When I was about 10, I told my dad one day as he was digging a huge trench for hedges around our new home, I told him I was bored! Man, was that a mistake. He looked at me and said, “You have a bike, a pool everything you want, and you’re bored”? “Ya, I said, “I dont want to do any of that.” He told me to grab a shovel and start digging and fill up the wheelbarrow, when I was full to take it down the road. Down the road wasn’t just 2 houses down, it was a good jaunt and I think I did about 10 loads. I was exhausted and made a mental note that day to never tell my dad I was bored.
Today however I sometimes get into a funk where I want to do so many things but can’t seem to get the motivation. Then, I feel bored! What is that? I don’t enjoy those days but I know they will pass.
My parents. Well, let’s see, I’m 55 now, so when they were my age now I was 35.
My mom was and is still married to her husband and they were still working and still going out any chance they could on a Saturday night. Funny, because that’s when my mom and stepfather gave the drink up too, soon after we partied one last time. What a night it was, so so fun! We sang all night long taking turns with the karaoke, we danced all night and eventually closed the bar. We were all so hungover. My mom and stepfather swore they’d never drink again. Although they miss it, they never did drink again. They were so full of life. Today, my stepfather is drastically broken down physically and is mostly bed ridden. My mom is still spunky but slower. Im sure she has one more party in her, a drink free party that is.
Me and Mom
My dad, he was living in Florida and had a successful business, a beautiful home on the canal with a Bertram Yaght and on his 4th wife. Yup! Forth wife! Anyways, he was happy, successful and seemed like he had it all. We were very close and I flew down every chance I could to spend time with him. He worked hard and played hard. He was a young 55, and even though he ran a business he didn’t have a problem staying up partying in his games room with whoever showed up. He rode Harleys and played the character well. He loved racing down the street in his Corvette when the right opportunity came. He never got past the age of 19, he stayed young. Both my parents stayed young, and im happy to have inherited that quality of character.
Ironic this question was asked today. My father was put on life support one year ago tomorrow due to a severe heart attack awaiting surgery. He was taken off February 19th 2025.
Today has been a rather sad day. I’ve been thinking of my dad and all the times we shared laughing and having a blast but also turbulence during those years. The speed of time, the moments, the glimpse of another time now gone.
I often reflect about them being at this age, then this age, them at my age at 55.
I now know why my mom did certain lifestyle changes at 55, but at 35, I didn’t quite get it.
I also know that my dad should have changed his lifestyle way before his 4th wife but it wasn’t up too me. I did however have conversations with him asking, telling him to change.
He passed away married to his 5th wife but very sick and unhappy. Rest his soul.
Looking where they are now and knowing in 20 years I will be my moms age, first is crazy, but second, I’m going to take care of myself and enjoy every single day I have, as I do now but do better, be better and stay young ❤️
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
The passing of time has been on my mind recently, losing my father almost a year ago, feeling like it went so fast. Missing him.
Thinking of how my mom is getting up there at 76, while she stills seems so young to me. Her voice is young but I can slightly hear little bits of age, we meet at the mall and I can see how tired she gets now. All day shopping is long behind us. Its then I realize she’s getting older. She is young at heart and that’s what keeps her spunky and alive. When we laugh on the phone its like we are so young.
I appreciate the time I have on earth and being able to get older. I can hang out with our kids and watch them with their kids, having grandchildren watching them grow and be young enough to play and indulge a bit. I never take for granted that it could be my last time. I thank God everyday for the life I have and the time im given.
Life events that have happened. This one is very close to home, as they say. I was speaking of the mall earlier, how mom and I would meet up, I would go there as a teenager and hang out but its not the same anymore. Its not a place to hang out anymore because if you do you look suspicious. The mall where I meet my mom is in Newmarket, Ontario, it had been robbed, smash and grab, THREE, 3 times in a month!
Then my son and wife were at the mall in Barrie, Ontario and a kiosk got robbed!! Right in front of them. They had their, my grandson with them who’s a baby!!! I mean what is happening. I hate what is happening to our communities and Countries. When will the madness end. I’m nervous now when my mom says she’s going to the mall. I tell her to be aware, always have your phone ready to grab, always check your surroundings.
We all have to be safe. But try to stay positive at the same time and try not to give in to the anger or ignorance of others. Listen and pay attention. Keep your faith and smile at someone when you walk by, say thank you when someone holds the door for you. Together we win
This is a good question. One of my most scariest thing to do is putting myself out there. Putting myself in the lime light in front of millions of people scrolling through social media. opening myself up to opinions and negative feedback. Telling my deep secrets but also possibly helping so many others by doing what I’m terrified to do.
