In Pursuit of Calm

Even though I haven’t lived a life remotely like Daniel Fuselier’s, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much sympathy for someone before.
Surviving drug abuse and alcoholism in two separate “drinking lives” and an accident which causes third-degree burns over more than half of his body, Daniel recounts how he was able to turn his life around by “direct physical and mental contact with a spiritual entity”.
Growing up in New Orleans, childhood trauma led him to resentment and hatred of his father and his new wife - the “Stepmonster” - but he discovered a bond with his father through his first taste of alcohol, ultimately leading to wild partying in high school and the start of his alcoholism.
Lyrical passages relate his blissful school days filled with fun and friendship. Drinking became Daniel’s way of easing social anxiety but this leads to destructive behaviour and accidents. He always seems on the edge of achieving something but self-doubt always prevents him. Once he achieves his goals, we rejoice with him.
“In Pursuit of Calm” is a harrowing yet rewarding read, and it doesn’t matter whether or not you believe in spiritual entities, the reader can still take a lot of comfort from this inspirational book.

Thank you for your candid story, including the highs and lows, episodes where suicide seemed like the only answer, and the way addiction stayed dormant within you all those years, just waiting for the right trigger to surface.

I greatly appreciate the altruistic mentality of sharing your story to show the rough patches along the way, but also the eventual "calmness" and tranquility that you have reached. I hope writing this was cathartic and helpful.

To anyone considering reading this, do it. It truly is an inspirational testimony, even though at times, it is challenging to keep reading and may tap into uncomfortable situations or memories of your own.

I know I have addictive tendencies, especially during stressful times, and suspect other readers do as well. I can relate to the author's frustration and "learned helplessness" as he describes his work as a psychologist in a broken medical system. I encourage all to read this and consider correlating the author's story with challenging times in your life. What can we all learn?

Dr. Fuselier, thank you for writing this. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. Please all, use Dr. Fuselier's words to grow and learn from