July 31, 2024 ~ Weds

I had a really interesting day yesterday. I made a choice to tell my boss about my health challenges and my book. I don’t know why I chose yesterday, not making the decision until I was sitting across the table from him, but I did, and I’m glad.

He had some really good feedback and incite. After speaking with him I realize I need to put more into the intro of my book about my experiences working the WRAP program with others with mental health challenges. I did this for ten years, which lends a lot to my credibility.

He had concerns about it including biblical quotes (he’s in favor of it). I realize I can pepper the book with some, and it will add a lot. I will speak to my brother about which, and cite him in the book for sharing them, maybe? My integrity is really important. My boss seemed to understand too, though, that I want to help believers and non-believers alike. So I don’t want it (the book) to turn off non-believers. The whole point is that individuals need to focus on their own personal recovery journeys, whatever they believe in.

I presented the book-writing as a hobby to my boss. The outcome was, as long as I’m not trying to promote my book during working hours he is not concerned.

I told him my life is an open book and if he ever has any questions/concerns to let me know. And I offered to share my son’s phone number with him in case he ever has concerns about my health. He didn’t respond to that. BUT, my colleague R was present during the conversation and I made it clear that he (R) knows all about my challenges already. Opening the door for discussion between them.

I also offered to speak to my boss’ family about the book. They help him run the company. It is true, if I publish, the book will be promoted on social media. I am a representative of his company. The public will make the connection. He said no, what I do on my time is my business.

He was actually really great about it. He did have a dangerous opinion I thought, though. He asked why I was deciding to have it [my diagnosis]. Saying that I could choose not to. Interesting.

On another note, at 6 days sober I did not go nuts stuck in a room in meetings for the entire day. Literally. We went from 8:15 until after 5pm, with a break for a good lunch. Normally I would go bonkers in a room with him for that long because he can be exhausting. Not yesterday. I was ready for it to end, but ok. And I didn’t run to alcohol when it was over.

I went home, ate, and read my book for the rest of the evening.

I have to note something happened on yesterday as well, just for my records. That’s all I’m going to say.

I’m inspired to publish. I can’t wait to get my brother’s feedback so I can get to work on the next revision of my book. I can’t work on it at all right now for fear he’ll have suggestions to improve the same parts. Maybe his ideas will be better.

I cannot believe how good I am feeling now. Day and night to last week.

Riley is laying by my side, my companion. Fresh coffee waits for me in the kitchen. I have an office day scheduled… admin work to do today. I’ll try to walk Riley shortly.

I’m grateful for my family and my friends. Riley. My job. My home and privacy. My freedom.

Meds/vitamins. Coffee. Water. Facebook. News. Blog.

Have an amazing day!