Don't do it alone.

Recovery isn't just about quitting something — it's about building something better in its place. For me, that has meant leaning into the people around me, especially my wife, Leah.

When I was at my lowest, Leah didn't give up on me. She held the family together when I couldn't. And now, as I build this sauna and this community, she's right here beside me — not just supporting the project, but shaping it.

Why Community is Essential in Recovery

One of the most dangerous things about addiction is isolation. You convince yourself that you're alone, that nobody understands, that asking for help is weakness. Recovery flips that script. It teaches you that connection is strength.

Here is why community matters so much in the recovery process:

• Accountability: When you have people who know your story and check in on you, it's harder to slip back into old patterns. Not because of shame, but because of care.
• Understanding: There is something powerful about being in a room — or a group chat, or a forum — with people who get it. You don't have to explain yourself. You can just be honest.
• Encouragement: Recovery is not linear. There are setbacks, hard days, moments of doubt. Having people who remind you of how far you've come makes all the difference.

A Shared Vision: Constructing Together

Leah is a designer. She runs Middle West Studio, and her eye for detail and intention has shaped every aspect of this sauna build. What started as my project quickly became our project.

Together, we've been thinking through the design not just as a structure, but as a space that serves a purpose. Some of the design considerations we've been working through:

• How the space flows from inside to outside — the transition between heat and cold
• Materials that age well and develop character over time
• Accessibility for different ages and abilities in our family
• Creating zones for solitude and zones for gathering
• Keeping the design honest to our values — simple, functional, beautiful

Building a Supportive Circle

If you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, here are some things that have helped me build a circle of support:

Seek Areas of Shared Purpose. Recovery is easier when you're building toward something alongside other people. It doesn't have to be a sauna — it can be a garden, a business, a creative project. Find something that gives you a reason to show up.

Be Open and Honest. This one is hard. But vulnerability is the foundation of real connection. You don't have to share everything with everyone, but find your people and let them in.

Reach Back to Old Friends. Some of the most meaningful reconnections I've had in recovery have been with people I'd pushed away. A simple message — "Hey, I'm sorry. I'm working on things." — can reopen doors you thought were closed.

Helping Others. There's a reason service is a core part of recovery programs. When you help someone else, you reinforce your own commitment. It gets you out of your own head.

What's Next?

Leah and I are continuing to refine the design and plan the build. We're also looking at ways to bring more people into the conversation — through workshops, shared resources, and eventually, community build days. If you want to be part of it, follow along. Don't do it alone.