**HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE~AND MANY BLESSINGS**
.

.
*A NEW YEAR MEANS NEW BEGINNINGS IN LIFE & RECOVERY*
*MY NEW YEARS TO ADDICTS MESSAGE*
.
My New Year message is to share a meaningful, positive piece of “Advice.” Many of you know that I live my “Life” in recovery from Addicted Compulsive Gambling and a wee bit too much Alcohol. I just want to say to anyone who happens to wander here to this blog, and your are, or want to have a *Beautiful Life in Recovery*…..it is and can be DONE! Please visit my Recovery blog, which is also on WordPress at: http://CatherineLyonAddictedToDimes.wordpress.com you will find an excellent “Recovery Resources Pages List” with ALL kinds of recovery help and information to get you started on your *Journey of Recovery.
.
Addiction is addiction no matter the type. Many of the habits and behaviors are the same. The diseased thinking, having triggers and urges, we use blame, denial, excuses. Relapse’s are the same because no MATTER THE DEMON, drugs, gambling, porn, food, sex, booze, “IT’s All About getting stuck, and sucked in by “THE CYCLE” of the addiction.
.
There is a lot of *Truth* in the saying, “You keep doing the same thing over and over and over again, EXPECTING a different out come, and it NEVER COMES, it NEVER HAPPENS, it’s the same old “SHIT” time after time.
AREN’T YOU TIRED of feeling sick and tired all time? Those feelings like your all alone in your addiction? As if NO ONE KNOWS how you feel? No ONE understands you? Those crappy, dark, feelings of “HOPELESSNESS”?
.
TRUST ME, I sure DO! My gambling addiction had me SO OVER THE  EDGE TWICE, that I tried SUICIDE ~ TWICE, that’s how low my life was. How low, dark, and hopeless I felt.
Yes, it will take hard work to attain and stay in recovery, but I can “HONESTLY” tell you it “TRULY” is worth it! YOU are worth a better LIFE! I got tired of chasing something that was never going to be the SAME. I think drug addicts can relate best to this. All your “HIGHS” have NEVER been the same as the First Right? If your honest about it, then you know I’m being HONEST with you.
.
Most who know me,  know that I won’t or Don’t “Sugar Coat” Addiction & Recovery.
Sometimes “Tough Honesty” can save a “LIFE”……
So go ahead, contemplate what I’m telling all you addicts, its New Years Eve. Go ahead, take that “FIRST STEP,” and make a “Resolution Tonight,” it’s a better time than any to CHOOSE LIFE.
.
So instead of screwing the cap off that bottle of Booze, or cracking open that BEER, or smoking that next joint, or poking that NEEDLE in your Arm, or for you addicted gamblers, before you stuff that Poker or Slot machine with more $20’s, or before you sit down to that Poker, or Blackjack table, think about how it would actually feel to walk through all the FEAR you have, to learn WHY you need to USE ADDICTION to hide from old wounds that just won’t stop nagging you?
.
Just think about living a LIFE FREE from YOUR ADDICTION? Each and every one of us was given a gift.
A GIFT OF CHOICE…..YES, it’s about the choice’s we make. And many times our “OLD PAINS & HURTS” can really turn us upside down. YOU and millions have been given a GIFT from “A Power Greater Then Ourselves”……

A High Power who will be their for you each step of your Recovery Journey, just like he was their With and For me when I took that “FIRST STEP” of a BETTER & BEAUTIFUL LIFE”………..
.
AND TRUST ME, where I had to LIFT myself up from was not PRETTY. I was laying in an Addiction/Mental Hold and Crisis Center, via the hospital FOR THE 2nd TIME.
When I was released, I had many court dates from POOR CHOICES, “Criminal Charges” of theft and forgery.
No friends, No Family, even my husband left for a few weeks, because he had ENOUGH. Then jail, probation, and HOURS of community service, OH YEAH, and $$ Restitution!
.
That’s all I ever got from Addiction. Lost jobs, house, car, money, time I’ll never get back, and it almost COST ME MY LIFE!
So on Jan 29th, 2007 on my Court Sentencing Day, I TOOK MY LIFE BACK!! The rest was all De-Vine INTERVENTION. NO, you don’t have to be Religious, Be Saved, or even be a Christian to reach out for “Recovery,” and to live a beautiful life in recovery, BUT,…….I Wouldn’t recommend It.
.
Just think of a being, a “Strong Higher Being” in your Life to guide you as you take that 1st very important step in your life into *RECOVERY*
Since I have, I have been blessed in so many ways, there are too many to count. The most exciting and rewarding was becoming a *First Time Published Author* ~ AT 50 years old!! It’s Never To Late to make “DREAMS COME TRUE” in Recovery!
And, this past year has been the best EVER! Meeting so many recovery friends and family who have supported me with my book and my recovery! Many new friends through Social Media, Recovery websites, and more!
.
I’ve been some what successful as a writer, blogger, and mentor to others who were also STUCK on that “DAMN CYCLE of ADDICTION”!! I have faith in YOU that a year from now in recovery you will NOT BE the same. So why not try something different?
Yes, it will be tough, but it’s better than chasing that drunk, that high, or that big JACKPOT that never comes, and I know that you have the “Courage and the Balls” to JUST DO IT!
.
SO THIS IS MY NEW YEARS WISH FOR YOU!
So if Gambling is the monkey on your back? Then come visit my Recovery Blogs Resources Pages, which has many options for FREE Recovery help, websites listed, and important information to get you started in the RIGHT DIRECTION!
http://CatherineLyonAddictedToDimes.wordpress.com Here are a few other Websites and information that my help as well:
http://myaddiction.com
www.aa.org ~ Alcohol
www.na.org  ~ NA Drugs

http://gamblersanonymous.org ~ Gambling
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 

