Bobby Brennan: Recovery in the Middle Space

Hi! My name is Bobby Brennan, and I’m a current client of New Foundations Recovery. I live in Ridgefield, Connecticut with my wife, Caitlin—my partner of 13 years—our two children, ages four and nine, and our dog, Ringo. I work as a private tutor specializing in reading, and I’m a lifelong Mets and Jets fan who absolutely loves all sports. I attended Elon University for my undergraduate degree and later earned my Master’s in Teaching from Sacred Heart University.

For me, the “middle space” of recovery has felt like a paradox. When I was in crisis, it seemed like everyone was worried about me: my wife, my family, my therapist, my coaches, friends—even the dog looked concerned. Every moment was accounted for. I had meetings to attend, daily check-ins, and an endless list of coping strategies to implement. But as I began to show improvement, the intensity of those safety measures slowly eased. Meetings became less frequent. Check-ins were spaced out. Even the breathalyzer was returned.

Things that once raised alarms were now met with humor. I started to rebuild trust and experience the real benefits of staying sober. And here’s where the paradox comes in: now, the person who worries about me most is me. As others begin to relax, I find myself stepping into more responsibility for my sobriety—learning how to navigate this new “middle space.” I never imagined myself as someone who regularly attended AA meetings, so I knew I needed something else to keep me grounded. Setting goals unrelated to sobriety has done that for me.

For example, I’ve always wanted to learn how to sing. After completing rehab in 2021, I began taking weekly singing lessons, which eventually led me to join a band—one I’m still an active member of today. My commitment to the band keeps me accountable. I show up to practice, learn new songs, and give my best every week alongside a group of guys who count on me.

In addition to band practice, I dedicate an hour each day to guitar and vocal exercises. The ritual of practice is meditative for me, and the progress gives me a sense of purpose. I’ve also taken on an intellectual goal: to complete the list from 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die. I always have several books going at once, spanning genres and formats. Reading brings me fresh perspectives and mental stimulation that I deeply enjoy. Lastly, I’ve placed a renewed focus on my physical health—something I had long neglected. My goal is to get to the gym six times a week: three days of lifting weights and roughly 70 miles a week on the spin bike.

These practices—creative, intellectual, and physical—anchor me. They form the pillars of my mental health and recovery: community and responsibility, personal growth, and well-being. By committing to these goals and routines, I stay grounded, centered, and connected to the life I want to live.