Tag: life happens

Daily Checklist for Recovery-Centered Living


I’ve been thinking about some of the tools I learned about in early recovery. For me, my early years of recovery among the rooms of the 12 steps were foundational. I wouldn’t be where I am today without some of the guidance, tools and pearls of wisdom I received from others in the rooms – especially from my sponsors.

One of the habits I remember using was a daily checklist – kind of a mental intention for each day, that I would review at the end of each day.

The idea was on any given day, you strive to complete at least 3 items from the checklist. Not all of them. Just enough. This made the idea a lot more realistic on any given day.

I think I remember the five items – but feel free to substitute other things that work for you.

  1. Go to a meeting
  2. Talk to someone in recovery
  3. Read the (12-step) literature
  4. Do a spiritual practice (pray or meditate)
  5. Do a gratitude list

I could see journaling or self-care as useful for some. For others, it might be “Practice harm reduction.”

For spiritual practices, that could be praying, meditating, going to a church or other house of worship. Even as an agnostic Buddhist, I have access to prayer and meditation even though I may not choose to go to a worship service. And the Serenity Prayer is as much about living life as it is praying – it’s an addict’s friend.

I always knew at the end of the day, I could count on doing two things before bed – saying the serenity prayer and writing out my gratitude list. And if some days, I wanted to skip those I always could.

Anyway. You get the idea.

90 in 90 was another tool I used at several points in early recovery. I know I used it as I came out of my initial in-patient treatment. I know I used it years later after I relapsed. For me, it was a helpful tool.

For some, 90 in 90 may not be helpful. In those cases, I think this “3 of 5” approach using what works for YOU can be helpful.

I hope you find this helpful. Share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments. What 5 things would be on your list?

Artistic Bio


I created a profile for an online photography community. It’s sometimes hard for me to describe where I’ve landed as an artist & human being, here on October 14, 2022. That will change radically, or slowly, or organically, or tragically. More organic, less tragedy please. #NotMyCircus

Here’s what I came up with:

My main studio is C Todd Creations, focused on headshots, performing arts events + digital art rooted in photography. I like to dabble in many things, and stay away from others. I love working with drag performers, dancers & show choirs. I love nature, macro photography and digital creations that start with one or more images of my own. This is my primary professional brand @CToddCreations. Welcome!

My speciality studio is C Todd Dudeoir focused on photography for men + art that is body positive and inclusive. How I see my art in this space evolves with each conversation & understanding. ‘As I heal, I create; as I create, I heal.’ I love to explore art that pushes the edge of gender expression & identity. I create best in a collaborative setting so I work well with other artists, models & performers. I finding an intersection with sex positive communities, including leather, BDSM, cosplay and fem boy to name a few. “Never yuck on someone else’s yum!” “I’ll shoot anything twice, more if I like it!” This is my speciality studio @CToddDudeoir. Welcome!

As an artist, I explore art as therapy with an emphasis on stigma & shame, flipped and rescripted to reclaim its grip on my identity and self-confidence. Yea, mental health shit. This shows up in the form of artivism, a concept a read about when I discovered Through Positive Eyes. It inspired and informed my creative introduction to artivism with #CelebrateUU, in parallel to learning about art therapy as a tool for mental health & trauma informed living using harm reduction. This shows up in fine art projects, community art and artivism tied to my main studio @CToddCreations, under the emerging educator/performer persona Professor Peacock and under the pen blog CToddBeNow.net. Welcome!

Artist’s Profile, October 2022

I use a 70/20/10 rule of thumb that is aspirational or intentional. I have less control than I wish but accept that on most days. I’ve learned to just go along for the ride! Abide by The Four Agreements as best one can on any given day. Live for and in today.

At this phase in life, I think my work is 10/70/20 across C Todd Creations, Artivism, and C Todd Dudeoir. Again. Aspirational subject to change depending on what the Universe sets before me and the choices I make thereof 😉

Thanks for listening. This was really more for me. (Is anyone listening?)

Keep tellin’ the story.

Sawubona

Professor C Todd Peacock III
Community Artivist, Connector, Storyteller & Healer

#GameOn #CBD #TraumaInformedArt #TraumaInformedLiving #CelebrateUU

Write it down…


This phrase has been showing up lately. I’m listening. As best I can.

Journaling for therapy. Since my mental health crisis last summer, I’ve been doing some intense PTSD-informed work with my regular therapist. Peeling back the cliches and discovering my authentic self, my own divinity, and my relationship with God. The Universe keeps putting people in my life who are guiding me in this truth.

An Anxiety Notebook, created by a therapist, based on CBT. No, not cock ball torture. (Though that does show up in my notebook!) Cognitive behavioral therapy. Powerful guided writings. Thank you Tony Law for bringing me into awareness of CBT.

Sexual banter, exploring my sexual feelings, needs and wants. Pains, wounds, healing. Shades of gray. Fifty in fact – or 50^5. Challenging old ways of showing up, while still breathing life into my spiritual and sexual journey.

Drifting from my “combattical” into a new chapter. My vert journey. My Lolita-based exploration of art, desire, sexuality and connection with Professor Peacock, CelebrateUU and C Todd Dudeoir. Mix in a couple soundscapes and a little 3D or 5D action, and explore the creative process.

Create.

Art.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to be able to share all of my art. And since I’ve already been banned twice with my recent C Todd Dudeoir posts, I know I need to create a safe space where I can explore. I think Patreon will give me that safe space to explore my own desires, thoughts, feelings, and creations without fear of trolls or banning. So all of me can show up. All of my art.

I’ll still do some writing here. And sharing on my website or Insta feed. So keep in touch however works best for you!

Thank you to my fellow artists who inspire, inform, collaborate and lift up. They told me to swim with the dolphins. I’m finding my pod.

Inspired by my fearless models and muses, Brandon, Stephen, Joe, Jeremiah, Josh, Austin, Devon and others who have crossed my path – for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Give me a little time. I’ll let you know when I’ve got the new space ready to go. Done is better than perfect. Goodish rules. I will continue to evolve.

Thanks for listening,

Keep tellin’ the story.

Sawubona

Professor C Todd Peacock III
Community Artivist, Connector, Storyteller & Healer