I’m an outgoing spontaneous person but not one that likes to be focused on or center of attention. It’s the first of anything new that makes us nervous.
What it would take for me to do it would be to just do it. Stop listening to the voices in my head and start listening to the people and supporters that keep telling me to share my story. Stop the fear of the unknown.
Part of why I am scared or nervous to start is that there are more people involved in my story than just me and I don’t want to hurt anyone by sharing.
The artwork in this post was created by me, KPZ Art. It’s a hobby I discovered during my sobriety journey. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you’re living your best life!
I think everyone has fantasized winning the big one! I know I have. What I would do.
First I’d help family, then I would open a beautiful sobriety home. One that offered everything and more. One that feels like a place you want to come to heal, a place that offers everything One needs to heal and get back intouch with themselves. A place where you feel welcome and not just another patient or case number. I would make it affordable for anyone.
I think I would build the home in the mountains with ocean views. Somewhere private yet close to amenities. Somewhere where, patients can sit by the water or go mountain climbing. I’d also like to have animals on site, such as dogs and horses to give people comfort that animals can give sometimes better than humans.
Ive dreamed of this for many years. Whether it becomes a reality for me depends on the numbers I choose or the quick Pic numbers drawn!
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
My name, Kelly was given to me from my moms brother, my Uncle Doug. My mom told me the name she originally wanted for me and I’m happy my Uncle stepped in.
Here is the meaning of my name Kelly.
The name Kelly has Irish origins, stemming from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, and means “descendant of Ceallach”. The personal name Ceallach itself has several interpretations, often linked to “bright-headed,” “war,” or “strife,” and sometimes “one who frequents churches,” making Kelly a unisex name symbolizing strength, brightness, and Irish heritage.
It also stands for warrior, fighter and strength.
Its ironic in a way because when I do great people on here I’ve always used the word, warrior, fellow warrior’s. Warrior’s over the power of alcohol and the fight within myself to get sober and the strength to stay sober!
My name is just a glimpse of who I truly am and what I, Kelly stand for.
The first thing that came to mind was clearing my mind. Clearing my mind of clutter, intrusive thoughts and self sabotage.
I’ve been practicing my breath work and literally giving my head a shake when those thoughts would come.
Last year I had a lot of peace come into my life. My father passed. I know that sounds terrible but there’s a lot of hurt and betrayal that had happened when he was here. We did see each other and make amends just before he passed. Thank God.
So, Ive been able to get most of the clutter out of my mind and working on the rest. Its freeing to be at peace and declutter your mind.
Don’t stress about yesterday or tomorrow, today is all we have 💙
Of course my favorite animal are dogs. My dog Gracie is a golden retriever and a joy to have.
Dogs have always brought me emotional well-being and support, especially during the beginning of my journey being alcohol free. Molly was also a retriever and she did an amazing job with me. She knew what I needed and she delivered with angel wings.
Gracie, is a cuddle bug and fun! She is such a bundle of happiness. When things go aray in my life she’s there to comfort too.
All animals are special in their own way and I am a lover of all, but dogs take the win for me.
My most memorable and favorite road trips have always been with my grandmother, my Aunt and cousin. We would use my dad’s van, which was so cool. It was custom made by my father and grandfather, a fitting name of Night Moves with loovers on all the windows, navy blue argyle patterned padded vinyl on the walls, a bunkie with doors that closed, a couch and mini fridge, even had a little counter and sink, amd of couse the nicest shag carpet!
All us girls would load up and hit the road to Atlantic City, or a smaller trip to our families resort trailer park or the long drives to Florida. It always makes me smile when I see those vans today that were the coolest in the 70s and 80s. But none of them can hold the memories of the road trips or the memories of that van. Night Moves was named after the song by Bob Segar, one of my fathers favorite singers and his favorite song.
The van, the name, the song, remind me of all the memorable moments that I cherish deeply.
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
We have an open area in our basement and we’ve, my daughter and I, discussed doing a podcast on sobriety, Mother Daughter sober journey.
Here’s what it would look like.
A low profile sectional cozey couch, white with colorful accessories,, fluffy pillows, and blankets. A back wall with inspirational quotes, photos and legendary sober warriors. A circle coffee table in a natural wood finish, an area rug for warmth, dim lights for calm mood, candles and energy lighting. I want it to be comfortable and enticing to lounge and have the right energy around to let people feel calm and connected.
I want people and myself to look at the space and want to hang there all night with tea and a book, a podcast, or games. A space for connection and healing and coming together.
Being Me Sober 