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Art and About—Soliciting the Expenses
Posted by Dan Joyce on
In the world of art, finding a patron can make all the difference. I wasn’t looking for a grand gesture or a big investment—just someone who believes in the arts and could invest a little time and money. Someone who sees value in creativity and the impact it has on the world. What I did instead, though, was bombard you when my life fell apart. And for that, I’m sorry. It wasn’t your responsibility, and I shouldn’t have put that pressure on you. Looking back, I realize I was wrong to make those demands. My life was in chaos, and...
Psychology Sessions - Bad Boundaries
Posted by Dan Joyce on
Today in group, we tackled the concept of boundaries and how important it is to set healthy ones. For the longest time, I thought boundaries meant women who weren’t attracted to me saying, “I’ve got boundaries, go away!” I figured it was just a polite rejection when, in reality, boundaries are much more than that. They’re not just about flirting or shutting people down—they’re about saying yes and no, and meaning it. Yes, it’s really that simple. But also no, it’s not easy, because boundaries affect all aspects of our relationships, not just romantic or flirtatious ones. I had a...
Smoker’s Journal: Overcoming the All-or-Nothing Fallacy
Posted by Dan Joyce on
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my time in Alcoholics Anonymous is recognizing the dangers of all-or-nothing thinking. It’s a mindset that can trap us, especially when we’re trying to break free from an addiction like smoking. The idea that one slip-up means total failure is a fallacy I’ve seen far too many people fall into, and I’ve been guilty of it myself. When I quit drinking after leaving AA, I realized that I didn’t have to live in extremes. I didn’t have to either stay perfectly sober forever or completely give in to my old habits....
The Silent Voices - Reflections on Abortion
Posted by Dan Joyce on
In today’s world, where conversations about reproductive rights have never been more polarizing, we find ourselves grappling with difficult questions about life, choice, and morality. Whether we're standing in defense of bodily autonomy or advocating for the rights of the unborn, it’s crucial that we explore the emotions, stories, and experiences tied to abortion with empathy and understanding. The poem Be Quiet My Child delves into one of the rawest and most controversial subjects—abortion—from a perspective of deep conflict and sorrow. It does not take a political stance but instead reflects the internal voice of a mother grappling with a...
Cognitive Chaos: Addictions and All or Nothing Thinking
Posted by Dan Joyce on
We are often taught that when it comes to addiction, there is no middle ground. You can’t just have a small amount or one of something you’ve been addicted to. It’s all or nothing, they say—if you allow yourself one, it will lead to a full-blown relapse. This is the cognitive distortion known as All or Nothing Thinking, and it can be devastating. Sure, being on the "nothing" side—where you quit entirely—can be great for your health. But the danger lies on the "all" side, where people are convinced that if they have even a little, they must have...