i was on tv

Yes, you read that right.  Lights, cameras, Mathias!

Being on Local On 2 in Nashville was an incredible experience - my first TV appearance and it was LIVE.  That added a little extra fun to the equation. No do-overs, watch the language (I didn’t curse!) and try to look/sound put together!

I consider it an honor to speak on this topic. When I first got sober, I couldn’t see myself thinking and talking about it every day.  It seemed exhausting. I couldn’t understand why other people 10 years into it still did what they did 1 year into it.

I get it now. 

We need it. 

This is broad stroke thinking, as everyone’s recovery is different, but we need to keep it up front in order to keep it. We need to keep it up front, and also keep to others giving what we’ve been given. 

Say keep one more time MJ….keep.

And that's what media does for the book, it helps spread awareness, open up conversations and connect with others. 

I did my best to simply enjoy the video and not critique myself.  This worked for about 10 minutes after I saw the segment. Then I did what I always do, look for ways to improve…or more accurately, think of what I wish I had said.  Was it good?  Yes.  Could it be better? Also yes.  

Everything is a learning opportunity and I have notes for you Mathias. 

Instead of going through those notes here, I’ll keep it positive and say that I really enjoyed the experience and am happy to share it with you.  

I recently saw a video of Sir Ian McKellen talking about the arts and the motivation…whether it's acting, writing, singing, dancing, etc…don’t do it for fame or money, but to experience what becoming feels like. That nails it for everything that’s going into this book.  

All these experiences and opportunities are new to me, and they are showing me what it feels like to truly become me. 

I’m a big fan of that last sentence, so I’ll leave you here - check out the video when you have a few minutes and let us know what you think! 

Thank you for being here.

Talk to you soon.

- Mathias John