How Did I Get Here?

Happiness had always eluded me. I tried the normal suburban life. It didn't take. At thirty-eight, I left everything behind to travel the country in search of purpose and meaning. Five years later, I landed in a new location and began again.

All my life, I have struggled with mental health. After three decades of self-medication, I still couldn't understand how to get by without chemical help. I began writing books at the age of forty-two. What began as an idea to keep going until I had completed a book, back before I stepped from that cliff and into the unknown, became a series of books. A series was needed to document the chaos which were those five years of truly unhinged living which began in 2018.

Writing was fulfilling, but writing about a period of my life which was now behind me left me oddly empty inside. Yes, I needed to get the words out. I still love to write, and I still have one more book to publish on that particular time period...but I realized I needed to look forward, not backward.

In the right place, at the right time, when I needed it most, I found art. All which I have done, all which I hadn't; it all led me to art. I had found peace for an hour at a time before in the gym. I had found fulfillment with writing. There is something different about creating these paintings and drawings. It brings me to a place where I feel full inside...if that makes any sense.

All of it: writing, painting, drawing, it is all art to me, and each has a place in my life. Recovery Art came about as a way for me to share and inspire. Recovery Art is a way for me to live my dreams. Recovery Art helps me maintain a good mental state as I move forward and away from substance dependence.

This business and this website are new to me, so I look forward to growing with my brand. I plan to be trying all sorts of new projects and ways to inspire others to live their best lives. I plan to build this website as I learn and grow.

I look forward to new opportunities and new connections. I have no idea what is in store for me, but I do know how far I have come. I've seen much, I've done much, and I've come out on the other side. I want to be able to help others. I told my mom, before she passed, that I would be ok. I have tried to make good on that ever since. I'm not there yet, maybe I never will be, but at least I'm on a positive journey in the right direction.

I hope everyone can take away something positive from my writing and my artwork. More is always on the way. Reach out to me for any specific requests, whether for artwork or just to interact. I want to spread some good out there, however that can happen.

That is the cover to my sixth book. It is available as a paperback and an ebook. The drawing on the cover is available in the shop on this website. The next book, the second half of this story, will be published soon down the road. I haven't decided if I want to sell my books here on the website, so check out Amazon and Kindle or your local bookstore. Or just click the link below the picture to go to the purchase page.

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out for inquiries or just to share your thoughts.

Email

DougSchnapp@RecoveryArtStore.com