Hello Recovery Friends and Welcome New Visitors;

It’s almost a New Year! So I hope you will join me in continuing to share “Hope” with others who suffer from mental illness & disorders, and those in recovery from addiction!
.
I’m sharing my new “New Donation Website” to ask for your financial support & donations.
.
As a Writer who suffers from many “Mental & Emotional Disorders,” and the many medications I take prevent me from being able to hold steady employment due to the side affects of the medications, and my symptoms. I also have ”Adult Attention deficit disorder and OCD.
After having a professional career in “Banking” for 20+ years, and then be told by an employer your to slow, you don’t pay attention or take direction enough, and not good enough,  only to be let go from a job, is very hard and difficult to take. Lets not let this happen to someone else. Lets share “Awareness” to the public about these disorders and illness’s.

Many also know I live life in Recovery as well for 7 years. So I became a Writer, Blogger, and Advocate, to help break through this “STIGMA” for myself and most importantly for others! Of course it doesn’t pay the bills,…lol, but it makes the heart feel good to help others! It is now my life mission to help others who suffer from Mental and Emotional illness, and those in Recovery.

I “Advocate” and give a “Voice” on these issues, because many who suffer don’t have a voice. They suffer in “Silence” because of the *Stigma* wrapped around these issues! So when you “Donate Today,”  you are doing more than supporting ME financially, you’re giving those who suffer in “SILENCE” a Voice!….
.
Help a Writer, Advocate & Friend Catherine F Lyon
.
https://www.wepay.com/donations/please-donate-to-help-a-writer-with-bipolar-disorder .

. .
.

My Donation Information At WePay…..

“I Need Your Support. Please Donate Today to support my message as a writer in recovery, and suffers from mental illness. I “Advocate to Shatter STIGMA” around people with mental & emotional illness and disorders, and for those who live life in recovery from addiction. I share & educate the public through my book “Addicted To Dimes,” and through both my Recovery & New Writer/Author Blogs here to give some understanding to others who are not “Touched” by Mental Illness….
.

.
*MY MENTAL DISORDERS ARE*;
.
1.) Panic disorder with agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person has attacks of intense fear and anxiety. There is also a fear of being in places where it is hard to escape, or where help might not be available.

Agoraphobia usually involves fear of crowds, bridges, or of being outside alone.

This article discusses panic disorder with agoraphobia. For information on panic disorder itself, see also: Panic disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact causes of panic disorder and agoraphobia are unknown. Because panic attacks often occur in areas or situations where they have happened in the past, panic may be a learned behavior. Agoraphobia sometimes occurs when a person has had a panic attack and begins to fear situations that might lead to another panic attack.

Anyone can develop a panic disorder, but it usually starts around age 25. Panic disorder is more common in women than men. .

2.) Bipolar Disorder is considered a mental disorder and it is one of the most common affective disorders. Bipolar Disorder is distinguished by episodes that may  be associated with depression, mania, hypo manic or mixed behavior.

Bipolar Causes

Bipolar is a terrible disease that is caused from period of serious depression. If you carry any Bipolar signs, please consult with a doctor to seek Bipolar Treatment and Bipolar Medicine.

Depression Symptoms

Depression symptoms include fatigue and much more. The severity of symptoms of depression varies among people. Read more about depression symptoms and understand that depression treatment is available for anyone depressed and suffering from depression symptoms also run High Risks of Suicide…
.Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
.
3.) A psychiatric  disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person’s life. The individual who suffers from OCD becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. OCD occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe, but if severe and left untreated, can destroy a person’s capacity to function at work, at school, or even in the home.
.

ADHD in Adults

4.) Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks, or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational, and academic problems. .

.

*So lets help keep the information flowing to help others who suffer. YOU never know, we might just SAVE LIVES! Lets Not Let those afflicted suffer in “Silence” any longer. . “DONATE TODAY”… 
.
https://www.wepay.com/donations/please-donate-to-help-a-writer-with-bipolar-disorder
.
GOD BLESS ALL!,
Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon10 Likes!

Congratulations on getting 10 total likes on Just A Recovery Author Learning To Be A Better Writer
.
*Thanks Everyone For Helping Me Reach My First WordPress Milestone Here On My New Writers Blog*!

