For much of Mike's life, he dances with deception. Behind the veil of his well-crafted façade, he hides the jagged edges of his insecurities, shielding himself from the piercing gaze of judgment. Desperate to evade a lifetime of feeling inadequate, he turns to the only solace he knows-alcohol. Despite repeated warnings and interventions, the author finds himself unable to break free from the destructive patterns of behavior, seemingly on a collision course to burn his life to the ground. The reader feels a mix of empathy, horror, and helplessness as they witness Mike's downward spiral. Failed marriages, jobs, and opportunities are lost amidst the wreckage of his alcoholism, as he engages in a relentless dance with the Devil. In the ashes of his self-destruction, he peels back the layers of pretense with each page written, pushing through the thickets of deception to finally be honest. In this journey of self-discovery, he realizes that vulnerability isn't the enemy but his greatest strength. Through these raw words, he hopes others may find the courage to embrace vulnerability, the strength to embody resilience, and the connection to raise their hand and say, 'I've had enough.'

After hitting bottom, Mike found the strength to break free from the cycle of self-deception and has spent over a decade confronting his imperfections and embracing the power of vulnerability. He lives in Exton, PA, and is actively involved in the recovery community. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he offers valuable insight into his struggles and the journey toward resilience.