m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e †photographer. artist. author. singer. songwriter. musician. teacher. student. humanitarian. visionary. addiction counselor. therapist.
Everyone of these people have overcome such great odds to be able to sit here together- one people- all sharing the same stories. Former alcoholics and addicts coming together-united- as one. It’s a beautiful thing.
It’s an absolute honour to call them my personal friends.
Recovery isn’t a “one and done” situation. It’s a daily choice. Not to only abstain from alcohol and drugs, but to live in the LIGHT OF TRUTH. To look boldly into the mirror of self, and look deeply and unflinchingly into the soul. These are the most honest people I’ve ever know in my life. Such humility.
Courageous “life warriors”, choosing boldly to not only change their own lives daily, but those around them. If we could all be such beacons of hope! What a beautiful message each personal testimony is. Absolutely life-changing.
It’s been a long road, almost 12 years maintaining my blog. When I first created Monochromejunkie, I was just toying with the idea of getting an education. I wanted to be a Serial Killer Profiler so signed up for Criminal Justice, then switched my major to Social Work (hated it), then switched my major again, to Psychology and I loved it. When I added on a CPC/Certification in Substance Abuse- I knew I’d discovered my passion.
I spent the next 3 years pursuing my Master’s degree in Psychology and Addiction Counseling. I absolutely loved it. My passion isn’t for just any area in the field of Substance Abuse, but particularly those in recovery- who have just entered rehab, and ultimately detox. Most rehab programs are 28 to 30 days in length, of which 7 of those days are spent in heavily monitored medical detox and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
There are successful rehab programs, but I haven’t heard a lot of talk about the importance of a strong after-care program. Things like beginning to go to AA/NA meetings, short term and long term goals, helping them work out transportation with free programs like THRIVE- an organization which helps those in recovery with 8 rides per month to AA meetings. Also, encouraging the clients to consider going to college for free using pell grants that don’t need to be repaid. I have a wealth of community services knowledge that will be super helpful as a Substance Abuse Counselor, and equally helpful in creating a structured after-care program.
So yeah, I created this blog to leave my thumbprint behind for my kids and family; a memorial of sorts. I always knew that I’d maintain my blog until I found not only my desired job, but career. And so I have.
I won’t be deactivating my blog, but will be posting a lot less because my goals have been accomplished! I may still pop in from time to time with a nature shot here or there, but for the most part, my blog will serve as a timestamp of a decade (and some change) of my academic journey, and photo collection- a time capsule, if you will.
Vanilla Chai Black Tea with Cardamom, Ginger, Nutmeg, Fresh Cinnamon & Fresh Cracked Black Peppercorns- for heat- and monkfruit.
Mom said it was the best tea she’s ever tasted. 🤗
Things are going remarkably well here at my Mom’s. I’m putting in 12 hour shifts- every day- taking care of Mom and her business affairs, along with my own. It’s both a pleasure and an honour that I don’t take lightly. We both feel like we’re living in a wonderful dream because we have each other every day. It’s truly bliss.
I’m not too far off from beginning my clinical hours as an Addiction Counselor. My dream has finally come true! I’m torn between beginning my clinical hours first, or going ahead and working on my Doctorate of Education in Mental Health Counseling and then obtaining my clinical hours and Indiana and Kentucky state licensures during my doctorate practicum.
Either way, I’m moving ahead with either more academia or Clinical Counseling Practicum. I’ll probably be working in Telehealth at some point in the near future, assisting clients via ZOOM/Conferencing. Time for bed. 😎😎😎
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 