Dark memories of the cold, long winters
Each time snowstorms hit, I am instantly hit with some of my darker memories and emotions. For a long time, I was addicted to heroin and cocaine.
Living next to a rough inner-city, scoring drugs was usually quite easy to do. However, the weather was a factor. Rain could ruin heroin if it got it wet. However, that worry was minor in comparison to the fear that would develop when the winter weather was upon us. That is a story that I simply have to share.
It’s actually a topic that makes a lot of sense. To paint a picture…
It’s never too late.
The subject matter lately, for many of my articles has been in some way a connection to our emotions. We have looked over obtaining an ability to observe our emotions, experience them, and then finally, accept them.
Much of this topic seemed to stem from my own issues when it came to emotions, and trying to determine why I had the emotions I had, when I had them. It served as great questions to ponder.
I almost wondered why nobody is ever taught this type of education. Seems like it never is, until it’s seemingly too late, and it’s come…
“Closing The Gap” Series Chapter 4
I wanted to dedicate this chapter to what I can only really call the etiquette of and recent strengthening of ghosting. I also want to express my views on the technicalities involved with ghosting behaviour. Not in a sense of whether or not the act of right, wrong, validated or not. Because I can only share my own thoughts and experiences.
I wanted to take a look at not necessarily the type of ghosting that is generated by lost trust or negativity, but instead the subject surrounding the type of ghosting that really is legitimately done for little, or no…
A Thoughts And Ideas Newsletter
I haven’t written a newsletter for Thoughts and Ideas for a while now. Today, I wanted to get back at it, and make sure I reach out to our community, as the growth has flourished over the past couple months, stronger than ever, or at least since I became a Publisher and Co-Editor for this publication.
I really have such an appreciation for the diversity of the topics we cover here. Not only do I simply read through and edit submissions from all of you, but I also find true enjoyment in being able to read and learn about so…
Chapter 3 of the “Closing The Gap” Series
By now, it doesn’t seem difficult to understand the origin of my problems with ghosting. However I still wanted to present a backstory that dug heavy into the deep details, when it comes to my addiction, mental health, my actions, the actions (ghosting) done by others, and all the dark seeded emotions and feelings.
I’ve done endless dirt to many loved one around me back during the times that my addiction was active. However traditionally speaking, even with doing all kinds of terrible things to others doesn’t necessarily make ghosting happen right away. Loved ones often give chance after chance…
Balance Between Comfort And Challenge
I have always been a person who lives life, in a routine type of way. I like to recognize what I’m doing, be able to predict what I’m doing, and live in a way where I feel familiar and comfortable with my day to day living.
For the most part, I have not been a person who enjoys surprises, and I can be the first to admit that I enjoy staying within a comfort zone. But even I’ve learned, that comfort zones alone, can be a life too rigid.
Comfort zones have a fine line. They aren’t necessarily the evilest…
The idea and concept of Personal Boundaries may be things that differ greatly from person to person. That may be the case when it comes to each specific building block, that comes to making up somebody’s personal boundaries. Though the many building blocks may differ, they are all trying to establish those boundaries for the same reasons and purposes.
Personal boundaries are essential. It’s quite wise to learn how to develop solid personal boundaries. They can be the keys to keeping relationships on point and healthy. …
Chapter 2 of the Closing The Gap Series
While ghosting has likely been something that’s been in society for a very long time, it has grown immensely in notoriety over the past 15, to 20 years. The advent of more and more types of communications, brings a brighter spotlight onto the reality and truth of the behaviour we have all come to know as ghosting.
My life has been filled with ups and downs and with some amazing times and experiences, but also dark times. …
Part 1, Truth behind clarity of feeling abandoned
I am sitting here, trying to wrap my head around beginning this article. Or should I say series? I recently heard something from famed hip hop rap artist Snoop Dogg. Now as soon as I say that name, I am sure it brings a giggle or smile to many. You know how it is, we all love Snoop, we follow him, we get our kicks and laughs from his entertaining posts. But it was no funny pothead just being a goof this time. It was serious, and quite frankly one of the most intelligent, and eloquent conversation I have ever…
It’s an accomplishment to be proud of. It’s something that I didn’t strive for so I could have bragging rights. It was a goal I sought out, after getting sober this time around. I am now clean and sober for three years. My desire to be an author — right along that same timeline of getting sober — was definitely a difference-maker when it came to remaining clean. I was sick of failing at sobriety. Even when obtaining many years of sobriety in the past, it just never stuck.
While I can look back at different points in my life…
Michael Patanella
Nonfiction Author, Publisher, and Editor covering mindfulness, mental health, addiction, sobriety, and spirituality and much more. Medium.com/@MichaelPatanella
