By Andrew Mullen

This article is inspired by the beautiful souls I as a Peer Support Provider have the privilege of working beside. Peer Providers, Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, souls whose lives are devoted to service. Each day, I witness their dedication, their deep devotion, and the unfolding of their true nature as they walk the path of their divine destiny. They have answered the call to uplift not only their communities, but the greater soul of the world. Thank you, all of you, for the light you bring. You are an inspiration, not only to me, but to humanity. Now it’s going to get a little weird but you’re all welcome to join us.

Reframing Addiction: A Journey of Dedication, Devotion, and Destiny

The “A” Word: A Not-So-Great Definition

According to the Oxford Dictionary, an addict is defined as “a person who is addicted to a particular substance, typically an illegal drug.” Not exactly a glowing description, right? Synonyms include junkie, druggie, alchie—again, not the kind of words you’d want on a name tag.

But let’s take a deeper look. What if, within every seemingly negative word, there’s a hidden positive?

A Blast from the Past: The Real Meaning of Addiction

The word addiction comes from the Latin addictio (mid-16th century), which originally meant “the state or condition of being dedicated or devoted to something.” Now that’s a perspective shift!

Let’s break it down:

• Dedication – Devoted to a task or purpose; exclusively allocated to something.

• Devotion – Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.

So, what does this mean for individuals struggling with addiction? They already possess powerful qualities—dedication and devotion—but they’ve been channeling them toward substances instead of something positive. What if we helped them redirect that same relentless energy toward recovery, purpose, and self-discovery?

Dedication: The Superpower in Disguise

People battling addiction often show incredible resourcefulness, persistence, and focus in obtaining substances. (Seriously, if there were an Olympic event for creativity in finding ways to get a fix, some of these folks would have gold medals.) But here’s the game-changer: What if we helped them harness that same determination for something transformative?

Devotion: A Double-Edged Sword

Yes, those struggling with addiction display deep love and commitment—unfortunately, it’s often to an unhealthy relationship with substances. But in recovery, that same passion and loyalty can be the foundation for new, healthier relationships, careers, and even inspiring others to believe in change. When properly guided, devotion becomes a superpower.

A Home for the Dedicated, Devoted, and a Little Bit Weird

This isn’t just about recovery, it’s about rediscovery. It’s about finding a place where being true to yourself matters. Our Philosophy. Be true to who you are understanding there are many pathways to recovery and Yes Embrace Your Weirdness.

Wait… What? Weirdness?

Absolutely! The word weird originally comes from the Old English wyrd, meaning fate or destiny. (Even Shakespeare’s “Weird Sisters” in Macbeth weren’t just odd—they were tied to fate itself.) So, in a way, embracing your weirdness means embracing your destiny.

Our Mission: Walking Beside You, Not Ahead of You

We believe it’s our calling to work with individuals struggling with life’s challenges. But more importantly, we believe in walking alongside them, as guides and support, not as commanders. Everyone’s journey is unique, and we are here to help each person find their own path through self-development, creativity, and personal expression.

Beyond Recovery: A Life Worth Living

Every individual has an inner artist, a creative force, a unique essence. It isn’t to mold people into something they’re not—it’s to help them uncover their true, free-flowing nature.

This is more than recovery. This is about finding purpose, embracing one’s inner strength, and inspiring others by simply being the best version of yourself. It’s about recognizing that instinct—that deep, intuitive call—to be part of something greater.

Final Thought: You Are Not Broken, You Are Becoming

So, to anyone struggling, questioning, or seeking something more: You are not defined by your addiction. You are redefined by your ability to rise, to redirect, and to rediscover who you truly are. And we’re here to help you do just that.

Stay dedicated. Stay devoted. Stay a little WYRD.

I would now like to challenge anyone to share or define their weirdness. Email us your article and the winner will get their article posted in the next Visionary Viewpoints along with a prize.

(visionaryviewpoints@yahoo.com)

Ex: Defining My Weirdness

My weirdness in service can be briefly defined as the spontaneous effect of the inner contact. This contact within the inner-self is so definite without doubt that the true nature within arises and unleashes my own true inner impressions to become expressive which allows me as the individual with my unique and weird personality to be spontaneous in my style of world service that is unique to my creative and artistic process and expression.

My weirdness is not something that has to be strived, but is ever freeing and free flowing being true to who I am. My weirdness is when my true nature through my own self development and understanding can be used as not only a life demonstration for others to see and inspire to be something greater in their own weirdness. It’s an inner instinct that’s not to be confused with intuition but sensed by the intuition to recognize that instinct and opening up that inner weirdness whose instinct lives within all to function and be a part of the greater whole.

My weirdness is not any set of guidelines from the world, it’s not attempting to imitate anyone else’s weirdness it is my own weirdness and self-set of personal guidelines I set and use not only in my service but as my own guiding compass to flow with the rhythm and beat through this life.