Excerpt from the book opening:

When Recovery Feels Like a Life Sentence

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting different results.”
—Albert Einstein (and every alcoholic who’s endured multiple relapses after a $15,000 rehab program)

At 42, Chris had tried it all:

• Seven years in AA with over 5 consecutive years sober (collecting chips, lessons, and memories but losing joy and freedom)
• A rehab program (that treated him like a statistic and a money well)
• Endless “don’ts” from sponsors who’d never experienced his life sober
• Sacrificing career to now live life in poverty

Yet the “successful recovery” left him stranded—sober but suffocating, clean but lonely.

Then came the revelation: What if Jesus wants to be his sponsor rather than his punisher?  What if a somewhat normal life is possible again?

This is the raw story, testimony, and teachings of:

• Decent into Alcoholic Hell
• Rehab; the 90 worse days of my life
• Walking away from AA’s absolutes (but keeping its wisdom)
• 5 years plus of constant sobriety (proof he could quit and the madness he learned)
• Weeks—then months—of intentional drinking (the math of moderation)
• A faith based on Jesus (where grace and works covers responsible IPAs)
• Building a toolkit with the right wrenches and screwdrivers
• Focusing on body, mind and spirit connection of success
• Discovering how to talk with all those affected about change and discovery

For anyone who’s:

• Sat through AA meetings thinking, “There’s got to be another way”
• Paid thousands for rehab only to relapse again
• Lied about being “allergic” or “genetical addicted” to alcohol
• Wondered why God made wine if He wanted you miserable
• Wanted to date but with the ability to choose others who drink
• Prone to be a doer not a victim

Grateful Truce isn’t anti-recovery—it’s the alternative for those who’ve tried abstinence and found it… insane.

“If You’re Reading This, You’ve Already Survived”

Yesterday’s Teaser: I’d planned to dissect AA’s “Higher Power” concept today—but the real pages of this book demanded attention first.

The Truth No One Tells You in Recovery

If you’re here, you’ve already crossed the hardest threshold:
☑️ You admit there’s a problem (even if you’re not sure what to do about it)
☑️ You’re questioning the status quo (AA’s monopoly, family blame games)
☑️ You’re still fighting—which means hope isn’t dead

I’ve walked every version of this path:

• The court-mandated AA meetings where I mouthed words I didn’t believe
• The family interventions that confused shame with “help”
• The relapse cycles that made me wonder if I’d ever break free
• The hangovers, oh the hangovers

Here’s what I know now:
Recovery isn’t about surrender—it’s about rewriting the rules.

---

Coming Soon: Tools for Your Truce

1. Podcast Preview
   • Audio-only, 10-minute raw conversations (launching in weeks)
   • I am very new to this so if anyone reading has suggestions in podcasting comment below, please
2. Blog Upgrades
   • Linking this to some social media, most likely x
   • Improving the flow, adding content, more pictures
   • I move slow and deliberate, patience is a virtue

---

Today’s Challenge

Comment below with one:
💬 A recovery “rule” you’ve always doubted
💬 Or a small victory you’ve never celebrated

Do not worry. Therefore, I tell you do not worry about your life what you will eat or drink or about your body what you will wear is not life more important than food in the body more important than clothes John 6:25.