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What's in it for me?: A Personal Journal of Recovery... and Hope
Living in a world clouded with shadowy images of what constitutes a real man caused John to suffer from misguided perceptions for years. Although he meant well, reactions to his “reality” always led to disasters in every area of his life.
He was incarcerated and didn’t know it. Untreated alcoholism and addiction have the only prison cells on the planet where the keys to escape are located on the inside…
Follow John’s voyage of recovery as he navigates a myriad of adversities - some would stop people in their tracks - in efforts to become the person he always wanted to be but didn’t know how...
He was incarcerated and didn’t know it. Untreated alcoholism and addiction have the only prison cells on the planet where the keys to escape are located on the inside…
Follow John’s voyage of recovery as he navigates a myriad of adversities - some would stop people in their tracks - in efforts to become the person he always wanted to be but didn’t know how...
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2015
2 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
John L.
13 books5 followersI am a first time self published author who has been in recovery for over twenty-nine years. Throughout most of my sobriety, I've been in the chemical dependency field both as a counselor and a grant writer. I have dedicated my life to helping others become sober. I have made contributions to treatment centers through Rule 62 Fundraising, a non-profit organization I founded in 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio.
My intention was to continue Rule 62 efforts when my wife, Kandy and I moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2012. A recent life-altering event occurred which did not allow me to continue this work. It did however, lead me to fulfill a personal endeavor to write a book about overcoming life adversities while on my own journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
My wife and I relocated back to the Cleveland area in February 2016.
I have a Facebook page that I post to everyday located at: www.facebook.com/1Trudger
My intention was to continue Rule 62 efforts when my wife, Kandy and I moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2012. A recent life-altering event occurred which did not allow me to continue this work. It did however, lead me to fulfill a personal endeavor to write a book about overcoming life adversities while on my own journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
My wife and I relocated back to the Cleveland area in February 2016.
I have a Facebook page that I post to everyday located at: www.facebook.com/1Trudger
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 28, 2016
This Book was a great inspiration for me. Once I started reading it, I was just not able to put it down...There were so many things going through my head as I was reading this. For one, I use to have a problem drinking but did not take the 12 step program, I just quit on my own, and this book shows so much truth to it..
1. The behaviors in all addicts are pretty much the same
2. You can quit the problem, but never address all the behaviors.
3. As he referred to himself as a low life several times, I realized that there are people with these behaviors who have never had an addiction, and that the word Low life, and troubled really do mean way more than just an addict or neighborhood ...
For example there are people in my family who never drank yet, they would "teach people a lesson" if they did not get their own way.. In short deliberately hurt someone to get their way, or even show they are right, and that involves hurting people on a serious level without dependency, yet by all the definitions they are a lowlife..
I realized there were still things that needed to be addressed in my own life and that I think everyone needs to conquer more of their flaws.. Sometimes we just use the excuses to get by with no looking at them, dealing with them, or even admitting them..
The authors life is a true inspiration and shows true courage in many different ways.. He was willing to pray for those who hurt him, and he is not just disabled but an addict.. Most of the time I just sit and stew on it.. I have taken his advice in this book about praying for them, and sure enough it seems to lighten the load.. I have a lot more prays to pray before I totally move on with it, but that is what deep hurt causes.
I am grateful for reading this book as it has showed me how much I miss by missing the bigger pictures.
1. We all have a God who loves us.( My opinion)
2.With three kids who are great you can't get much better than that..
3. It did get better than that because I have air in my lungs, a roof over my head, lights water and food..
God promised us our needs not our wants and sometimes I just don't look at that bigger picture and deep down take things for granted..
I Know I need to start working on my major flaws, and then maybe things will just come naturally as the repairs are made..
I am grateful this author took his time and shared some very intimate details in his life, what he has done, and where he moved into being.. This is possible one the most inspirational books I have ever read.. It is also one of the most helping books if you allow it to.. Whether you have an addiction or not - There is so much to take from this book and apply into life... This is probably one the best books I have ever read... Thank you for being part of the worlds of many authors.. This book will be going to my shelf for later on reading and reminding..
1. The behaviors in all addicts are pretty much the same
2. You can quit the problem, but never address all the behaviors.
3. As he referred to himself as a low life several times, I realized that there are people with these behaviors who have never had an addiction, and that the word Low life, and troubled really do mean way more than just an addict or neighborhood ...
For example there are people in my family who never drank yet, they would "teach people a lesson" if they did not get their own way.. In short deliberately hurt someone to get their way, or even show they are right, and that involves hurting people on a serious level without dependency, yet by all the definitions they are a lowlife..
I realized there were still things that needed to be addressed in my own life and that I think everyone needs to conquer more of their flaws.. Sometimes we just use the excuses to get by with no looking at them, dealing with them, or even admitting them..
The authors life is a true inspiration and shows true courage in many different ways.. He was willing to pray for those who hurt him, and he is not just disabled but an addict.. Most of the time I just sit and stew on it.. I have taken his advice in this book about praying for them, and sure enough it seems to lighten the load.. I have a lot more prays to pray before I totally move on with it, but that is what deep hurt causes.
I am grateful for reading this book as it has showed me how much I miss by missing the bigger pictures.
1. We all have a God who loves us.( My opinion)
2.With three kids who are great you can't get much better than that..
3. It did get better than that because I have air in my lungs, a roof over my head, lights water and food..
God promised us our needs not our wants and sometimes I just don't look at that bigger picture and deep down take things for granted..
