Gratitude

Thank You, Joy

by Bill Brenner October 22, 2010 Gratitude

This post is about something I should have told someone 14 years ago — a long overdue nod of appreciation. Mood music: [spotify:track:13SlzLb33cggKzAeeLONts] When someone commits suicide, the guilt-stricken survivors obsess about why they didn’t catch on to their loved one’s depression sooner so they could have helped. That was me after my friend Sean Marley died. I spent the next decade-plus thinking about it. Really, I was just thinking about myself. That’s what addicts…  [Read More]

Rock It For Joe Zippo

by Bill Brenner October 15, 2010 Gratitude

Rarely do I use this blog for an announcement like this, but Joe Zippo was a special guy and he’s worth the exception. Tomorrow is the Joe (Kelley) Zippo Memorial Show in Salem, Mass. I usually avoid Salem this time of year because of all the touristy Halloween mania. But for him I’m going in. So should you. Mood music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpMt_YqVbhw&fs=1&hl=en_US] All of the show’s proceeds will go towards Joe’s headstone and plot. Details: Time Saturday,…  [Read More]

The Gratitude List, Part 3

by Bill Brenner October 7, 2010 Gratitude

Yesterday was another reminder that there’s a lot to be grateful for. I’m surrounded by so many people that have helped me heal and keep me clawing the way forward. Here are more examples. Mood music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t43VgJ4U9_Q&fs=1&hl=en_US] First, I should flag the rest of my list in two earlier posts: The Healers (Adventures in Step 9) and The Gratitude List. Here are the latest additions to the list: Theresa and Rich Arel: The Arels are…  [Read More]

Why This Day Will Kick Ass

by Bill Brenner October 1, 2010 Gratitude

People get all happy when Friday arrives. I’m more indifferent about it. It’s the day of the week where I’m too fried to get much done. But today’s going to be good. Here’s why: Mood Music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiLIJlVa3J0&fs=1&hl=en_US] –I’ve been sitting next to the happy lamp for one hour and haven’t broken into flop sweats yet. –I finally woke up realizing what I need to do to get the mood swings under control. More on that…  [Read More]

Never Forgotten

by Bill Brenner September 25, 2010 Depression

That post about Zane resonated with a lot of people. It’s comforting to know he hasn’t been forgotten. Being forgotten. It’s everyone’s fear. I often worry that people who end their own lives will end up that way. Mood music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE7rkSELM3I&fs=1&hl=en_US] Though I’ve had many an episode with depression, I’ve never once considered suicide. That makes me no better than those who have. In my case, Faith has always prevented that line of thinking. Suicide…  [Read More]

Welcome to the Outcast Club

by Bill Brenner September 24, 2010 Communication Skills

An old friend is reminding me of the outcast I used to be and how like-minded people tend to stick together — even when they shouldn’t. I was actually quite a prick to Stevie Hemeon. I used to punch him in the Theodore Roosevelt School yard because he was one of the few kids I was strong enough to hit. He never deserved it. Yet he still hung with me, kind of how high school…  [Read More]

Zane from the Point of Pines, Revere

by Bill Brenner September 23, 2010 Depression

I keep thinking of a kid from the Point of Pines who isn’t with us anymore. I’m not sure why this ghost is in my head, because we weren’t exactly friends. Mood music: [spotify:track:1GnCH2KszUkpUjXuDP2G3N] The kid’s name was Zane. I believe the last name was Mead, though I’m not sure if there’s an E at the end. He was what you would picture as a classic stoner kid. I think he was on something every…  [Read More]

Happily Ever After Is Bullshit & That’s OK

by Bill Brenner September 21, 2010 Addiction

Often, when depression slaps me upside the head, it’s on the heels of a prolonged period of good feelings and positive energy. Especially this time of year, when the daylight recedes early and returns late. These setbacks can be discouraging, but you can survive them with the right perspective. Mood music: It’s easy for people who fight mental illness and addictive behavior to go on an endless, futile search for the happily ever after, where…  [Read More]

The Positive Man’s Mask

by Bill Brenner September 20, 2010 Depression

My boss and good friend John Gallant once told me I’m one of the most positive people he knows. I was keeping a sunny disposition despite the Internet being down or something like that. I’m definitely a sunnier person than I used to be. To be truthful, though, sometimes it’s just an act. Mood music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukHqzqZOe7g&fs=1&hl=en_US] What brings me to that line of thinking is the crime wave of depression that hit me this weekend….  [Read More]

Old Friends

by Bill Brenner September 19, 2010 Gratitude

Just when I thought I was done writing about the Point of Pines, Revere, another old friend re-enters the picture. Mood music: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMhhsafywkk&fs=1&hl=en_US] He tried to call me the other night and left this message: “Mr. Brenner, I just want to say sorry for being such a punk when we were kids, and for taking so long to call you.” And there it was. For the first time in more than 20 years, a message…  [Read More]

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →