What An Amazing Day 2 Recovery Out Loud With Big Jim’s Biking America 4 Addiction Awareness Here In Phoenix, AZ

Welcome Recovery Friends and New Visitors, Now Friends!

So, I have to APOLOGIZE to everyone for not being here or posting the last week or so as I was on Event High Alert! As not only am I handling the news media for my dear friends Jim Downs and Marisol but also Social Media Manager so I was busy pulling together “Big Jim’s Biking America 4 Addiction Awareness and Peddling Hope” Tour Event as he finally made it from Fort Meyers, Florida to the State Capitol in Phoenix, AZ, and not far from where I live!

And it was such an amazing day for me and my hubby. To share all that happened and what all took place may take me TWO POSTS!! LOL! There were permits to get, insurance for the day of the event, making hotel reservations and MORE. I sure learned a lot that I can now use for marketing and promoting all my authors! 

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I was happy and honored to be one of the Keynote Speakers for the event and book-signing benefit for Big Jim. We had some amazing speakers and guests that accepted my invite and flew here on their DIME just to help me and Big Jim’s Addiction cause. Just one man on a bike peddling all of 2019 and sharing a message of HOPE to the all 48 lower State Capitols in the United States. He has 12 State Capitols now visited and the next is Santa Fe, New Mexico. As he has biked over 4,780 MILES ALREADY.

This man has AUDACITY and CARES about those who may be “touched” or suffering from ANY ADDICTION, including mine from Gambling Addiction. I also shared some of what took place and who attended in my next months’ article for “Keys To Recovery” newspaper, which is FREE by the way, and who is sponsoring Big Jim with printing his State Capitol Events and Schedule. So I’m letting you all have a sneak peek. I’ll be doing another post very soon!   ~CAT

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 Why do I advocate?

Why do I not remain anonymous?
Is it looking for fame or status?
Is it to gain more Facebook “likes” and followers?
NOPE, not when 1 in 5 addicted gamblings try suicide. . .

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I advocate because I have maintained recovery from addicted gambling for just over 12-yrs and want to share my personal experiences, strength, and HOPE to others as a form of “Paying It Forward” to others who may be in the same place I was all those years ago. HOPELESS, broken, sick, and giving up on life. That is what the disease of addiction does. It breaks you until one day you look in the mirror and don’t know who that person is anymore looking back at you.

I was a shell, just a body with nothing inside it any longer. No feelings, no love, no caring, no humor or laughter anymore, as I was barely even breathing. Nothing mattered to me except when and where was I gamble again. Where and how could I get the money to do so? Would I have to pawn or sell more valuables? Would I have to lie to get more money? Would I have to steal money out of my husband’s wallet AGAIN?

I recall still the day that had changed my life. It was the day I learned about the video poker machines all over the place in Southern Oregon where I had lived for over 25-yrs. It is where I moved from and met and married my husband. To begin a family and have a great career. Little did I know that one day would shatter my life to pieces. Yes, after this one day. I used to go to this little deli with my best friend who had just moved to Oregon and begin a new life as I did years prior.

We go there to have lunch together on Saturday’s. I happen to walk over to refill my soda when I saw a retired older man I’d seen there at the deli with a couple of his retired buddies also having lunch, and many times before. He was playing a poker game on the machine called “Flush Fever.” He was doing pretty good on the machine. He was up on the game about a couple of hundred dollars. I watched a few minutes. He cashed out his ticket and then put a five dollar bill in and off the machine went! He got right into another bonus. So I asked what he was playing?

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He told me “Flush Fever.” It looked rather fun, so I sat down on the machine next to him. I put a five dollar bill in and BAM! I also got into a bonus right away. Here is what I never forgot and changed my life. As he got up from his poker machine, he leaned into my ear and said to me, “you make sure you cash out and take their money home with you. I’d feel bad if you got hooked on these damn machines.”

I never did see the retired guy and his friends again after that day. If he only knew the hell, I went through with addicted gambling for the next eleven years after that day.

So today, I recover out loud. Like I did at Big Jim’s event. I advocate sharing a message of to those who are feeling hopeless, broken, lost, and having feelings of “no way out” of the black hole we dig ourselves into from gambling addiction. It is why I was honored to be asked to speak and part of Big Jim’s Ride Around America 4 Addiction Awareness last month with some recovery special guest keynote speakers. Many have been recovery supporters of mine, and I met new friends too here at the State Capitol Event in Phoenix, AZ.

One of the most amazing days of my recovery journey thus far! We all came together in unity and caring for those still suffering from all addictions. Big Jim had the fantastic “Beast” former NFL Tampa Bay Buc #60, Randy Grimes and his wife Lydia was so sweet who has a caring soul, and both her Randy have a huge heart. I was elated, and I look forward to many years of friendship with them.

I was more than excited to finally meet and spend time with Big Jim and Marisol, BFF! Simply a fantastic few days with them and NOT long enough. Lol. So I plan to continue to push through my fear of speaking and my agoraphobia due to the several “peep talks” I got from Big Jim and my hubby to make some other of Big Jim’s events!!

All the days and the event for Jim are hard to describe. It was like floating on air from all the love and support from everyone! I will keep all the memories in my heart forever. All I can say is the whole event and meeting everyone like Darren nPrincesinger/artist Jackson Pierce were all ‘Recovery Blessings given by GOD,’ and I will treasure and always keep close. They will help keep me in my recovery and continue to “Quit To Win.”

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“I Welcome Guest & His Article Author, Stephen Kavalkovich ~ Love, Loss, Addiction…”

Hello and Welcome Recovery Friends and New Ones…

I have thankfully have not lost a child to addiction, any type of addiction, but I have met and know many parents who have when you are out advocating addiction and recovery. I can tell you it is heartbreaking and hits you right in the gut to know a child was taken by the addiction epidemic raging in our country.

Of course, any child lost in any way is hard, but when it is due to addiction, it seems harder as you feel and take on guilt that somehow you could have as a parent prevented it. So, when I was visiting my friend Stephen’s blog; Tales From The Broadside and read this post I am sharing with you today, I just knew it DID need to be shared…

 

 

 

SURVIVORS: THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

 
“The Butterfly Effect states that the flapping of a butterfly’s wings on one side of the Earth can create a tidal wave on the other. Today, I got to see the most marvelous, living example of this and cannot get moments rest until I share it with you. When loving people are able to take monumental, personal tragedy and rise up, a tsunami begins.”

My experience on the journey of personal recovery and transformation has placed people in my life that I would not have had the privilege and honor of meeting had we not gone through similar tremendous loss and heartbreak. I will start with Adam. I never personally knew him, but sadly he left this world far too soon when he lost the battle with addiction. However, when he departed, his family was left with a choice. They could take the weight of grief and let it destroy them, or they could take the pieces of their broken hearts and build an empire.

His mother, Gail, with the help of her son Patrick, began to go about the heavy task of offering a ladder of hope out of the hole that others had found themselves in. She is the only woman I know who will answer her phone and bring complete strangers to a shelter, detox, rehab, or wherever she can at any time of day or night. Since Adam passed a few years ago, she and her family have helped countless souls find a solid foundation with which to build a life of remarkable joy and freedom free from the grips of addiction.

 

I was one of the recipients of her assistance when I had nowhere to turn. As tragic as it was to lose her son, his loss became a chance for myself and hundreds of others. Had she crawled into a hole of despair, there is a good chance I would not be here today to share her story, be a father to my own children, and be here to serve others in the same way she helped me.  It takes one butterfly to start a slight breeze and in turn cause a hurricane that can’t be stopped.

Now, I will tell you about another man I never knew but wish I had the chance to meet. His name was King. He also succumbed to his demons not too long ago, and like Adam left a loving family with a giant hole. His two sisters, Sue and Anne, began a crusade, King’s Crusade, almost immediately after his death.

After meeting them today, I know that as devastating as it was to lose him, their purpose was designed by God through their brother. Sue and Anne have a peace about them that I couldn’t possibly describe to you. They are warm, loving, and open about their struggle. I explained to Sue that although it hurts tremendously, their cross to bear is this movement because they are the only ones who could do it without effort.

