Downsizing your habits: Drugs || Minimalist Conor McMillen Shares Experience

I am often asked how I smoking cigarettes, or how I stopped drinking everyday, or how I stopped using hard drugs. I have decided to make a series on this, offering my candid experience as to what has worked for me and what I think may be helpful for you. I truly hope you get what you are looking for from this video. Much love to you on your journey, wherever it leads!
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[@hippiedave1362]

oh man. I'm struggling with a lot of addictions too and I really connected with this. thank you so much for this video. ✌

[@ConorMcmillen]

I feel you. Thank you for sharing. I know the struggle is real. I also know there is space in all of us where we understand it and have love for ourselves. Accessing more of that space, even if just for a moment, will help. I will keep making these vids. I hope they bring more peace to your struggle my brother

[@goclunker]

This is really inspirational, I am losing my soulmate, my best friend, my bf, the best thing that has ever happened to me to oxicotins. You explain it so well, that i can understand

[@laurenkil]

You look like you give the BEST hugs. Ah man! Tears.... You're wonderful for the work you do. Lucky for me, the only thing I'm addicted to is binge eating processed sugar, but it still hurts and your words are relevant. Thank you!

[@paytonrice8055]

ive been struggling with my addiction to heroin for 6+ years now so I really related to this video and took a lot away from it. been clean since April 1st now and come to your channel often for inspiration

[@ConorMcmillen]

Amazing. Thank you for posting. I know this will help others

[@jordynlee97]

I've been making really good progress recovering from an eating disorder and this video was very encouraging & insightful, thank you! Lots of love

[@bethqmount1160]

This video completely changed my perspective on use/abuse/ care. The deep realization you shared, it's changing my life.

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

I was getting the oxy 40's for 7bucks a piece. I stayed on them for years. That's how I stayed in my marriage by staying high and numb. I am so glad your doing these videos Conor. I got to a point that I couldn't even listen to my music anymore because it caused me to much pain. Music has been such a huge part of my life that I don't know how I could have made it through most of it without it. Yet it made me get real and that was to painful and I had to make it go away for about 2 yrs. I have my music again. I have my smile again. I believe God put you and Brittany in my path to help me get back the rest of all the good things I need to get through the bringing back of my joy. I hope you can make sense of that last sentence. I get so much joy from that lady you love so much, Brittany Taylor! You both bring me so much peace and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being who you are because I needed you two. What you do and who you are is so important. My world has become a better place with you guys in it. I am sending so much love to you right now. I wish all that is wonderful for you. Tammie Miller

[@larypoppins1]

Very interesting. Explains my relationship with alcohol! I don't like it, I tend not to drink it, but when feeling less loving of myself, I am drawn to it... Appears not for the reason I thought. Not to lift me or make me feel better.... But to harm me... Because I'm in a moment of lacking self love and self worth. Really helpful Connor. 🙏🏻

[@TrujilloRosalba]

Thank you, Conor. This video is so heartfelt. I can identify with many aspects of your experience. I love how passionate you are. I am sending you lots of hugs and much love. Keep the videos coming!

[@mommalisatimmerman9287]

Thank you for your complete raw truth and honesty about this subject. Your so spot on about this subject. I think an individual video about Tramidol would be awesome and very informative.

[@Epically_Dope_Shit]

Been dealing with heroin addiction myself, jus shy of a decade now, never thinking anything would be like how it is right now and severely struggling in making the right choices to ultimately change my life! But your videos do help and remind me that happiness is possible! I just need to figure out what it is that brings me that natural happiness and gear myself towards it!!

[@CaveWomen88]

You can do it man.✌🏽🌷

[@alejis1226]

sending good energy your way. you can do it!!

[@sadcholaclown9163]

Hey there, same here (decade+ long heroin addiction). Anyway, stay strong! I'll be thinking of ya!

[@derekwalter4238]

All you gotta do is want it, man. If you want it bad enough you'll get there. Last April was 2 years clean for me. Trust me, it does get better. I promise

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

If you are physically addicted, you are struggling way harder than just being strong will get you through. You know you can't quit cold turkey, you could die from that too. I had to go to a methadone treatment program and if you do it the right way and you finish the program all the way, you will have a chance at happiness. My brain stopped making the sarotonin and dopamine, the stuff that makes you happy, because the dope took that job over. It takes a long time for those receptors to reconnect and start making that happy juice again. Don't feel like a failure for asking for help. I hope all good things for you and I hope Conor doesn't mind my replying to you on his page.

[@caterinaroman2436]

Beautiful video! I experienced a chronic illness for about two and a half years and I recently started loving myself and healing my emotional wounds. Something unbelievable starting happening, I am feeling healthier and healthier. The sickness served it's purpose in my life and I am grateful for that. I love watching your videos because I feel as though you get my journey even though you don't know me! Sometimes the things we perceive as negative or bad are actually an amazing gift! (:

[@ConorMcmillen]

Amazing share. Thank you so much for putting this out there. I believe entirely in the power of self-healing.

[@becj.9001]

As a future health professional I find this so useful! You have a deeper way of explaining substance abuse, addiction, and dependency than a lot of my textbooks. Hearing this kind of deep evaluation and understanding of it all from someone who's been through it is absolutely invaluable.

[@ConorMcmillen]

That is so awesome to hear. Thank you so much!

[@prawncarl12]

It's really beautiful when people talk about heart care. We need to be able to cry. If we can release by crying it's so much easier to have compassion for another when he/she needs to cry. We have been conditioned to repress this healthy release. So much so that when the dam breaks crying isn't the same kind of release. I firmly believe that ALL the emotions are important and compliment each other. You and I have had different experiences with addictive drugs and strong habits but essentially those experiences have been a way of coping with the world and our conditioning to repress those awkward emotions. I am learning to experience sadness, anger, etc....with less awkwardness; with acceptance

[@Godisfirst21]

Your personality ROCKS. So clear to see why Brittany loves you as much as she does.

