What’s in a Tag Line?

As the process of finalizing everything nears, one of my advisors doesn’t like my current tagline: “helping you through recovery.”

So, I’ve spent all day second guessing my choice. His suggestion is “will help you through recovery.” My feeling is that this tagline makes a claim that can’t be guaranteed. There are so many paths to recovery, who am I to say that mine will be helpful to everyone? I’m not an expert; just a drunk addict in recovery, putting my voice out there. Some may hear it, others not.

Other suggestions include “helping through recovery” (sounds like an incomplete sentance to me), and “help with recovery.” Tonight I will present all 4 options to my advisor, and choose one by tomorrow, when collateral has to be sent off to the printer.

Any thoughts? Wish me luck!

HBO ‘Addiction’ Series

Did anyone watch this? I caught it this past week and was so disappointed! After all the hype (billboards, commercials, print ads, write-up in the NY times) I had been looking forward to it. But the first episode focused on drugs as a cure for addiction. There was only one segment that touched on recovery through community/support of other alcoholics (the steamroller story).

The four stories were tied together by commentary from medical doctors and people from various organizations that deal with addiction. I pretty much fast forwarded through those portions because they were making me angry. I get riled up when non-addicts discuss addiction for some reason. They made it appear to be such a clinical disease, with a clinical solution.

No mention of 12-step programs! I hope that the future episodes don’t disappoint.

Artwork for the Project

Today I met with De la Vega at his shop in the East Village to talk about my thesis and see if he might be interested in lending his artwork to the project. I was super nervous, not having any idea of who he is as a person. He puts out a larger-than-life persona; the hat, the hip glasses, i was intimidated at first.

Turns out he is fking INCREDIBLE. His view on the world and the place his art plays in it is so aligned with what i believe to be true. He said there is too much negativity and he wants to put out something positive. When I explained my project, he was very interested in the meetings; he knew about the nearby workshop that I consider my home group, so we talked for a while about recovery. It was great.

I have so much respect and admiration for De La Vega. I already loved his work. And the fact he has given me permission to use it in the project (YAY!) is yet another sign that this is meant to happen.

Draft of Final Pitch Book…

…was submitted today. I feel pretty good about the content, but the design still needs some work.

My biggest fear in the beginning was that I was going to step on the toes of AA. I feel confident that I presented my project in a way that upholds the traditions. So much work is going in to all of this! But I feel confident that Stop and start over will make a mark in the world of recovery. Even a small one will do

I definitely need a meeting. It’s really keeping me going right now. It reminds me to be grateful, and not become all consumed with school.

Upward and onward!

Welcome to our new blog!

This is the first post for stop and start over, an initiative to help people navigate the waters of recovery. So whether you are new or have been around for awhile, welcome to this online community!

What shall we talk about first?!