Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of…

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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )