares six tips for staying healthy during the holidays| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: September 2018| thephoenixspirit.com
I recently attended a workshop where the speaker asked participants to list ten items that define them. My silent reaction: Ah, I hate this kind of stuff. But I began to write. It was actually fairly easy. I had six items before I ran out of time. Number six was a little cheesy: "citizen of| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: May 2018| thephoenixspirit.com
Crystal Hill, founder of Twin Cities Wellness Center – Recovery Gym, remembers the exact moment she decided to get sober. She stood at the black line for boot camp during her second incarceration. Sergeants and CEOs were verbally in her face, “You think you're a pretty girl. You think you can change when you want| The Phoenix Spirit
We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Dietitian Nicki Zeidner about eating better while in recovery and dealing with mental health disorders. Q: What is nutrition, and why is it important in recovery? Food and beverages provide the body with energy| The Phoenix Spirit
Many Minnesotans absolutely love the change of seasons. A break from the hot, humid summer months with our windows shut and the air conditioner continually running. We welcome the crisp fall air, cozy sweatshirts, open windows, and a fire on the patio. All too often, the fall season is a brief transition, with much of| The Phoenix Spirit
How many of you paid attention to what you were eating in active addiction? Not many I bet. I certainly didn’t. When you’re in active addiction, the only thing that matters is chasing the next high. As soon as it wears off, it’s right back at it. The vicious cycle keeps repeating itself and everything| The Phoenix Spirit
According to the 2015 report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, nearly 44 million adults in this country provide personal assistance for family members with disabilities or other care needs. As Cynthia Orange points out in her latest book, Take Good Care: Finding Your Joy in Compassionate Caregiving, when you add to this| The Phoenix Spirit
Month: January 2016| thephoenixspirit.com
Background In 2014 I authored an article for the Phoenix Spirit advocating for the passage of Steve’s Law. Steve’s Law, also known as the Good Samaritan Law, did pass in 2014, providing limited protections to people who call 911 and/or administer naloxone in response to a suspected or known drug overdose. The person calling 911,| The Phoenix Spirit
