Above Ground Podcast

From addiction and despair to founder of a non-profit and helper of many. This week we have Jacque Ecuyer. He is the founder of 4S4Life.com, a life coach and he has been to hell and back. 

He considers himself a phoenix emerging from the ashes. He has seen the darkest days of a drug raddled existence and risen above to touch a lot of folks along the way. 

Has the struggle bus been making stops at your house? Do you find yourself heading out to catch it, or are you waving as it drives by? We all find ourselves at the corner of Grey St and the end of the world.

This week we try to dissect the struggle bus, a piece at a time. We find we have more questions than answers, but we have learned that we aren't supposed to have as many of the answers as we feel we are entitled too. 

It's all about the journey. The destination is just the invitation to the journey. Then you embark, a step at a time, experience at a time. The journey is truly worth it. Grateful to embark.

Self-love is an often misunderstood experience. We could be full of a sort of self absorbed confidence. But, it is in our darkness that we learn if we truly love who we are. We have both touched that darkness and it often seems to be hiding behind the door. Testing the waters to check for sharks. But, you are standing on shore. 

Speaking of sharks.  Bruce, the Great White from JAWS celebrates 45 years in 2020 on a good note. The original summer blockbuster has a very special place in my heart. It was the first movie I saw as a child. This was 1976, after the studio re-released it, on the bi-centenial for the month of July. We had dinner at Hot Dog Charlie and went to Proctor's in Troy. A great theatre, that had one-two screens. I saw Rocky that same Summer. That was the last normal Summer I would have. 

The shedding process won't begin until an item cracks us wide open. A rattlesnake doesn't get its rattle until the first layer is gone. With every layer the snake leaves behind, that snake becomes more of its true self. How many layers will you need to lose?

Being on both sides of a counselor's desk provides a perspective of services rendered like no other. It's a glimpse behind the Wizard's curtain. It's a trip wire waiting to set off an explosion of relapse. A slow burn, complete annihilation, or, a rising!

Todd Hopwood has risen, fallen and risen again. As a former Generalist Practice Social Worker and former credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, as an addict, as a  human being. 

He gives credit to his core group of 12 Step Program friends. His therapists. his teachers. He credits the book, Finding the Still Point

So in the words of Todd's sponsor, keep your small mind on, your smaller self. Grab something to drink, turn on some yacht rock and reach out. Just ask 

"How Are You, Really?"

That's what Jerry would do

We all have a story to tell. Some say it with fabric or color. Others with numbers, motion, words. Then, there are the sound makers. Will Foley is a sound maker. Hear him open the closet a little more. Warning. Demons, Trolls and Witches  inside.

willfoley.net

abovegroundpodcast.net

AFSP.org

Tim sheds his leathers and opens the door of emotion. This is his autobiography, Falling On Black Days.

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www.abovegroundpodcast.net

The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are 1)the truth of suffering, 2) the cause of suffering, 3)the cessation of suffering, 4)the path to the cessation of suffering.

Buddhism speaks to me differently than the other world religion offerings. I feel it is more philosophy, action oriented than other pray for forgiveness or burn dogmas. We are mere preschoolers when it comes to this vast tradition. But we had to start somewhere. 

Enjoy this week's episode with a cup of tea. 

This week's guest is Sandra Goldmeer. She is the Area Director of the Capital Region NY Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In her short time here she is building a garden of hope.

You should never be afraid to be the first person to reach out, because chances are no one has. Connection is all about validating someone's journey and holding space for them. Don't be afraid to take the first step. 

With this time of uncertainty and insecurity in the world there is no better time to #SeizeTheAwkward and catch someone off guard by starting the #RealConvo

Talk Saves Lives, so don't let this time of isolation change that. No mask is a deterrent for checking in on a family member or friend. AFSP offers trainings and in you can sign up for some

including tomorrow, Thursday May 28th 530-630p

                                   Monday June 2nd, 900-1000am

                                   Friday June 12th 100-200pm

Register here AFSP Virtual Trainings 

Amanda Matteson is an MSW, PhD student, researcher and a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008-2009) from the NY Army National Guard. Her main work is with the veteran population. Her mission is to make the conversation surrounding mental health as common as asking to pass the mashed potatoes. 

This week is our first conversation outside of the duo. We turn the mics on and discuss labels, peer support, and the sick care system of this grand republic experiment. 

We talk motorcycles,   One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest   and cats.

If you are in NY and are in need of support the NYS Office of Mental Health has a support line at 1-844-863-9314 or you can visit

https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html

National Association of Social Workers 

https://veterans.ny.gov

www.abovegroundpodcast.net