Coming Home - And Heading Out Again

As it has been for many, the last year has been one of the most difficult I've experienced to date. I have only been "back online in Life" 16 or so weeks, the preceding 9 months having me experience an exceedingly destructive process.
It had nothing to do with becoming better or being happier.
It was a deep crumbling away of Untruth, a deep seeing through the facade of pretence and a complete eradication of everything I imagined to be true….

HOWEVER, clearly, I'm BACK.
The same John, but very different, but the same, but waaaaaaaay different, you know?

After I popped outta the hard, grinding 9 month downtime I had, I penned my soon to be released, loooooong awaited book!
An autobiographical trip thru my addiction and out the other side peppered with many learnings.

“COMING HOME - The Long Way Back”
- A Brutally Honest Love Story About Loving The Most Important Person in Your Life - You.

To those of you that have asked for an offered chapter, taken the time to read and let me know your thoughts, please - TAKE A BOW.
I cannot tell you how appreciative and grateful I am.

As many my age are winding down in their lives, the calling I've FINALLY answered has me ramping 🆙 for an exciting few years ahead.

BUT - before we head out on that exciting adventure here are a few things I've learned along the way.

May God bless us all as we be a blessing to others, especially to our children, for they ARE our future.

✴️Between NOW and Returning Home, you know? Death. Yes. That thing. 😳
It's time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don't just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard-earned capital.

✴️Don't stress over the little things. You've already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don't let the past drag you down and don't let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be forgotten.

✴️Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort then, enjoy it together. Now.

✴️Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don't feel bad spending your money on yourself. You've taken care of them for many years, and you've taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter, and support. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.

✴️Know this. What you believe may or may not be true. Beliefs are quite simply what you hold to be true. Notice I didn't say they ARE true. Focus is everything. Learn how to use your mind to create what it is you want.

✴️Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbour and remember: "A person is not old as long as they have intelligence and affection."

✴️Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well, and get your sleep. As we get older it's easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor, do tests even when you're feeling well. Stay informed.

✴️Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideas as you, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday's wisdom still applies today.
Never use the phrase: “In my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of THIS time.

✴️Pains and discomfort go hand in hand with these bodies we live in getting older. Don't dwell on them but accept them as a part of life.

✴️Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it. It’s part of who you are.

✴️Be proud, both inside and out. Keep taking care of yourself, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.

✴️Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticise too much unless you really need to. Accept situations as they are.

✴️Learn to bypass what society wants you to be. Discover YOUR values and understand what is important to YOU - and just do that.

✴️If you've been offended by someone – forgive them. If you've offended someone-apologise. Don't drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn't matter who was right. Someone once said: "Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die." Don't take that poison. Forgive, forget, and move on with your life.

✴️Get clear on the story you tell yourself. Take the time to do so. You may find that some of things you've believed may not EVEN BE TRUE.

✴️Laugh. Laugh away your worries. Remember, if you're reading this you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a long one so far.
Pay attention to what you love, and who loves you.
Many never get this far and never get to experience a full life.

Don't worry ... be happy! And most of all - Stay well.