To paraphrase from Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonky and the Chocolate Factory,” “You don’t ask a fish how it swims or a bird how it flies.” They do it because they were born to do it. Since King passed, they too started flapping their wings and today was the beginning of a Butterfly Effect that is going create a storm. Though I never knew him, the sisters’ example made me feels as if I had. They began planting seeds in our community by planning an expo to address the addiction epidemic everywhere. Today it happened and that was just the start. We may never actually know how many were helped by today’s event, but I know how many wouldn’t have been had it not ever occurred. Zero.

I don’t try to understand why God does what He does. Nor do I know why some people die from the same affliction that others survive from. However, recent events have given me the insight to know that none of this happens by mistake. I know that King, Adam, and all of the other lost loved ones would’ve wanted it this way. I met many folks who have buried their children in recent months today, and they are the true heroes. I thanked another man named Steve today for getting up, suiting up, and showing up. He buried his son Max recently, and he too has decided to build a bridge instead of burning one down.

I am eternally grateful to have experienced the Butterfly Effect today, and cannot wait to see what comes next. If the message of hope shared today helps one person break free from the bondage of addiction, then the senseless wreckage that addiction leaves in its wake will not be in vain…

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About The Guest Author:

I am a man who was given the gift of many experiences in life. For most of my adult life, I was a 911 Paramedic. I have seen tragedy and suffering first hand for many years. Little was I aware that I was the one who needed the saving. Through seeking peace within by using all things external, I wound up dead and ruined in every way.

My goal is simple, to use my experience to connect and give you a voice. I have expertise in Emergency Medical Care, First Responder and Addiction/Substance abuse issues, Recovery Coaching, Intervention, Leadership, and Spiritual Studies. I am available to serve your coaching, professional speaking, and journalistic needs.

 

 

“Presented By “Recovery Starts Here!” ~ Author, Catherine Lyon”

So Happy to be Writing for ‘Keys To Recovery News’! And Some Book Reviews, Poetry, and Author News.

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Hello, Recovery Friends and Visitors!

“I wanted to share some exciting news with everyone. I have been invited to be a regular article writer for a great Free Recovery publication called,  Keys To Recovery Newspaper! Why?”

They have a new featured column that just started this August 2016 titled; Quit to Win about Gambling Addiction. So needless to say I jumped on this opportunity to share my experiences, strength, and HOPE with others on this new platform.  It is refreshing to see that more sites are becoming increasingly aware of and about problem gambling and addicted gambling as another REAL addiction. My feelings are we just beginning to see the tide turn when it comes to this addiction.

I hear more and more of people sharing that even though their addiction maybe drugs or alcohol, they also started having gambling problems as way to try and make quick money by gambling to then go buy drugs or alcohol …..  My first article is now printed in the newspaper and hope you will go give it a read. YES, really it is free! So when you visit the site you can either download or open the most current issue FREE! They have so many awesome articles and information in each issue.

AND? They also read and review addiction and recovery books. Now many of you know my “day job” is Book Promotions. So I was thrilled to see that THREE of my authors I promote for books were chosen to be read and here are the Book Reviews! I want to Thank, Beth Dewey for choosing some of my fine authors and friends in recovery. Here we go!

RECLAIMING YOUR ADDICTED BRAIN – A Recovery GPS: How to find your path to Recovery and not get lost along the way.
Written by Irwin Morse and Roger Stark, Published
by Silver Star Publishing.

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Review:

This is a book that clearly and concisely helps anyone, who is having difficulty following through consistently with their advancement in recovery from addiction. The information within this book enlightens each of us to see the manipulative power that our brains have to further the destructive personal conduct, which keeps us enslaved to our compulsive behaviors. Our minds try to refute the innate uniqueness which is in essence, us.

This inspiring book teaches the readers that they can ultimately put their minds under subjection by forming pristine neural pathways, from implementing a set of skills that help ensure that it will be accomplished. These skills are;  Awareness, Accountability, and Acceptance, these three in combination when truly utilized, are a force to be reckoned with. The authors explains how we can acquire the capability to not take things personally, we need to learn how to see life with a mental position “it is what it is”, and to be totally alright with that.

