The second book I ordered is "Dreamseller", written by Brandon Novak and Joseph Frantz. I saw it in the gift shop when I was in rehab but when I went to buy it someone had already bought the last copy. The book is an addiction memoir about the life of Brandon Novak - a famous skateboarder. Novak is known for being friends with Bam Margera, who is part of the group of idiots who make the "Jackass" movies. I really don't like Bam Margera but I still think that this book will be pretty good.
It's funny because I used to hate reading.
Up until last November I hadn't read a book since I graduated from high school in 2004.
My only hobby used to be getting high.
That was it.
I didn't know how to enjoy myself without escaping reality.
I've learned to become more open-minded and willing to try new things.
I've tried yoga, meditation, acupuncture, exercising, creative writing, reading, and some other things.
I've been eating healthier and treating my body a lot better than I used to.
I even quit smoking.
I never planned on quitting, it just happened. One day I noticed that smoking just didn't feel like it used to. The cigarettes started to taste gross and I no longer had the desire to smoke. My last pack of cigarettes lasted me an entire week. After it was gone I decided I was going to try to quit and I haven't smoked since. I think it's because of the meds I'm on but who knows.
The reason I have pictures in my blog related to Buddhism is because I believe in the Buddhist belief system. I started researching Buddhism last October and it really grabbed my attention. I will talk about that in another post because religion is a whole topic in itself.
Reading and writing every day has really helped me a lot.
Writing in my blog is therapeutic and allows me to release my emotions in a positive way so that I don't have to keep everything bottled up inside me.
Reading books and news articles has allowed me to become more educated about addiction and my mental health problems.
The result of my lifestyle change:
I feel healthier
I sleep better
I look better
I feel better
Depression and anxiety is no longer controlling my life
Wow, I read that article by DeHaven. Granite Bay is about an hour from my house. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
ReplyDeleteanother uplifting and encouraging post full of insight. I also follow the Buddhist belief system (lots of people think its a religion but its not). Keep on doing what you're doing, Ross!!
ReplyDeleteI love Amazon! These two books look like a good read, I'll have to add them to my wish list. I think it is so great that you don't hang out with your old friends - that is key. Now if only my son would see that........I've told him that sooooo many times but, I guess he's just not ready. As Barb said Ross, "Keep on doing what you are doing" Glad to hear your doing so well!!
ReplyDeleteI order all my books at amazon. You can get used ones so cheap and then you can even resell them there. It's a win win. I am so proud of your progress. Sounds like you have got it all under control. Remember, one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteI love amazon too! I didn't read that much until I found out about my sons addiction and now I have read so many books on true stories, etc. I am going to order the two you are reading.
ReplyDeleteIf you like the true stories email me your address and I will send you a couple I have already read.
Thanks for writing!