This episode is in response to comments and questions from listeners to episode # 158 "Victims of Violence." The listeners said they don't struggle with violence but paralysis caused by fears. Fear of getting hurt again. Fear of trusting anyone. Feeling that everyone has and will always be against them. One listener shared their struggle to learn to be grateful for what they have instead of hateful for what they lost. I want to encourage you to listen and share this episode with two friends and then sit down with them, talk about your fears and learn the secret of life in conquering fears everyday.

Today's walkabout looks at how the pain we have felt as a victim of violence can live on inside of us for a long, long time. This can be true whether the violence that we felt was physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic. Chris Hedges an American journalist said "Violence is a disease, a disease that corrupts all who use it regardless of the cause." Please listen and share this poignant episode with your friends and family.

Today's episode of a walkabout through Old City Philadelphia where I come across historical signs with quotes from Poor Richard's Almanack written by Benjamin Franklin between 1733 and 1758. Join me as we pause, read and reflect on the wisdom for recovery in these proverbs written to readers in colonial America.

Today's episode is a group session with our guys in recovery from the US, Australia and South Africa. They shared their experiences in relation to two quotes: 1) "Sometimes, it is how you shine in the darkness during other people's misery that is remembered more than anything you could have said or done when you have suffered just as much." Shannon L. Alder. 2) "It's not about being good. It's about releasing good." Craig D. Lounsbrough. For further information about Ben's story and the Stephen Ministry go to www.stephenministries.org

In today's walkabout episode we Mark Twain's quote "History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme." Have you been blindsided in the past when you were vigilant in avoiding your triggers, but didn't see the patterns that were the rhymes? Often the patterns are hard to identify because they feel familiar but they are packaged differently. I invite you to walk with me, to journey together, as I go on a walkabout to see how history rhymes.

This episode is in response to a Listener's feedback from episode #152. They shared their struggle to take their negative thoughts captive as they've been stuck in a dark place for two decades. In today's episode I take a new approach on things, I'm calling in a walkabout. You know how it feels good to just go for a walk to sort out our thoughts? So there will be no five step plan on how to get out of a dark place. Just thoughts as I meander on my walkabout with this topic. I hope you like it.

Do you find yourself seeking approval, affirmation or validation from others everyday? Is that how you define your self worth? Simply seeing yourself as others see you, or based on what they think or say about you? Well it's time to admit your approval addiction and seek to change. Approval and affirmation should not be your seratonin rush to regulate your emotions. Look inside to find happiness, purpose and meaning, then find the strength to pursue it.

Peter McWilliams said "For many, negative thinking is a habit which, over time, becomes an addiction." So how do we learn to take our thoughts captive? How do we get out of the addiction to thoughts which crippled, paralyzed, derailed or disabled us for so many years? In this episode we outline a plan which was published by Richard L. Ganz in crosswalk.com entitled "6 Ways to Take Thoughts Captive." It's time for you to gain control over what you think about yourself and your life! It's time to change your reality by changing your mind!

Are you feeling weary or dissatisfied with where you're at in life? Does boredom end up fueling your isolation, being a loner, turning to drugs, alcohol or porn for some ecstacy in life? Do you find it difficult to control your anger because you are always frustrated with situations, circumstances or relationships in your life? Well if any of this describes you or someone you know, this episode is for you!

It only takes one to know that you are loved. Too many guys in recovery stay focused on the love they lost. They feel that the only way to be whole again is to restore that broken relationship. As a result they don't see the love that is right next to them in their new friend, coach, mentor. These are people who know the real you and always have your back.