This is a must read for those who what to regain control over the negative impulses that governs our behaviors and attitudes.

Available at  Amazon Online  . . . . .
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Monkey Traps, Why Everyone Tries To Control Everything and How We Can Stop:
Written by Steve Hauptman. Published by Lioncrest Publishing.

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Review: 

I loved this book before I even opened it. The Title said it all, and it tells me that Steve has not just written about the “problem” he is offering a “solution”.
Written on that back cover ~ “This book is about a problem disguised as a solution, an idea that shapes and drives us all: Control.” Again the problem is clearly identified.

The books begin’s explaining “The Monkey Trap,” then each chapter clearly explains the different types of control we think we have. Then he gives us solutions, plans, and steps to overcome the traps we live in. I like that towards the end of the book the chapters are titled, Acceptance, Trust, Faith, Practicing Surrender and so. Words I relate to. Each chapter is simple and easy to read and understand, and yet so deep it could change your life from the first moment you open the book and open your heart to a solution.

Easy to follow and easy to practice instructions. I give a heartfelt “5 Stars” for this book and I will be passing it on. Steve Hauptman is a Gestalt-trained, Buddhist-flavored therapist who has practiced on Long Island for twenty years. A leader of Interactive Therapy groups, he is also a cartoonist and creator of the blogs Monkeytraps: A blog about control, Monkey House (a forum for discussing control issues).
Also Available at  Amazon Online  . . . ..
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In the Sunlight of the Spirit: Spirituality Training Manual.
Written by Rev., Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D. Published by
KTC Publishing Phase IIC Coaching, LLC.

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Review:

Rev., Dr. Kevin sent me a few different books for review, but what’s going on in my world right now I thought this would be the PERFECT book for me and after I finished it my intuition was right. The way Rev., Dr. Kevin approaches the topic of spirituality is quite simple and easy to read. As addicts we tend to complicate matters even with long term sobriety you still struggle with faith, but after reading this book and doing the work I walk away with a deeper connection to my higher power.

I love how he states “People who are spiritually fit tend to have better coping skills, stronger self-esteem, and more solid relationships.” That has totally been my experience in my journey of recovery. I totally recommend this workbook for anyone who wants to strengthen their relationship with their higher power and have a better understanding of the application of spirituality in their lives. A MUST READ!  Thank you, Rev., Dr. Kevin for keeping it simple. Available at Amazon Online  . . . .
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Now if you enjoy poetry? Let me show you the “softer side” of Author, Rev., Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin, a Best-Selling Poet as has just released two new Poetry Ebooks.

 

Both are now available on Amazon Kindle so just click the books! Here is a little of what’s inside!

Poetry Collection – Book One:

We Can a Collection of Poetry; A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery is the author’s fifth book. This work is the author’s second collection of poetry; his first was Tumbleweeds published by Feather Books in the United Kingdom in 2002. The author’s poetry reflects the struggles of life in addiction, recovery, and his experiences and in the lives of others that he witnessed over the last four decades. His hopes are that his poetry books and other addiction recovery books and manuals will help individuals and family members to get a deeper understanding of the disease of addiction, the solution to the problem, and the program of action that promotes change in the addicts.

Reverend Dr. Coughlin hopes to provide clarity, understanding, education, prevention, and awareness about addiction and recovery. This is the Author’s First book of poetry reflecting the struggles of addiction and the miracle of change in recovery. Rev. Dr. Coughlin has published hundreds of his poems in different publications in the United States and other countries, his poetry has been read on the radio in the United Kingdom, and he has received several poetry awards.

Poetry Collection – Book Two:

We Can 2; A Collection of Poetry, A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery by Best-Selling Author, Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D. is the second book in the We Can Poetry Series. Book One went to number seven on Amazon.com’s Top 100 Best-Seller list on the first day of release! This is the author’s sixth published book and third book of poetry. This new release reflects all different feelings, emotions, and life situations on the journey through addiction and recovery. There are some very emotional and deep poems about life, death, prison, Sept. 11th, war, love, friendship, addiction, and so much more.