I Know I need to start working on my major flaws, and then maybe things will just come naturally as the repairs are made..
I am grateful this author took his time and shared some very intimate details in his life, what he has done, and where he moved into being.. This is possible one the most inspirational books I have ever read.. It is also one of the most helping books if you allow it to.. Whether you have an addiction or not - There is so much to take from this book and apply into life... This is probably one the best books I have ever read... Thank you for being part of the worlds of many authors.. This book will be going to my shelf for later on reading and reminding..
December 12, 2015
John H. Is the most articulate alcoholic you'd ever want to meet. He didn't get that way accidentally. This is his story.
In the book What's In It For Me? John recounts every painful step of his recovery from drugs and alcohol. And, while his story is far from unique, many who download this book on a whim may find that they have unwittingly discovered a story that will save their lives.
Written in a highly readable style, John tells how he, like so many other alcoholics, had to crawl up from rock bottom one day to finally admit he needed help. He found it -- again, as so many have -- through the rigorous, but tried-and-true, 12 Steps outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you suspect you have a problem with any kind of addiction -- dope, illicit affairs, irresponsible spending, or alcohol --- you'll find John's story helpful -- and inspirational.
John's personal narrative starts out in Maine when, as a teenager sniffing glue, he says he knew there was a voice in the back of his head telling him not to do it -- but he did it anyway. This was a pattern that continued on into adulthood.
Finally winding up in Costa Mesa, California, John finds himself at a rehab center, beginning long-overdue treatment to dry out -- and signing divorce papers at the same time.
Then, just as John is beginning to turn his life around, the unthinkable happens. He's severely injured in a car crash and paralyzed from the neck down. Many people would have given up, and John almost does. But another intervention -- this one from an angry physical therapist who wants him to "stop wallowing in self-pity" -- saves him from himself and he heroically begins the long road back.
The rest of this highly personal memoir details that road, and interweaves lessons from the 12-Step Big Book. As I said, it's an inspiring tale, and you'll want to read it to the very last word to get the full -- and surprising -- story. You'll be deeply moved.
Five stars to What's In It For Me? It's a riveting and deeply human account of one remarkable man's struggle against overwhelming odds.
In the book What's In It For Me? John recounts every painful step of his recovery from drugs and alcohol. And, while his story is far from unique, many who download this book on a whim may find that they have unwittingly discovered a story that will save their lives.
Written in a highly readable style, John tells how he, like so many other alcoholics, had to crawl up from rock bottom one day to finally admit he needed help. He found it -- again, as so many have -- through the rigorous, but tried-and-true, 12 Steps outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you suspect you have a problem with any kind of addiction -- dope, illicit affairs, irresponsible spending, or alcohol --- you'll find John's story helpful -- and inspirational.
John's personal narrative starts out in Maine when, as a teenager sniffing glue, he says he knew there was a voice in the back of his head telling him not to do it -- but he did it anyway. This was a pattern that continued on into adulthood.
Finally winding up in Costa Mesa, California, John finds himself at a rehab center, beginning long-overdue treatment to dry out -- and signing divorce papers at the same time.
Then, just as John is beginning to turn his life around, the unthinkable happens. He's severely injured in a car crash and paralyzed from the neck down. Many people would have given up, and John almost does. But another intervention -- this one from an angry physical therapist who wants him to "stop wallowing in self-pity" -- saves him from himself and he heroically begins the long road back.
The rest of this highly personal memoir details that road, and interweaves lessons from the 12-Step Big Book. As I said, it's an inspiring tale, and you'll want to read it to the very last word to get the full -- and surprising -- story. You'll be deeply moved.
Five stars to What's In It For Me? It's a riveting and deeply human account of one remarkable man's struggle against overwhelming odds.
August 29, 2016
***Disclaimer won in Goodreads Giveaway. Strong themes and story
October 4, 2016
"Every person on this planet, regardless of his or her station in life, takes so much for granted, until something catastrophic happens to upset the equilibrium. Any life-changing cataclysm will eventually force a person to examine the facets of his or her personal "life stone" from a different angle and recognize priorities if they are to survive free of the multitude of negative and caustic attitudes sure to come to the forefront." p.48
I received this book from a giveaway for an honest review.
There are so many wonderful quotes and opportunities for life altering moments in this book. John's story of recovery is tumultuous and definitely took courage to prevail. I am not an alcoholic but I know a couple of people that are and have struggled with recovery for years. I believe in the 12 steps and the AA program and feel that it has saved many people's lives. I would recommend this book to everyone... not necessarily just addicts.
I received this book from a giveaway for an honest review.
There are so many wonderful quotes and opportunities for life altering moments in this book. John's story of recovery is tumultuous and definitely took courage to prevail. I am not an alcoholic but I know a couple of people that are and have struggled with recovery for years. I believe in the 12 steps and the AA program and feel that it has saved many people's lives. I would recommend this book to everyone... not necessarily just addicts.
June 27, 2016
Honest and riveting. That was my intention in writing this book. I wanted to create a piece that would help anyone struggling with the myriad of life's adversities whether it's addiction, abuse, personal loss or any other kind of difficulties we all face from time to time. Although I might be considered biased because I am the author, even I couldn't put it down the finished product... If you take the time to read the reviews for this labor of love on Amazon's book page, you'll see that many people feel the same.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews