Letter from the Publisher I’m truly grateful that my journey has had it’s fair share of challenges (actually, “fair share” is rather subjective— I’m sure there are more to come). Hope allowed me to keep picking myself up, dusting myself off, nursing my bruises and using the experience to build a hint of personal growth. Not once, not twice, but countless times! In those moments of deep despair when I thought there was no “point” to living and I didn’t think I cared anymore about anything, hope kept me alive. Without hope I would have (could have) given up. At some level I knew there was something more. Thank heaven I don’t have to see the big picture and manage all the moving parts. I’m part of the whole and there’s a lot of hope in that alone. Whether you are reading this as a recovering addict/alcoholic, a chronic relapser, a process addiction sufferer, someone struggling with physical or mental health concerns, or a family member of someone struggling with their life’s journey, there is always hope. Sometimes hope is found in surrender, sometimes hope is found in acceptance, sometimes hope is found in prayer and meditation. Hopefully you will find some positive energy in these pages that allows you to be gentle with yourself and encourages you to continue forging ahead — challenges and all. HOPE is an acronym (in my mind) for Handing Out Positive Energy and that’s what this magazine stands for. I hope you love this issue. More importantly, I hope you love your life! Thank you for sharing this journey with me — couldn’t do it without you! Respectfully and Enthusiastically,
Random Thoughts Text Mis-Interpretations Me: I’ve been using my juicer lately Friend: That’s great! :-) Me: Yeah, and I’m drinking a beer before bed. Friend: What? Me: a beer! Me: a beer! Me: Damnit... a BEET!! Friend: u OK?
Karen VanDenBerg
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MAR-APR 2016 - 9