In fellowships of recovery, camaraderie is more than companionship, it is the living spirit of friendship, mutual support, and teamwork that grows among people united in pursuit of a common goal. Though it may seem intangible, its influence is powerful. Camaraderie fosters trust, builds resilience, and creates a sense of belonging that can shape the entire recovery journey. Sharing experiences with a group, whether in the quiet honesty of a meeting or in the grit of an outdoor challenge is a rare and beautiful gift. On adventures, it is often the people who make the moment unforgettable: the climbing partner who steadies the rope, the crewmate who matches your rhythm,…

On Wild Adventures and in Recovery, I love how our shared experiences knit us together. Unity and friendship with fellow travellers is key In recovery, it’s the people who turn the journey into something unforgettable. The bonds we forge are tempered by challenges, weathered by hardship and genuine trust , becomes the strongest kind of friendship. Camaraderie is what carries me through the toughest moments in my journey of Recovery. When life hits hard, I don’t break, I adapt. Every setback tests me, but it also sharpens me. I’ve learned to name what I feel, narrow my focus to what I can control, and lean on people who get it.…

I trace my journey with specialist treatment centres and rehabs back to what I now see a lifechanging stroke of luck. On the 2nd February 1981 , I collapsed in the street and was rushed into Ealing General Hospital. There, a Doctor diagnosed me with server alcohol withdrawals and insisted on immediate treatment in the addiction ward, the Max Glatt Centre, at St Bernard’s Mental Hospital                                                                               From that day forward, I never touched another drink, and this defining moment launched me on a long, transformative path toward healing and self-discovery. Over the past four decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit countless treatment and rehab centers, both as a…

Boundaries in Recovery are essential for protecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being as you heal from addiction, trauma, or any form of personal growth. They help you establish what is and isn’t acceptable in your relationships, behaviours, and environment. Healthy Boundaries Creating distance is one of the healthiest ways I can protect myself and nurture my growth without compromising my values. It’s not about control; it’s about honouring my needs and safeguarding my emotional space by limiting interactions with those who trigger stress, guilt, or self-doubt. Being mindful of the information, conversations, and influences I allow into my life helps shape a positive and resilient mindset. Boundaries, whether physical,…

I find breathwork to be an incredibly powerful way to nurture my emotional well-being. By focusing on my breathing, I can ease into a deep sense of relaxation, alleviate stress, and enhance my self-awareness. Whenever I’m feeling anxious or unsettled by a nightmare, I turn to a simple mindfulness exercise: a soothing breathing technique that helps calm my nervous system and supports my physical health. One of my go-to methods is Box Breathing, also known as Four-Square Breathing. This practice, rooted in pranayama, an ancient Ayurvedic breathwork technique invented by “Shiva” about 7000 years ago.  Anyone can practice this technique, not just experienced yogis: it’s so effective that even the…

How-To From Surviving to Thriving I have crossed oceans in a rowboat, hiked ridgelines where the wind could lift you off your feet, and stood on mountain summits with the world spilling out beneath me.But my greatest journey has been one you can’t see on a map, recovery from trauma, chronic illness, and addiction. Every day, I walk. I walk myself into a state of well-being. I walk away from pain, from sickness, from the ghosts that try to follow me. I walk toward my best thoughts. I’ve learned this: no thought is so heavy that I cannot outwalk it. Professional SupportI’ve found that working with qualified professionals is incredibly…

There have been countless moments in my recovery when I’ve felt stuck, as though I were trapped in an endless loop, going around in circles. I’d catch myself slipping into the same familiar patterns, repeating old habits, and reacting to the same triggers that once held me captive. It was frustrating, even disheartening at times, to see myself standing on the brink of these cycles yet again. But something shifted when I realized the significance of what was happening. I could see those patterns. I could recognize the old habits and triggers. With that awareness, I discovered something even more powerful: I had the tools and the ability to break…