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About The Author & Poet:

Reverend Coughlin is a Founder and the Director of New Beginning Ministry, a grassroots evidence-based, twelve-step residential addiction recovery program for adults. Rev. Coughlin has helped thousands of people to change their lives over the past nineteen plus years. He is a two-time World Champion and nine-time National Champion and State and National Record holder power lifter, he has championed many in his career. Most call him RevKev, they enjoy his lectures on addiction, recovery, and life. RevKev has been very successful with pastoral counseling and recovery coaching with both those addicted and their families.

Reverend Coughlin has trained many recovery professionals that have interned at the ministry. RevKev is considered an expert on addiction and recovery. Many have utilized him as a consultant. Rev.. Coughlin is a member in good standing of the A.A.C.C., The American Association of Christian Counselors, The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, and The National Council on Problem Gambling, NAADAC, USAPL, and IAM Minister’s Fellowship, and The Christian Coach’s Network. RevKev is also an internationally published poet and writer, mostly on Addiction and Christian subjects. To date, he has had over five hundred poems published. RevKev is also the founder, CEO and President of Phase II Christian Coaching, LLC, the company operates structured assisted living homes for clients in recovery. RevKev is also a Nationally Certified Recovery Coach and Anger Management Specialist, a Nationally Certified Family Recovery Coach, a Nationally Certified Christian Recovery Coach and Family Recovery Coach, and a Nationally Certified Gambling Addiction Coach, Nationally Certified Case Manager, Life Coach, an International Master Addictions Coach, Sexual Addiction Coach, Life Recovery Coach and Trainer.

Rev. Coughlin is also a Nationally Certified and PA credentialed Interventionist. RevKev also works with The Addictions Academy in Miami, Florida designing recovery coaching courses and manuals and is an instructor for the Academy. RevKev volunteers his services with several organizations. RevKev continues to further his education with The Light University, NAADAC and the Christian Coach’s Network taking several courses and webinars, he is also in the process of becoming a Board certified Christian Family Counselor. The Reverend has a Doctorate in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Divinity (Honorary) and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology. He also has a BS and an MS in Christian Counseling. He is Board Certified with DIT Seminary in Christian Counseling with specializations in Grief, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Family, and Developmental. He is a licensed Domestic Violence Christian Advocate, a licensed clinical Christian counselor, an AACT-DCU Associate Professor. He is a best-selling author, you can find his books on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

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An Amazon Review Book One:  Be Ready To Be Inspired!, August 14, 2016

Author, Poet, Reverend, and Recovery Coach Kevin T Coughlin has put together a unique set of addiction/recovery poems for those who live life in recovery. Through his words, shared recovery experiences, and experiences shared with coaching many in recovery, he has poems in this book of genuine inspiration and in-depth creative emotions of what it is like to be an addict, and what it is like to have freedom in recovery.

Each one of his poems describes the pain and suffering one goes through and feels, the raw pain felt in his written words. But you find much HOPE within these his words to let recovery readers know you CAN make it out the other side. Kevin shares that no matter how far down we are, we can grab hold of that last shimmer, that last sliver of LIGHT, and pull ourselves out of the darkness into a new way of living in recovery.

That is just some of what you will read in these beautiful poems. What were my favorites? Many to choose from, but, “The Lost Children Die Alone” and “The Beach” are a few. All the poems in this collection are exceptional and shows many of us, including Author, Kevin Coughlin are creative, talented, and Can Recover! A Highly Suggested Read!

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Yes, RevKev has quite the Bio Right? I can tell you that he has helped many from addicts from many addictions. I can also tell you that I was “blessed” the day he walked into my life! I don’t have many “close” guy friends, but Kevin is always there and the first to be willing to help anyone. He has a big heart and a faith that can not be shaken.
And his poems are heartfelt and shares the good and the bad about our journey in recovery through “The Gift & Magic of Words.”  So go give a read to his Poem Book One  and be inspired in recovery!

Author & Columnist, Catherine Townsend-Lyon