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Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance
This book has been retired.
284 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 13, 2009
Living In The Rear View Mirror is a story of one woman's determination to live a more fulfilling life. Kim is an amazing and very likable woman. I truly felt like I had found someone who actually understood me. The way Kim described herself, the events in her life and how she turned it all around was almost identical to the person I was just a few years ago and the person that I have become.
I have never liked to sit down and have a discussion about my feelings which is why you guys don't know a whole lot about me. I admitted myself into a psych ward in 2006. I felt like I had no one and nothing to live for. I didn't attempt suicide or even have feelings about killing myself. I was just in so much emotional pain that I couldn't take it. And then I stubbed my toe and for one split second all the hate I felt toward myself disappeared. That's when thoughts of hurting myself began. I wanted to die but didn't have the courage to take my own life. Finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, I asked my mom if she would drive me to the hospital, which she did. I honestly believe that checking myself in was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Bad things happen to good people. It's a fact of life. But one thing I learned was that I didn't have to let that bad thing control my life. I learned that my thought process was totally off kilter. It all happened so slowly that it was almost as if I woke up one morning and hated life. I still struggle occasionally with rearranging my thoughts but I have faith in myself and I know that I am a fighter and I am strong and I will survive (hey, hey). Anyway, if you ever feel doomed or just need someone to talk to, I'm here. I'm the most non-judgmental person and I don't go off running my mouth. If it's not my place to say something, I won't say it. Which is why I didn't go into detail about the family issues I'm going through right now. It's not place to tell you what happened.
So anyway, about this book. If you've ever felt depressed, you should read this book. It is an amazing story of recovery and Kim lets readers know that they are not alone and the power to change is possible. It won't be easy and it won't be fun. But once you make it to the other side, you see the beauty in life that you were previously blind to.
I encourage you to meet Kim by reading her book and following her steps to emotional healing.
I have never liked to sit down and have a discussion about my feelings which is why you guys don't know a whole lot about me. I admitted myself into a psych ward in 2006. I felt like I had no one and nothing to live for. I didn't attempt suicide or even have feelings about killing myself. I was just in so much emotional pain that I couldn't take it. And then I stubbed my toe and for one split second all the hate I felt toward myself disappeared. That's when thoughts of hurting myself began. I wanted to die but didn't have the courage to take my own life. Finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, I asked my mom if she would drive me to the hospital, which she did. I honestly believe that checking myself in was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Bad things happen to good people. It's a fact of life. But one thing I learned was that I didn't have to let that bad thing control my life. I learned that my thought process was totally off kilter. It all happened so slowly that it was almost as if I woke up one morning and hated life. I still struggle occasionally with rearranging my thoughts but I have faith in myself and I know that I am a fighter and I am strong and I will survive (hey, hey). Anyway, if you ever feel doomed or just need someone to talk to, I'm here. I'm the most non-judgmental person and I don't go off running my mouth. If it's not my place to say something, I won't say it. Which is why I didn't go into detail about the family issues I'm going through right now. It's not place to tell you what happened.
So anyway, about this book. If you've ever felt depressed, you should read this book. It is an amazing story of recovery and Kim lets readers know that they are not alone and the power to change is possible. It won't be easy and it won't be fun. But once you make it to the other side, you see the beauty in life that you were previously blind to.
I encourage you to meet Kim by reading her book and following her steps to emotional healing.
March 4, 2010
Review published on www.luxuryreading.com on October 18, 2009
“I hadn’t lost jobs or had DUI’s. I didn’t sleep with strange men…I didn’t start fights…I’ve always told myself I was still in control while I was drunk…This is how I lied to myself.” In Living in the Rear View Mirror Kim Vazquez takes us on a journey through a sad and broken childhood, the depths of her growing alcoholism and addiction, and through her amazing spiritual awakening that had lingered on the sidelines her entire life.
Kim was born in California to an alcoholic/abusive father and a “victim” mother whose unhealthy marriage and life choices dragged her to another country, exposed her to dangerous influences, left her vulnerable to molestation, and planted the seeds of emotional delinquency that would rule her life for over 30 years. Kim also began seeing angels at an early age…angels that protected her from the worst life had to offer and were supportive when Kim began her recovery from “substance abuse to a life of substance.”
Kim Vazquez writes an autobiography of rigorous honesty guided by her higher power. Her spiritual gifts have saved her from certain death and have provided her with the means to help others through spiritual counselling, Angel Readings, and seminars/workshops. Living in the Rear View Mirror is an inspiring story for those struggling with their own addictions, those who love an addict, and those who are empathetic to the human condition.
“I hadn’t lost jobs or had DUI’s. I didn’t sleep with strange men…I didn’t start fights…I’ve always told myself I was still in control while I was drunk…This is how I lied to myself.” In Living in the Rear View Mirror Kim Vazquez takes us on a journey through a sad and broken childhood, the depths of her growing alcoholism and addiction, and through her amazing spiritual awakening that had lingered on the sidelines her entire life.
Kim was born in California to an alcoholic/abusive father and a “victim” mother whose unhealthy marriage and life choices dragged her to another country, exposed her to dangerous influences, left her vulnerable to molestation, and planted the seeds of emotional delinquency that would rule her life for over 30 years. Kim also began seeing angels at an early age…angels that protected her from the worst life had to offer and were supportive when Kim began her recovery from “substance abuse to a life of substance.”
Kim Vazquez writes an autobiography of rigorous honesty guided by her higher power. Her spiritual gifts have saved her from certain death and have provided her with the means to help others through spiritual counselling, Angel Readings, and seminars/workshops. Living in the Rear View Mirror is an inspiring story for those struggling with their own addictions, those who love an addict, and those who are empathetic to the human condition.
June 7, 2009
Overall, Kim wrote a harrowing tale of a woman who has been through a very rough life and has survived to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The voice is very conversational and intimate, one might think of friends sharing over coffee. For me it was reminiscent of a person sharing their story at a twelve step meeting. Kim holds nothing back in this book she has really dug deep with in herself to share everything. Also I believe, she tries to be as honest and fair to the other people in her life as she writes.
Threaded through out Kim personifies emotions and objects. For instance, from a young age, Anxiety and the Belittler battled it out to control her irrational mind. Vicodian actually began as a helpmate and then took control of her life. As she begins her healing she quickly, it seems, alters her entire life and becomes an empath and spiritual guide. Which seems so out of touch and just another crutch to place the pain upon. Kim does take responsibility for her actions and owns her mistakes which I commend. Although I hope that this book will be able to help those in pain to reach out for help, I walk away still skeptical, with a quizzical look furrowed into my brow.
Threaded through out Kim personifies emotions and objects. For instance, from a young age, Anxiety and the Belittler battled it out to control her irrational mind. Vicodian actually began as a helpmate and then took control of her life. As she begins her healing she quickly, it seems, alters her entire life and becomes an empath and spiritual guide. Which seems so out of touch and just another crutch to place the pain upon. Kim does take responsibility for her actions and owns her mistakes which I commend. Although I hope that this book will be able to help those in pain to reach out for help, I walk away still skeptical, with a quizzical look furrowed into my brow.
July 11, 2009
Kim is an addict. She is addicted to alcohol, money, bad relationships, work, and prescription drugs. Living in the Rearview Mirror is Kim Vazquez's story, from the child of a negleftful alcoholic father, to troubled teen, to overworked adult. It is the story of what led to her addictions and how, with some spiritual guidance, managed to make it through rehab. Kim's story is not one that some may imagine when they think of "an addict." In this book Kim shares herself with the reader and provides a sad story with hope at the end. She shares how her spirituality helped her and continues to help her live her life again. A good read and a good look into the life of someone like someone you may know.
July 3, 2009
The author unfolds her life story in detail that was difficult and messy to say the least. After numerous failed marriages, addiction and driving herself to chronic sickness over neglecting her own personal health, Kim has an epiphany and decides she needs to change her life. After completing an inpatient rehab she embarks on a new life which includes making amends with herself, connecting with the spiritual world and redefining herself.
Although this book was written well and flowed nicely, it isn't too unique of a story or journey that many out of control persons make on their way to redemption and recovery.
Although this book was written well and flowed nicely, it isn't too unique of a story or journey that many out of control persons make on their way to redemption and recovery.
February 9, 2011
Excellent read. I found this book and the author's writing style very compelling. As I read it I felt like I was right there with her throughout the whole book. I liked it so much I've actually read it a few times now.
September 5, 2009
review will be posted 9/10 on www.lifeinthethumb.blogspot.com, then posted here.
March 14, 2010
I've learned you don't have to be perfect to be a good person.
June 28, 2010
Engaging memoir. Amateurish writing.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews