- Drugs
- Faith
- Friends & Family
On January 16, 2012 I decided after numerous attempts at recovery that I would finally go all in, and that I could not continue to live as I was. I was broken and empty. I decided to start drawing and painting again as a way to get out of my head.
I attend meetings regularly and started my steps with a sponsor. During those restless nights in early recovery, I would go into my mom’s garage because it was the only place in the house where I could sit still and let my creativity flow. It was there that I tapped into my gifts, not knowing where they would take me.
I knew addiction, pain and institutions but this new journey I was on was frightening even for a con, crack head like me. But God was doing for me what I couldn’t for myself. I pushed my passed my fears. I painted, I wrote, I filmed and I stayed clean. When those little miracles started to happen, things became clear. I was addicted to ART and HOPE.
Today I live a life beyond anything I ever dreamed.
I’ve produced four inspirational documentaries, founded The Art Of Recovery Exhibit. We are on our 3rd consecutive year and this year we have a state college auditorium hosting it. I have been nominated to five film festivals. And they said I wouldn’t amount to anything being an addict and having done eleven years in prison!
Recovery didn’t’ just save my life. Someone can be brought back to life, but giving somebody purpose is where the living exists. Today I have found my purpose, and where I can’t speak in person, my art hangs and speaks with a message of hope, faith, courage and how I found myself from darkness to light. I am no more special than the man or the newcomer next me at a meeting. I just became open-minded and willing.
I hope my image and story inspires somebody today. Stay strong my brothers and sisters.