Yesterday I listened to a podcast where the guest was a friend of ours. His story reminds me of this. The word “recovery” seems so overused that I wonder if we really stop and think about how desperately sad a person is to go to those places. Desperately. Sad. My heart breaks for that little boy that was you and him, but it swells with joy and relief to see what you’re doing with it and how powerful your story continues to be. I wish I knew you… I want to give you a hug! Thank you for being here. ❤️
Thank you for this, Blake. It almost reminds me of a song called "Letter to me" by Brad Paisley, so thoughtful and insightful. I'm grateful for your transparency that is a gift. It's amazing to see the beautiful work that God does in our lives to get us out of dark places like that.
Thanks, Blake! Beauty that is rooted in pain is both glorious and mysterious. Thanks for sharing, as it helps me (and I’m sure others) feel not so alone in the world.
Blake, that you are able to share your story here today is a beautiful example of how God specializes in 'restoring the years the locusts have eaten.' I can't help but believe that the work you do now is especially effective because you've been there, done that.
"We no longer look for silver linings. We accept both night and day, dark and light, as having equal value. We've come to believe there is goodness, mercy, grace, and mystery in both. The place you found yourself then and the place we find ourselves now—one is as important as the other." So powerful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
Blake, I was meant to find you and hear this letter today. I lost my 17-year-old nephew to suicide a few months back—an unimaginable void with so many unanswerable questions. Dylan was a lot like you—on the outside, sure. But I think even more on the inside. While Dylan did not leave a note, hearing your raw and powerful letter to self was a potent gift. One I hadn’t known I needed. Brutal and beautiful all at once. I am a woman in recovery who writes in part because my own voice should have been silenced years ago, yet here I stand, rooting and blooming in my late 40s. Finding faith, gratitude, meaning in beauty in all that this messy, magical and wild life has to offer. I’m dipping my toes into IFS parts work, going intentionally slow. After a lifetime of comparing, performing, self-flagellation and self-abandonment, I pay close attention to that “violence of self-improvement” rabbit hole I seem to still fall into. My tear-soaked pillow this morning does not lie. Everything you said landed so true and so soft. I look forward to listening and learning more from your hard-warned wisdom and warm soul. Thank you, Blake. I cannot help but think of all the lives your own will continue to touch. 🙏🏻
Wow Jennifer… I’m so touched by your comment. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sad to hear about your nephew. I’m also honored that this letter touched you the way it did. This is why I love Substack, the way things find the people they need to find.
Thank you so much for sharing this piece, for being vulnerable with us and for your precious reminder that “Your story and experience is worth a seat at the table”. ✨
Hi Blake, thank you so much for sharing the story. I often tell my clients to write letters to their younger self, but rarely do I have one that I can share with others (apart from my own)! I’ve already posted this on my Facebook page because I think it is a beautiful practice and so healing, and I want to encourage others to do the same. By the way, tell the younger you from me, “you’re stronger than you think, very courageous, and I’m betting on you!”
Blake, this was beautiful. Thank you for sharing. This passage really got me:
“Tonight, she had a harder time falling asleep, so I sat on the floor next to her crib, and she held my hand through the bars. We looked into each other's eyes until hers gently closed and she fell asleep. Your love and sensitivity help me to be a present and engaged father. The more connected I am to you, the more I am connected to her.”
🥹🥹 I’ve been there, on the floor, with my hand through the bars letting that sensitivity find a home where it belongs ❤️
Oh my heart. This was beautiful, and touching. Thank you so much for sharing your story Blake. The tenderness is so apparent. I thank the Lord that you’re still here 👏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾 He’s so good 💜
Thanks for your vulnerability in sharing. I have found it helpful to write my teen self a letter to help facilitate my healing. I was 14 when my parents divorced and had to take on some responsibilities that were too much for me. Also, though the divorce was definitely something to grieve - for all of us, parents and children - it was not acknowledged.
Blake, this is absolutely beautiful. I remember you at this age and it breaks my heart to know this was going on. I am beyond grateful to follow you now and hear about how you are doing. It brings me so much joy. We miss you and your family. Praying continued blessings over you and your family. Love being able to watch you grow.
Yesterday I listened to a podcast where the guest was a friend of ours. His story reminds me of this. The word “recovery” seems so overused that I wonder if we really stop and think about how desperately sad a person is to go to those places. Desperately. Sad. My heart breaks for that little boy that was you and him, but it swells with joy and relief to see what you’re doing with it and how powerful your story continues to be. I wish I knew you… I want to give you a hug! Thank you for being here. ❤️
Ooo what podcast?! Do tell. And thanks for your kind words Donna.
It’s called Project Recovery. Casey has a hair raising story, but one that continues in the best of ways. So grateful.
