In defense of (some) ex-cons, weed, and some thoughts on The American Justice System in all of its misguided ambitions and flaws. — One of the most successful, honest, and hardworking people I know, wears many hats in life today. He’s a successful small business owner, employer, brother, son, husband, father, property owner — and a convicted felon. He’ll carry this label forevermore, all because he “broke into” an abandoned factory when he…

Shamelessly share your story. — I write about pain, struggle and loss because it’s relatable on a global scale. I write about addiction, depression, and mental health matters because it’s the struggle and pain I know best. I spent the better part of two decades ruining the good. I know how to make a mess…

Some thoughts on life, God, and the potential of an afterlife — Life has taken a lot from me as well as out of me, however, the one thing I’ve managed to keep through all of the chaos and confusion, is my faith. It’s not of the Catholic, Christian, or Jewish variety — nor of any variations there within. It’s my own…

Now nobody knows who she is. — I knew a girl who could sell you a LOL but couldn’t tell you how to smile. Not even for a much-needed hug and a couple of hundred thou. Yet if you asked, she’d tell you she was well — all while going through her own personal version of hell. …

Some days, I just miss the dead. — Most days, I just miss the little things. The irreplaceable, unforgettable, and unpurchasable. No matter how wealthy I become, I’ll never be able to buy back the lives of the people in those memories who have since passed. The flip side to that however is, no matter how poor I…

A meditation of sorts on life and death. — A game of chance they called Russian Roullette with more than one in the chamber. Should a stray or perfectly aimed bullet strike me tonight, let it not be in anger. Revolt regularly, it’ll make revolution seem less impossible. Fight with all your might for what you believe is right…

Anger can and should be used for your own good. — When I was young, I’d get so mad I could feel tears start to bubble up in my eyes, and then I’d get angrier that I let whatever was bothering me, make me that upset. It was a whole non-productive cycle. Years later, not knowing how to properly deal with…

An antidote to hopelessness. — Most of what I write these days isn’t that easy for the people closest to me or who care about me the most to read. This is because folks like your parents don’t want to necessarily read about the lowest points of your life, your greatest failures, or the darkest…

An ode to those who made it, specifically because they were told not to. — A tremendous amount of undiscovered talent always has and always will reside in the trenches. The spots we forget to look hold answers to questions we haven’t even asked yet. The kids who are practicing their jump shot on battered playgrounds where shots ring out on the regular and have…