Day-1 NAPS

Nothing like a 40 -Ounces to get your day started-Of Rocket Juice that is.

Morning Specialists and all those other recover people that are reading. Thanks for stopping by.


Day one was absolutely stunning. I'm still running off the recovery juice created at the conference. The atmosphere that was present.....I don't know if I can accurately articulate, or describe, to truly reflect what was taking place. The words and images did indeed leave indelible marks on me.

I arrived in Philly, in the company of two great friends. It was 12:30 when we got through the front doors having participated in the institute the day before I observed the reactions of my friends. Their eyes opened wide as they walked the registration area. I could see the tension of getting to the conference site disappear and a visual relaxation take place.

As they registered I mingled, and the introductory addresses took place.

As Joesph Rodgers was about to make and salient and important point about the movement the lights suddenly went off in the Ballroom. Because of Joe's physical appearance the experience created a synergism in which he appeared like Moses on the mount about to share the universal dictum's with his followers. And indeed Joe was voicing the melody of recovery; One in which we all are a instrument in this great chorus referred to as "The Movement."

It was an interesting moment to say the least and it seemed to set the pace for the day.
Thanks Joe for sharing your lived and professional experience with us.


I attended two workshops. The First presentation was titled "A Model for Inpatient Support facilitated by Holly Dixon. There were three CPS's-Heidi Duran Jason Roberts and Lisa Williams.
They were representing Amistad Riverview Psychiatric Center Peer Support Program.

The presentation's strength was the way the historical aspects of how peer support came t0 be at the facility they provide services in. I really enjoyed being able to grow with the program in a visual and communicative way. All the aspects of growth were covered.

What I was looking forward to was hearing from the CPS's about what they do, how they do, and the challenges they experienced and what roads and approaches they took to overcome them.

We did get to hear them, but only briefly. This was a major disappointment to me.

What was bothersome to me was the fact that the CPS's sat in the back round, to the right of the presenter silently until addressed. I was under the impression that we were supposed to be "On The Front Line." Not in the back round like have been for so many years. Anyone feel me on this?

Perhaps the next time the CPS's can be in the foreground as opposed to the back round? That the slide show can be in the back round and those on "The Front Line" really be out front. Just a suggestion. Visuals create impressions :)


The Second Workshop I attended was on the all important topic of "The Power of Language."
Eric C. Larsen and Chris Mooney were the presenters. Having been a part of several of Chris' presentations at different conferences I had a idea of what to expect; Engaging presenters, colorful personalities, direct approaches, and a sense that the participants are really considered when putting the presentation together. What I mean by that is Chris has the smooth skill of adapting to the audience and it's needs, thus not getting lost in the information he has so hard to create and share. Now I know why Eric was his partner in the presentation. He has that same skill set and a wry sense of humor. You guys did an awesome job and as I told Chris there needs to be a part tow to the presentation.

The usage of Philadelphia Eagles Right Guard Shawn Andrews to illustrate the power of language, the way the media employs it and its differences with regards to Andrews' recent disclosure of depression was clever.

One of the presentation highlights was also the back and forth between presenters and audience.
If you were as a person weren't part of the movement the way the exchanges played out would have left you with a undeniable sense of what recovery was. Because the exchanges embodied the many principals in people embody recovery.

Awesome Job Guys

And Chris............................

Lets Go Mets!! HA!

Oh and gem of a quote came from the presentation. According to Chris it "was my neice" that coined this must for future use "The pain of disipline is far less then the pain of regret."
And that came out of the mouth of babes...Inspiring!

One last thing. Since I was writing, and alluding to the spirit of recovery above I must share the following.

I met a Woman last night that is from Maryland. She is in the midst of completing her Master's in Social Work. Her name is Elaine. Elaine works for a program in Maryland in where -I hope I remembered this right-she is a liaison in helping agencies get their WRAP trainings done. Seems Maryland wants all its providers to train and do WRAPS with their peers.

Elaine simply was looking for a light for a cigarette. I tossed her my lighter-dam good catch in the dark by the way-and what occurred from there was about a 2 hour chat that later involved what she affectionately referred to as her "Mentor"

The point of all this is when these tow real special woman found out that I didn't have a room at the Hotel and was traveling back to Bucks County (Warminster) they offered the extra bed in their hotel room to me. I was stunned. Simply stated that is what the spirit of recovery creates in people.

I'll be hanging with them today, staying at the hotel over night, THANK YOU :)


Over and Out


Jeff