Apr 22, 2009
Sobriety
As of today, April 22, I’ve been clean off of all drugs and drink for many years. It feels good. People often ask me for advice on making money in the film industry, and I talk a lot about hard work and being open to what you’re good at and letting go of dreams that you might not be best made for, and other shit like that. But, the truth is, when I permanently removed the chemicals from my brain, I was able to think more clearly, make better choices, and work harder and more consistently. At first the creativity may have been a bit of a struggle but, over time, due to my diligence and openness, that magnified as well. If I kept doing all the things to my body I was doing as a young man, I doubtfully would be alive. But, if by some miracle I was, I certainly wouldn’t have the personal or professional achievements I have today. I have nothing against anyone who chooses to drink or do drugs but, for me, it is a huge part of what’s made me a successful filmmaker. And I suppose, as I sit here on this warm mesh of gratitude, I feel a bit guilty for generally leaving that out of the equation of how I got here.
It’s also my brother Matt’s birthday. Happy birthday, you little fucker.
For those of you uncomfortable with this rare serious note, don’t worry. I’ll be back soon with more rape and poo jokes. Yes, every once in a while JamesGunn.com may hit a rough earnest spot but, in general, the glib shall reign.
Be well,
James
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May 6th, 2009 at 8:39 am
I didn’t see this blog until I returned from holiday but I just wanted to say congratulations. It’s not always easy to kick bad habits.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I never got involved in drinking or drugs. But I know how hard it is to quit I grew up in a family with several addiction problems (Mom & Dad). And my father ultimately died at the age of 49 because he didn’t stop. CONGRATULATIONS of your sobriety. Now bring on the POO jokes.
April 26th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Man, I haven’t seen this blog until I slipped past it yesterday. You blog so damn much lately, that it’s almost hard for me to keep up. Firstly, congrats on your cleanliness and sobriety. I’ve seen how tough it could be on folks to stay that way. I used to volunteer at the VA and man, do you hear and see a lot of fucked up scenarios. What’s worse is that most of these guys went through war and came back only to become junkies and staples of the VA hospital. Not because they need to be, but they want to be. It also doesn’t help that these guys are constantly fucked over by the VA system. Not that there aren’t good things and good people at the VA, but I think there’s abuse on all ends which makes for a fucked up relationship. You have the junkies wanting to surf the system. You have the VA hierarchy tired of their asses. And you have others that really need help and because of that shitty relationship people after them have to suffer.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Congratulations! A lot of people close to me are currently ruining their lives as well as lives of other people with drugs. I’m glad you have been able to stay sober mostly for yourself but also because without your projects and tireless social networking, I don’t think I would find a comparable form of entertainment to distract me from completing the work I should be doing on the computer.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Congrats on the years of sobriety!