This was especially true in the many discussions we had regarding specific family members who were in trouble with addiction. The substances, behaviors and activities may change, but the pain and destruction is consistent.

Until, of course, we seek help.

Yes, help is available… but not until we take the first step. And as we discussed in those year-end conversations, we wanted 2010 to be different… we needed 2010 to be different.

And for many it is… changes are happening. Yes, many are experiencing the first ray of hope that they have had concerning their loved one in years. Some even report possessing a peace of mind that they thought was surely out of reach forever.

Because they asked for help.

Let’s not be fooled… addiction recovery can be a long and arduous process. But tens of thousands of your neighbors and fellow citizens have their families on that road today.

It’s time for a check-up. If the goals you set to repair the damage that addiction has caused in your life are not being met; if you are in the same boat today as you were on January 1st… or worse, if your relationships have deteriorated… then the time to act is now.

Call me today at (561) 495-3913 or (920) 544-1400. You will speak directly with me, and I will personally work with you to develop an action plan, and will take the next step with you.

I look forward to speaking with you.

What a terrific cause!

I have also asked if you would join me in forwarding this message and a link to this site to her attention at The White House, for I believe one thing is for sure… we are losing the fight.

Not my personal battle, mind you.

No, on the contrary, today as I write this I am less than half the man I used to be!! Literally. After being given just six months to live in 1968, I was able to lose 169 pounds and all the illnesses that went with it, and keep it off for decades.

But it didn’t happen by investing in fad diets and gimmicks; it didn’t happen by running miles on the treadmill; and it won’t likely happen for the rest of the country that way either.

In most cases, obesity is merely a symptom of food addiction. Plain and simple. And therein lies a problem for our First Lady and any Blue Ribbon commission that she puts together… because addiction is just as equally represented in our Federal Government as it is at the state and local level.

And Mark Twain was right… denial is not just a river in Egypt. I believe it also flows through Washington D.C.

Please forward this article to First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House, along with sincere wishes that she is able to bring light and impact to this devastating illness.

Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you.

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Well, I suppose there are many answers to that question… so let me give you mine.

As First Ladies of the United States, each has or had incredible influence… and each has used that influence to further an important cause.

Now, I suppose that you won’t be surprised if I hold a special place for those concerned with addictions… even if it appears that the real solution is far outside the realm of politics.

Here’s what I mean.

Twenty or thirty years ago, the phrase “Just Say No” was popularized as an answer to drug addiction. Of course, just saying no works well if you are a casual user who is capable of making rational choices and decisions, however… an addict cannot just say no.

Their body is dependent on the drug in about the same manner as yours is this very moment dependent on oxygen.

Unfortunately, these political and social battles are often waged more with good intentions than good field logistics and experience.

And I’m concerned we may be losing another great opportunity right now.

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As we speak, Michelle Obama has taken up the worthy cause of obesity, and in particular… childhood obesity.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of discussion about diets and calorie counting and body mass indexes and proper exercise, but as far as I can tell, no discussion about what I believe is the real CAUSE… food addiction.

Now, please don’t confuse what I am saying… as much as anyone, I want this effort to succeed!

Further, I believe it is appropriate for this cause to be addressed at the highest level of The White House, since obesity rates in children have skyrocketed along with the number of food industry lobbyists in Washington, and the number of children in the Federal School Lunch Program.

Well in excess of 30 Million children per day are served at the taxpayer expense… more than 220 Billion meals since the program’s inception… yet obesity rates climb.

Here is the simple truth.

Sugar, flour and wheat cause a chain of damaging events to occur in the bodies of tens of millions of Americans. Their pancreas goes into hyper drive, overproducing insulin, and causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash.

These individuals (of whom I am one), have no more power to “stay on a diet”, than a drug addict has to “just say no”.

I am asking for your help.

Please forward this article to First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House, along with sincere wishes that she is able to bring light and impact to this devastating illness.

Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you.

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First, in a move that would spare me from another Winter in the sub-zero regions known as The Frozen Tundra, I packed the most important of my earthly possessions and took up residence in sunny South Florida!

Now, that is not to say there aren’t things I miss from that area of the country… it’s just that the weather is definitely not among them! And the wonderful friends, well… technology has made keeping in touch a breeze!

But the second milestone was much more important.

Beginning in September, and continuing throughout the month of October, we added to the national conversation about health care in an effort that would see many of you getting involved, writing to our congressional leaders, and making an impact.

For that, I thank you.

Specifically, we shined the light on addiction as it relates to the COST of health care. We addressed issues of common illnesses that are completely treatable and avoidable. And we exposed the biggest culprit in the health (unhealth) of our society… that of obesity.

So this past weekend, it was a breath of fresh air as headlines across the country blared the news of our First-Lady’s cause of fighting obesity… first within her own family, and then in yours.