Thank you for this, Blake. It almost reminds me of a song called "Letter to me" by Brad Paisley, so thoughtful and insightful. I'm grateful for your transparency that is a gift. It's amazing to see the beautiful work that God does in our lives to get us out of dark places like that.
Transparency is such a gift! Thank you Jordys
You’re so welcome! 😊
Thanks, Blake! Beauty that is rooted in pain is both glorious and mysterious. Thanks for sharing, as it helps me (and I’m sure others) feel not so alone in the world.
I’m so glad to hear that. Thanks Crystal!
Blake, that you are able to share your story here today is a beautiful example of how God specializes in 'restoring the years the locusts have eaten.' I can't help but believe that the work you do now is especially effective because you've been there, done that.
Bless you.
Thanks Linda. I love that language of God restoring the years the locusts have eaten. Thanks for sharing!
"We no longer look for silver linings. We accept both night and day, dark and light, as having equal value. We've come to believe there is goodness, mercy, grace, and mystery in both. The place you found yourself then and the place we find ourselves now—one is as important as the other." So powerful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Amy!
Blake, I was meant to find you and hear this letter today. I lost my 17-year-old nephew to suicide a few months back—an unimaginable void with so many unanswerable questions. Dylan was a lot like you—on the outside, sure. But I think even more on the inside. While Dylan did not leave a note, hearing your raw and powerful letter to self was a potent gift. One I hadn’t known I needed. Brutal and beautiful all at once. I am a woman in recovery who writes in part because my own voice should have been silenced years ago, yet here I stand, rooting and blooming in my late 40s. Finding faith, gratitude, meaning in beauty in all that this messy, magical and wild life has to offer. I’m dipping my toes into IFS parts work, going intentionally slow. After a lifetime of comparing, performing, self-flagellation and self-abandonment, I pay close attention to that “violence of self-improvement” rabbit hole I seem to still fall into. My tear-soaked pillow this morning does not lie. Everything you said landed so true and so soft. I look forward to listening and learning more from your hard-warned wisdom and warm soul. Thank you, Blake. I cannot help but think of all the lives your own will continue to touch. 🙏🏻
Wow Jennifer… I’m so touched by your comment. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sad to hear about your nephew. I’m also honored that this letter touched you the way it did. This is why I love Substack, the way things find the people they need to find.
Thank you for being here!
Thank you so much for sharing this piece, for being vulnerable with us and for your precious reminder that “Your story and experience is worth a seat at the table”. ✨
Thank you Melanie!
This is so powerful. And I am so glad you’re here. God redeems even the darkest of nights. God bless you and your family.
Thanks Kimberly!
I found myself in your words over and over again, Blake. Thank you for sharing. I’m sending you all the love. ❤️
Ah thanks man! 🙏
Hi Blake, thank you so much for sharing the story. I often tell my clients to write letters to their younger self, but rarely do I have one that I can share with others (apart from my own)! I’ve already posted this on my Facebook page because I think it is a beautiful practice and so healing, and I want to encourage others to do the same. By the way, tell the younger you from me, “you’re stronger than you think, very courageous, and I’m betting on you!”
Thanks so much for sharing and for the kind words 🙏
Blake, this was beautiful. Thank you for sharing. This passage really got me:
“Tonight, she had a harder time falling asleep, so I sat on the floor next to her crib, and she held my hand through the bars. We looked into each other's eyes until hers gently closed and she fell asleep. Your love and sensitivity help me to be a present and engaged father. The more connected I am to you, the more I am connected to her.”
🥹🥹 I’ve been there, on the floor, with my hand through the bars letting that sensitivity find a home where it belongs ❤️
Thanks Kaitlyn! And those are just the best moments aren’t they?
The greatest ever.
The tender connection you had with yourself moved me to tears. Thank you, for sharing!
Thank you Yi!
Oh my heart. This was beautiful, and touching. Thank you so much for sharing your story Blake. The tenderness is so apparent. I thank the Lord that you’re still here 👏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾 He’s so good 💜
Thanks for the kind words Kathilia. And thanks for being here!
Thanks for your vulnerability in sharing. I have found it helpful to write my teen self a letter to help facilitate my healing. I was 14 when my parents divorced and had to take on some responsibilities that were too much for me. Also, though the divorce was definitely something to grieve - for all of us, parents and children - it was not acknowledged.
Thanks for sharing Melisa. Yeah this is such a helpful and therapeutic practice!
Thanks for sharing man.
🙏
Blake, this is absolutely beautiful. I remember you at this age and it breaks my heart to know this was going on. I am beyond grateful to follow you now and hear about how you are doing. It brings me so much joy. We miss you and your family. Praying continued blessings over you and your family. Love being able to watch you grow.
Thank you, Ginger! I really appreciate your words and I’m glad you’re following along