Welcome Friends and Visitors,

It seems as though A&E has reinstated our “Duck Commander ~ Phil Robertson” back to the Big Show! As you all know by my blog posts, I was supporting Phil and his family in any way I could. If we can please for a moment take out all the “Religious, Gay, Slander, and Hate” from this story, and focus on the point of all of us here in “America” having the right to “Freedom of Speech,” Opinions and Thoughts. The rest of it all, started by A&E, GQ, GLAAD, The News & Media outlets, and many more have blown this story way out of proportion. We as Americans should have the right to speak about ANY topic we believe fit.

So I wanted to “Share” with you some of the Stories, Headlines, and Emails from support groups I have been involved with, and emails sent to me to prove my point. Then I will be *HAPPY* to put this story to bed, and move on to more important issues. Here We GO!……
.

“Alan Robertson praised the decision by the network to allow his father to return to the show.”

.
‘Duck Dynasty’: Phil Robertson’s Son Says Fan Support Has ‘Emboldened Us Greatly’…..
.

“We Did It!
A&E Reinstates Phil Robertson to Duck Dynasty”
Chris Stone, Founder http://ISTANDWITHPHIL.COM
.
Dear Author Catherine,

Together, we did it!

In response to the massive outpouring of support from hundreds of thousands of Faith Driven Consumers just like you, A&E Network announced hours ago that it is reinstating Phil Robertson to the helm of Duck Dynasty.
.
You made this happen, and we are so very thankful for your tireless efforts!
But, we also want to send you a note of caution, because we are not assured at this moment that A&E has actually heard us. Their statement to The Hollywood Reporter left many unanswered questions….
.
We have included below the IStandWithPhil.com statement released to the media moments ago, which expresses our concerns about today’s events…

 IStandWithPhil.com Applauds Return of Phil Robertson, Remains Deeply Concerned Over Unanswered Questions
Does A&E’s latest call for tolerance and inclusion reflect and embrace the biblically based values of the Robertson family and millions of Faith Driven Consumers?

(Raleigh, NC – December 27, 2013) — Faith Driven Consumer, the organization behind the widely publicized IStandWithPhil.com petition drive, with more than 260,000 supporters signing on in one week, has issued the following statement regarding the A&E Network’s decision to reinstate Phil Robertson to Duck Dynasty. This statement can be attributed to Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer:
.
“Today’s decision by A&E to reinstate Phil Robertson to Duck Dynasty is in direct response to the powerful and engaged voices of millions of Faith Driven Consumers, as highlighted by more than 260,000 signers of the IStandWithPhil.com petition.
“However, the question remains, has the Faith Driven Consumer community truly been heard?
.
“Despite our celebration, we remain uncertain of A&E’s true intent. Today, in the network’s statement of their core values – centered on ‘creativity, inclusion, and mutual respect’ – Faith Driven Consumers are left wondering whether A&E considers us to be a part of America’s rich rainbow of diversity.

“Do they also now embrace the biblically based values and worldview held by the Robertson family and millions of Faith Driven Consumers?
“Did the network’s engagement and consultation with ‘numerous advocacy groups’ include Faith Driven Consumers? We eagerly anticipate A&E’s naming of those groups to ensure that our community was included.
.
“Faith Driven Consumers will remain vigilant as we measure whether A&E’s actions reflect true tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect – including their equal embrace of our biblically based values and deeply held beliefs.”
Thank you for all you have done, we’ll keep you informed as this situation develops.
Blessings,
Chris Stone

Founder

Faith Driven Consumer……..

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Website

.

.
.
*I don’t feel like I did to much to help, as I did invite all my book readers, Twitter friends, and both my FB friends join in me in helping to get “Phil” back on the show*~ Catherine Lyon*
.

“The Robertson Family Says,”
.
“Our family has become even closer through the past 9 days and we are excited to keep making a quality TV show for our dedicated fans, who have shown us wonderful support,”  Robertson said in a statement to E! News.
.
“We will continue to represent our faith and values in the most positive way through Duck Dynasty and our many projects that we are currently working on. The outpouring of support and prayer has encouraged and emboldened us greatly.”……
.
*Isn’t this what’s “TRULY” important here? That no matter what “Trial or Tribulation” may come your way to YOU alone, or to your WHOLE FAMILY, it’s about staying strong, and showing “UNITY” in the face of any storm God sent or not? That is my personal feelings and thoughts about this.*
.

                                             

by Taboolaby Taboola

THE VIDEOS…..

T
The Robertson Family on the Success of A&E’s ‘Duck Dynasty’
.
A&E may face another backlash for the decision to cave on the suspension   — but it tried to minimize it by dropping the news on the slow Friday evening  between Christmas and New Year’s.The standoff created a catch-22 for A&E: “Duck Dynasty” is the most  popular reality show on cable, but ignoring Robertson’s comments would have made it seem insensitive. After Robertson was suspended, the rest of the cast put  A&E in a bind by saying they couldn’t imagine doing the series without their  patriarch.

When A&E suspended Robertson, it said in a statement that it was  “extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are  based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck  Dynasty.'”

“His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always  been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community,” A&E added. “The  network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

On Friday, it explained why it had abandoned that decision.

“While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based  on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have  publicly stated they regret the ‘coarse language’ he used and the  mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article,” the network  said. “He also made it clear he would ‘never incite or encourage hate.’ We at  A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article,  and reiterate that they are not views we hold.