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.
It’s a semi-warm Wednesday afternoon and I’ve decided to start blogging again. I took a hiatus over the last year or two but feel the need to document my life as it happens, as I’ve continued to do for the last 11 (12?) years now. My entire academic journey for 11 years has been documented. So I want to start actually blogging again. I don’t care if I’m writing about a peanut butter sandwich; It’s my life and I’m recording it. I may start uploading videos as well, seeing how it’s been a thing for a while.
I’ve been working as an addiction counselor for almost two months now and absolutely love my job. I love my clients so much: Every one of them is a Life Warrior. They’ve been through the trenches of life and are still fighting the good fight- every day- and are a shining beacon to others still lost in the madness. I have to commend every one of them. I learn so much from them.
I graduated with my Master’s in Psychology and Addiction Counseling several years ago now; it’s been a nice break but I’m ready to jump back in the saddle and get back on the horse again.
I’m set to begin my PhD in Psychology- Specializing in Substance Related Addictive Disorders in just over 2 weeks.
[mic drop]
I am beyond excited! Truth be told I’m a little bit terrified as well. It will not be easy! There will be a lot of statistical Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods & studies at the doctorate level. I’ll have a dissertation. It’s gonna cost me $70, 000- out of pocket- and will take 4 years to accomplish *while* I work as a Therapist/Addiction Counselor every day, but I’m up for the challenge.
Life is exceptionally beautiful! I love my life SO much. I’ve been set free from the traumatic chains of my past and have crossed over to the other side of the river. Jesus is my Captain. 😎 As long as He’s directing the boat, it cannot sink! That was in one of my Pastor’s videos (Rev. B. R. Hicks). I love that.
My kids are all doing well! Heidi is working with autistic children, Brian is killing it on his job as a forklift driver (and making more money than me!), and Almonds volunteers at Catalyst Rescue Mission- working with the Homeless population. So proud of my kids!!
Josh and I are still together. We’ve been together for 18 years! We may eventually tie the knot someday- it’s yet to be seen. We may remain common law married partners only. We’ve talked about it and have the ultimate respect for one another. He’s doing great on his job: I’m so proud of him too. 🤗
Just had Christmas with the family. The kids got together with their Dad this year (at Almonds & Darren’s) which made me super happy; I simply didn’t want Martin to be alone at Christmas. So we gathered at my Mom’s place, as we did for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time.
My oldest brother gave me his personal $700 guitar for Christmas! 😮 It left me speechless!
God is faithful to always balance the scales in life. He’s SO GOOD with everything- especially in HIS time. Things are painful in life sometimes; sure, but God *always* balances our personal scales in life- if we love Him and draw nigh to Him, that is.
His Word says, “Draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you.”
And so He does. ❤️
Josh is out of town with his boss, Calvin, in Moorehead, Ky. (They’re working on a large gym floor.) I’m at home lounging in my pj’s working on my Relias Training for work: Trauma-Informed Care. There’s a high correlation between self-medicating addicts/alcoholics and trauma- especially from childhood. A huge portion of the addicted population have been sexually abused as children. It’s no surprise they’ve chosen to self-medicate.
Must get back to my training! Then it’s on to the dishes & laundry. Over and out-for now. 😎
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 