In today's episode we look at the "People, Places and Things" that can trigger a relapse in recovery. It's important to understand that people, places and things are everywhere AND they are not going away! Often early in recovery we are told to control our triggers and we often feel that we need to control our people, places and things. This often leads to frustration as we realize we can't control them. This episode lists a variety of things we CAN do to control our reactions to them so they do not trigger relapse.

William Golding coined the phrase "failure of imagination" in his book The Lord of the Flies in 1954. In today's episode we look at how a failure of our imagination can shape our defeat in recovery. And we'll discuss the positive aspects of imagination: exploring new ideas, birthing creativity and solving problems can be a key to a successful recovery.

Today's episode is a walkabout through Class Clown Park. As you go on this walkabout the signs will lead you on a journey of why people become the class clown or the life of the party. Even if that isn't you, I encourage you to see how you relate to each sign's topic and the responses the guys wrote in the journals at each sign.

Today's episode is in response to feedback I got from the two previous episodes. Listeners were asking how to dig deeper into topics about homelessness, addiction, going off the rails. So today we'll look at estrangement and discuss aspects of it, like thoughts and feelings , utilizing the model of the Russian dolls from the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. I hope you enjoy it.

What are the causes of trains going off the rails? What causes people to go off the rails? Why did you or your loved one lose control and begin behaving in a way that was not normal, not acceptable? How can we take a self-inventory to put corrective actions in place to be sure we don't go off the rails in the future?

Today's episode looks at how each of us defines home and what makes up a home. My hope is that it will stir thought in all of us whether we are unhoused or housed, in a shelter or a rehab, on the streets or never experienced homelessness. We'll be looking at a variety of quotes including: "Don't try to drive the homeless into places we find suitable. Help them survive in places they find suitable." by Daniel Quinn and "Home is where the heart can laugh without shyness. Home is where the heart's tears can dry at their own pace." by Vernon Baker

I've had several requests to do another episode on finding happiness. If you want to listen to earlier podcasts I suggest #72 and #206. In this episode we go on a walkabout and read journal entries from guys in response to quotes about happiness such as: "The purpose of life is to be happy" by the Dalai Lama. "The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely" by Louisa May Alcott. "Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul" by Democritus.