But in each account, there was something missing. And for that I am going to ask for your help once again. Please come back next week… prepared to get involved for just fifteen or twenty minutes. Together, we can make a difference.

I look forward to speaking with you then.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one over the years, well… I guess I could have retired long before I would have gotten around to writing it!

Ah, yes.

And while I appreciate all the friends and patients and past-patients who have asked me to summarize the myriad stories in the form of an autobiography, it just didn’t seem right… the autobiographical part, I mean.

After all, the focus of my work, of my career, and of my passion has always been about one thing and one thing only. And that one thing was not me. On the contrary, it is the hope of recovery for individuals and families that are struggling with addiction.

That’s all it’s ever been.

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So, does the world need another book on addiction?

The answer, I believe, is clearly yes. After all, each of us relates stories in such a way as to connect with some who could be reached in no other way, and by no one else.

It is the reason that I encourage you to tell your stories as well, and why we focused on that very topic in this forum the last two weeks in a row.

In the next few weeks or so, additional information will come out regarding publication and promotion. In the meantime, I thank you for your willingness to be involved, and your commitment to the cause of recovery!

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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Well, the truth is that he laid out a scenario in which the symptoms of addiction were so clear that a complete novice may have had suspicions… so I brought it up.

“Yeah… addiction,” he said, “Been there, done that!”

No doubt, this phrase has become very popular in the last few years, but it takes on new meaning for those of us who have spent any amount of time fighting this disease and its effects on our loved ones and relationships.

So I asked this acquaintance a few questions and it suddenly became clear that his statement wasn’t exactly accurate. You see, with addicts and addiction, its not a case of “Been there, done that,” but instead is more likely to be a situation of, “Been there, still there… and right in the middle of doing that!”

Addiction is progressive, and we must pick up the battle anew each morning.

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When viewed in this light, “Been there, still doing that,” has another advantage for the purpose of sharing our experience, strength, and hope. Because we are in the fight, our message of recovery suddenly has impact… our words now have music!

This is your story… and also mine. It’s a story that thousands of hurting families long to hear!

“I know exactly how you feel. I’ve been where you are, and many days I’m still there… and here’s what’s working.”

The power that is contained in those simple words breathes hope and light and life into the world of someone who, only moments before, was full hopelessness and darkness and desperation.

“Yes,” we tell them. “This happened to me too! Yes, our family was just like yours! Yes, we were crumbling also! And yes, we’re doing something about it.”

The effects are unmistakable, and powerful. “Oh my goodness!” they realize. “If you can succeed, then maybe we can too!”

Powerful, indeed!

I encourage you to write down your story. Read it. Memorize it. Pray about it. And while you’re on your knees, ask that others be placed into your path who need to hear the good news of recovery, and that you will have the will to share your story with them.

The results will change their life… and likely your’s as well!

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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You’ve watched and prayed as your mom had surgery for heart disease, you hoped and prayed as your brother’s attitude turned mean and his marriage failed. And you cried as you prayed for your son or daughter, who were out doing– well, who knows what, with who knows whom.

And you’ve spent more than a few hours learning that you can make a difference– indeed, that you are the difference.

Yes, you have begun to understand that the illnesses and diseases, the unkind attitudes, and the risky or destructive behaviors are likely mere symptoms of an underlying (and ultimately deadly) addictive condition, and what’s more, you’re starting to see it everywhere.

Yes, everywhere.

The teachers at your child’s school and the neighbor across the street, your boss and your elected leaders, the strangers at the mall and the loved ones around the dinner table.

You now have taken notice of the heart disease and cancer, the high blood pressure and diabetes, the constant colds and coughing and doctor visits of people you know and love.

Yes, you’ve witnessed the stress and pressure of seemingly minor issues, and the financial, emotional, and behavioral changes.

And you want it to stop.
You’re wondering what to do.
How do you let them know there’s a solution?
How do you broach the subject?
How do you share your experience, strength, and hope?

The answer lies in your story.

Your own personal testimony, a sort of before-and-after, is the key that can unlock conversations and start another family on the road to healing and recovery.

You see, our stories make us relatable to others– approachable– and provide common ground on which to begin laying a foundation for recovery.

After all, many of the ailments and challenges that we face in addiction are fairly common experiences to hundreds of thousands of other individuals and families, as well.

If we are listening, if we are aware, the conversations and the people crying out for help are all around. The question is whether or not we are willing to share of ourselves.

So what exactly does that look like? We’ll examine it a little closer next time. Until then, I look forward to speaking with you.

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Now, unless you just happened to arrive here by mistake while searching for an entertainment site… I think it’s fair to say that we probably know a few things about one another already.

Yes, if you’ve looked around, or if we’ve ever spoken, you probably know at least a bit of my story… and I can likely guess a piece of yours as well. After all, the disease of addiction tends to be fairly predictable.

