I created this journal for several reasons.One reason is my own experiences with adversity, stigma and recovery.Another reason is my years of frontline nonprofit work serving marginalized, criminalized and stigmatized people. Working in (often racist and fundamentally colonial) systems that govern our lives repeatedly taught me that cultural exclusion is usually intentional.The harmful "all or nothing" tenets of traditional 12-step ideologies became increasingly infuriating. I supported hundreds of women who were shamed and excluded by their peers in recovery. The consequences of this cultural exile were always serious and, for many, even fatal.I've been a proponent of unpopular truths and the inconvenient inclusions they invite for a long time. This journal was created with unconditional compassion for everyone, no matter who or where they are, and regardless of how their individual journeys unfold.Here's to survival, healing and recovery, in all the ways and for everyone. (And mildly offensive levity. Because laughter is the best fucking medicine of all.) Andi