Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This

Sharing honestly and authentically what I’ve learned and experienced since my journey began | Trained Peer Support Specialist | Recovering Addict 5.10.24

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

Now offering 1-on-1 peer support through Centre Summit located in Montreal.

This support can be done in person or through remote services such as zoom, call or text. This work is something that is deeply meaningful to me. I am super excited to be able to offer this service as peer support is something that helped me a ton before I got sober and in my early recovery.

Please reach out if you know anyone that is in need of extra support. Free consultations are available. Shoot me a message, and we will find time to connect.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

Today is the day. I leave for my Vipassana meditation retreat in a couple of hours. 10 day. No talking. No phone. No journaling. No reading. No distractions. No outlet. No nothing.

I am terrified. I’m nervous. I’m anxious. I’m stressed. I haven’t felt this way in a while. I kind of feel like a little kid again. I have no idea whats on the other side. There’s also a sense of excitement that comes with it.

I was thinking about what is going to help me get through this and I realized there was only one answer. Faith.

I can’t wait to tell you all about it when I’m back.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@MarkTonerX Gratitude and presence trumps all else. It’s truly like a magical potion.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

What an incredible life I get to live.

One of the biggest shifts that I’ve noticed is how present I am and how much gratitude I feel in certain situations. Things I used to take for granted in the past, I take a moment and say thank you for today. I look up into the sky and wonder how all this is possible.

This is a part of what consciousness is. Practicing daily; meditation, journaling, gratitude lists; in order to manifest it into a real life situation. Being conscious to the thoughts that come up, being able to redirect them, taking a step back from them and saying thank you for the life that I have.

Still, it’s bizarre to me this life that I live. Going from where I was to where I am now. It’s a testament to its possibility. It’s a testament to recovery.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

Happy Birthday to the guy who has stuck by my side unconditionally through countless ups and downs. The guy who had every reason to give up but instead showed up, for himself and for his family.

Angie, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without you. There are not enough words to describe what you mean to me and the impact that you’ve had on me and my recovery. You’re my rock. You were the only person that continued to show up for me through absolute hell. You never gave up on me.

No matter what is going on in your life, you show up for me. Day in and day out. I truly can’t thank you enough for that. This day is for YOU, Angie.

I love you so much. To the best dad and grandfather, have the best day ever.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

Thanks Zach. This is awesome and such a nice message to wake up to! I’m going to pass it along to a @DerrickEmpowers who’s a guy I found on here whose message strongly resonates with my own. Hard work, play and authenticity. Most of all though, building connections and building community for other people. Absolute stand up guy and one of the best guys I know on X.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@DerrickEmpowers ohhhh okayyyy i seeee you 👀

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@nolimit_luke_ Thanks Luke!

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@ShirleyImMilk @_BLShelton @mylaststand_org @Blackarachnia13 @BVaags @DorianB112 Good luck man!

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@DeanTTraining Do you freeze after you air fry?

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@_BLShelton This is such an underrated part of healing. Who are we without the pain?

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@menslifelineaca @oriteisenberg_ Thanks Zach! Hope all is well!

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

New podcast with @oriteisenberg_ is live!

Recovery is so much more than just recovery from addiction. So many people are in recovery from different things, yet they don't want to use the word because it is so stigmatized.

The same is true for peer support groups. Peer support groups are not only made for people with addiction problems, they can be an awesome tool for so many different people. You are not bad if you go to a peer support group. There is not something wrong with you if you are attending a peer support group. All of us go through different things in life, and many of us need to recover from these things. Admitting that we need to recover is the first step.

Every Sunday, Orit, myself and others get together for a meditation peer support group. Reach out if you'd like more info.

https://t.co/CLqZJMmywr

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@kaiba755 @oriteisenberg_ Thanks Kaiba as always.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

Really. Live. Life. Really.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

Building community is hard. It takes consistency. It takes being uncomfortable. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes showing up when you’re not seeing results.

I’m in the middle of that right now after just moving back to my hometown after being gone for 6 years. It’s been frustrating and also super rewarding.

I’ve been doing my best not to force things, to let go of control and let it happen naturally. It’s not easy, but it’s been an awesome growing experience and I’m excited for what’s to come.

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@Hosstheboss25 @DeanTTraining do you make a big batch and then freeze them? or put them in fridge?

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@healingwithmaya Let’s gooooo Maya!!

[Jason Schwartz | If You’re Reading This @Schwartz_Jason_]

@heyellehogan This is awesome Elle. And it just so happens that Id love to hear more about Kabbalah. These things are something id like to get more into. I’d like to find the time. Hearing your thoughts on it and how it has impacted your life may influence me to work harder to find the time.