And you probably also know a good deal about my heart… and the mission to share my experience, strength, and hope with addicts of all kinds. Indeed, for over thirty-five years, it is the reason for getting up early every morning… and, I suppose, for going to bed so late on many nights also!

Likewise, I believe that I understand why you are here.

I believe you are seeking answers and options… tools and resources… that you can use to make decisions regarding the possible addiction and illness that is shredding one or more of your relationships right now.

Why else would you have come?

Well, dear friend… that is exactly what I want to give you. Along with the assurance that regardless of where you are today… regardless of the condition of your loved one… no matter what you’ve tried in the past… there is hope for healing and recovery.

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Now here’s what you and I don’t know.

You don’t know what challenges may lie ahead on the road back to abstinence and sobriety… and I don’t know the extent to which you are willing to get involved.. so let me ask you just a few simple questions.

What if you could make one phone call, and start the ball rolling on bringing health back to your loved one… and sanity to your relationships? Yes, what if one call could begin the process of building a team to help you with all of the issues and emotions that you’ve been struggling with on your own?

What if one call could change everything?

You see, so often we speak of the hard work and commitment that can be required for recovery, that we can forget how it all begins. A simple phone conversation.

That’s right… call me.

And you need to know that for some families… that’s all that is required. That’s enough. Their loved one gets the help and support they need, and recovery begins.

Other families may be involved throughout the process, because that may be what’s required in their case… but we won’t know, until you call. The most important components that you bring are your willingness to be involved… and your commitment to the treatment plan that is developed.

And it all begins with the call.

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So, welcome back… I’m glad you’re here. And I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(561) 495-3913 Anytime (Home)
(920) 544-1400 Anytime (Cell)

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More to the point, I think, is that we tend to see life through the lens of our experiences… either positive or negative… which, in turn, influences the outcomes. Whatever the predominant slant of our thoughts is where we place our focus and energy… and then we naturally move in that direction.

So it’s our choice… positive or negative.

Along those lines, this final week of the year is a great time to reflect on the past fifty-two weeks… and ahead to the next. And I want to encourage you to take those thoughts captive… to focus on what is good… and make a plan for the rest.

A few months ago, I was speaking with a friend who said he had received a challenge from the pastor at his church. A simple exercise, no doubt… but one which had, nonetheless, kept him up most of that night.

“Count your blessings. Go home and start writing a list… try to fill one page.”

That’s it?

Yes, count your blessings. And I must say that it is excellent advice… especially for those of us who spend time around people whose lives have been devastated by addiction.

There is no doubt that the holidays can be emotional and often stressful enough by themselves. But add addiction, and the potential exists for some fairly explosive interactions. During these times, it is easy to slide into viewing life from a negative perspective… what didn’t go right… what hasn’t worked out like we planned.

If this rings a bell with you, may I offer three words of encouragement… count your blessings.

Take out a pen and a sheet of paper, and begin… try to fill one sheet. Forget the things that didn’t go as you wanted, and focus on those that did. What relationships are stronger today? What have you learned in the past year… where have you traveled… whom have you loved?

What hopes do you have for the ensuing year… and what are your plans to improve your circumstances? Put completely out of your mind what you may have lost… just for a moment… and tell me instead about all the things that you have left.

Yes… count your blessings.

I wish you a peaceful holiday season, and a new year that brings the hope of recovery and restoration to you and all those whom you love.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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First, let me remind you of the top five, and then I’d like to put a little twist on it for you… just a little Shelly wisdom that could make 2010 the most fulfilling year that you’ve had in a very long time.

See if any of these made your list this December:

Lose Weight
Stop Smoking
Quit Drinking
Get Out Of Debt
Fix Broken Relationships

So, what are the common denominators that jump off the page at you?

Now, I told you I wanted to put a twist on this, so before you answer, remove the responses that we’ve already discussed previously… you know, the fact that they can all be tied to addiction, or that they tend to simply repeat over and over and over again.

In fact, remove (just for a minute) the fact that these items have anything to do with addiction. And yes, you actually did hear Shelly Baron just say that! Don’t worry, I’ll bring it full circle in a moment.

But here’s the twist.

The fact that these are the top five resolutions year after year, tells us that one or more of them is on just about everyone’s list… same as twelve months ago. Which means there are plenty of people to help.

So let me make a suggestion.

This year, why not focus on helping just one person check an item off their list? Yes, identify one person in your family… at your work… in your church or synagogue or neighborhood… that has a similar resolution as you, and then team up to help make it a reality.

Yes, team up… as in, we’re in the same boat… we’re headed to the same place… and it’s not a place either of us wish to be. Let’s finally admit the reason we’re here again for the umpteenth time, and then let’s resolve to handle it together. Counseling… Twelve Step Sponsorship… yes, rehab if necessary.

Whatever it takes.

I wish you peace this Holiday Season, and a transformational year in your health and relationships in 2010.

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