Mental Health and Baby Boomers - Some Reading is the much awaited second instalment in the 10 Part series, Mental Health and Baby Boomers. (Well, I was waiting for it!)
In this chapter, I write about the three most important books that I have consumed in the 15 years since my recovery began. The authors come from all around the world and from surprising backgrounds. I’ll post something to discuss in the Chatroom if I can work out how to do it! Substack have added Chat to the desktop app this week…it was previously only available on the mobile app.
Have you heard of GEM?
Several years ago The Resilience Project began and initially Hugh van Cuylenburg (above) was spreading the resilience message throughout schools and sports club. It has since grown tremendously, and one of the products that I love is the 21-day Wellbeing Journal.
GEM is an acronym for Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness.
This, from their website -
“The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness”.
After I did the first 21 days, I immediately ordered more for my girl and I. I need to do the whole thing again soon, I reckon.
The Next Thing in Caravanning
I know not everyone in my cohort is a van lover, but as I live in one, and I’m concerned about fuel emissions, this article really caught my attention. Touted as ‘Tesla inspired’, this home on wheels will even charge your wheels - and charge your home - when you decide to go there!
According to Caravan Camping Sales, “the company is currently taking US$500 deposits on its website to reserve one of the first production versions. Two models are being advertised: an entry-level L1 Essential priced from US$125,000 (around AUD$190,000), and a top-spec L1 Long Range with drive motor from US$151,500 (around $230,000).”
Addiction, Depression and Other Mental Illnesses
I cheekily mentioned in our subtitle today that alcoholism and depression could just fade away. For me, it seems that how it happened - UNTIL - I realise that so much effort and luck and pain and help has gone into it.
In my case, I had a team of alcoholics at AA that gave me so much love and attention. I was nursed, cajoled and bullied into submission. There has been a lot of reading and listening to teachings at my Buddhist Centre and around the country at Festivals. My friend, G. even took me to Portugal for a World-wide Festival of Peace.
I changed my religion, became vegetarian, made new friends and moved towns.
I needed medication and LOTS of meditation. The longest relationship I had with a woman who isn’t Mother was with my therapist, Rhonda.
And,
I have come to understand a principle that I heard over and over when I was first getting dry.
It takes time.
Then, after time and all the other things have done their bit, depression and addiction feels like it just faded away!
That’s hilarious.
thank you
mike