Been separate from booze for over a decade now. Let this be an example to whoever might be fighting to change something about themselves. Over the course of time, my behavior transformed. It was a significant shift in my mind, surroundings & how I carry myself. I never participated in a program (I’m not knocking those – do what is needed for you!) My support came in what I wanted for my future, who I wanted to be and my friends and family have been my rock. I also lean on a couple of things that I constantly carry in my head, which I’ll share…

One – I do not want my future kids to witness what I did as a child. This is not me complaining or placing blame. It was simply removing the one clear constant pain that kept true happiness at bay for me. They say happiness is a state of mind. I say environment contributes to joy. I had never been in the right environment for myself. That had to change.     

Two – The words of my friend Alexa Fitzpatrick, who I have leaned on, trusted, respected & been inspired by throughout my life. Without Alexa’s words and friendship, I could never write these words today. This is me saying I could NOT have done it alone. Early on she said to me “you are an okay guy when you drink, you are a phenomenal guy when you don’t”. I am far from a phenomenal guy. Us entertainers tend to exaggerate just a tad. I’d have gone with extraordinary, remarkable or sensational. Phenomenal seems a bit much 😉 But her words stuck. They have stayed with me in dark times of self-doubt. I’ve repeated them to myself often over the years. I wanted, want & continue to work towards being the person she feels I have the potential to be.

I share this because, if I can change something of this size within my life, YOU can as well! Whatever it might be. YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN! I’m an Irish-American, Navy Veteran, Comedian who does not touch a drop of alcohol. I drank. I drank a lot. Now I don’t. This is not me patting myself on my back or looking for compliments. My journey and struggles continue. I’d be a moron to think I’m any further along then I was on day one. It’s just me putting an example out to the universe as a possibility of being helpful to someone else. A “well if this knucklehead can do that, than I could definitely do (insert life changes here)” 😂 

It takes will to remove the cause of pain, a real look at yourself, focus on your clear goal, a bit of grit, a whole lot of f*ck you and, most importantly, Support! I have been fortunate enough to get it from people who love me. 

I have also had people tell me “you can’t do it!” People who have treated me differently for my choice. The answer there is to use it…love your haters and make them wrong. Because here is the benefit of fighting and staying on the winning side of your battles. It WILL bleed into all other aspects of your life. It WILL bring that distant vision closer. It WILL lead you to your own personal shift.

Damn! Did I just become a straight up Guru? 

On the serious side, over the years I have shared my journey with people who have come to me with their own struggles. I think I’ve helped some and I know I didn’t help others. Take this the same way and know you’ve got a friend in this (trying to be) “phenomenal guy.” 😂