[@Theendlesstoil]

I love this video! People do not say love yourself enough and become in touch with your emotions. I love that you talk about it in depth. Keep doing what you're doing :)

[@Justonevideoplease]

Wow!! Good for you for stopping!

[@mettesimonsen6196]

What a journey you have been on. I am very impressed, that you were able to move past the drugs and alcohol. Well done and thank you for sharing. I love your videos

[@Frugal_fitchic]

I have become so attached to food and now I am up to 265. I can't seem to break the addiction. Thank you for sharing your story.Very powerful.

[@JenTheSnarky]

I think self-love is so difficult because people want you to feel guilty about it. At least, sadly, in my world. It's a struggle, but an important one. Such a lovely video. Totally made me want to give you a hug. :)

[@iTzEbz]

I feel like I'm talking to a friend. This is great. Thanks.

[@ryanlewis194]

I constantly feel awareness. I'm always pondering life, my age, space , time , god , Religion. There is so much uncertainty I constantly have anxiety ruminating about god, earth etc. That's why I feel guilt , because I don't understand.and feel guilt.

[@ConorMcmillen]

It sounds like you have a strong part of your brain that wants to figure out life! That makes sense to me. It also sounds like you have a desire to have that part relax, at least from time to time. I believe that is possible for you if that is what you want. Something that has helped me is to observe that part of my brain, to acknowledge what it is doing and then to simply ask it to relax. Give it try if it sounds fun and see how it feels. Much love to you!

[@ambermarie8386]

Exactly what I need to hear today. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@lizzygordon8033]

Thank you for being so open and sharing! Really interesting!

[@ConorMcmillen]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching

[@TristWallace]

I really enjoyed this video. I have always strived for good health, and a positive spiritual practice but lately I have been neglecting my heart space. It is time for a change and this reminded me to get back on track :)

[@MrEtmer]

I like talk videos where there aren't any cuts! Sometimes cuts in videos can be distracting for me, and I feel like I can appreciate good speaking skills more than just cutting the silence out.

[@ConorMcmillen]

Excellent feedback. Thank you!

[@kaylenamakeupartist4227]

Your story is so similar to my own. Thank you for sharing your story. I totally relate to the mind wanting two different things. After 4 years clean and sober... That still happens. But wayyyyyyyy less often. Best wishes.

[@ConorMcmillen]

Awesome Kaylena

[@joanareis6248]

This was such an interesting video! Addiction is really complex but I feel you kind nailed it, it is just a way to deal with life really. thank you!

[@momo-kb2ts]

You have given me so much hope to stop skin picking right now. You are beautiful.

[@jackier5930]

So powerful. It made me cry.

[@savannasingersongwriter8985]

Wow. This is so beautiful. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@sofiaguluzar]

powerful. so happy to connect to amazing people like you

[@EthanMckennaMusic]

love the candid style!

[@caitlinrobinson7796]

Hello Conor, I was watching your video last night, and felt that you put words to a lot of the feelings that I have been recognizing in myself. I have simultaneously been trying to understand, and running from this 'emptiness' in my heart/chest space for a long time. I have been through talk therapy, and found a lot of healing and growth there, but still not been able to understand or even put this 'empty' feeling into words. I've definitely tried to dull this with drugs, alcohol and meaningless sex. I'm at this real growth stage right now, where I crave to know myself in a deep way. I'm not sure how to proceed. It seems that this feeling stems from a real appreciation of people or the beauty around me, then recognizing how temporary this all is, which leaves me feeling a happy sadness. It grows and shrinks day to day. Is this just what it means to be human? Is this just what it feels like to be present? If so, why is it painful and isolating? Much love

[@MATT_96]

Thank you for sharing your story Connor, it means a lot and I identify with it in some way.

[@marcuscoetzee5686]

Very grateful for these heartfelt videos. Encouraging and insightful.

[@mothmanifest]

You are such a good teacher.

[@jessical6633]

Man this video is amazing. Thanks a ton for making this for us. I love the raw uncut videos, feels a lot more real and relateable personally. Keep being awesome man, tell the girl i say hello (:

[@CharlotteIrvine]

So touching. Thank you so much for sharing your words

[@ConorMcmillen]

You are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching

[@paccarcrap]

would we appreciate "that place" if we could be there 24/7. OMG, this has been sooo helpful. I don't suffer from illegal drugs, just food. From cave man days we have associated pleasure/sweetness as safe, good, non-life threatening. Why it's so hard go there and really change.

[@ConorMcmillen]

Love your comment. I think the contrast is something we need for sure and we also don't need it to be overwhelming to remind us of the beauty of life. "From cave man days we have associated pleasure/sweetness as safe, good, non-life threatening"- yes, this makes sense. I will be making a food vid in the upcoming weeks. I hope it is just, if not more, helpful!

[@giovannigonzalez2416]

Iv never been addicted to drugs but i have experimented but beyond that just hearing your story I rly take so much from it just from knowing the struggles my best friends have gone through with very similar situations as you but for me just the honesty behind your story rly helps me understand these people in my life and even if they ever heard your story and rejected it I still feel that it is so relevant to their situations but they aren't seeing it yet... but just the that you put your self out there I rly thank you because it helps to hear your view even for ppl not in the same situation.

[@grilledcheeseloverss]

thank you for sharing conor. I needed to hear this SO sooooo much love and respect for you

[@samella35]

Thank you. Self love is the key.

[@mintslice2214]

Love the uncut videos you're making! Especially these topics which require moments to let what you're saying, sink in. One tiny suggestion I have is maybe consider moving your camera away from yourself by about 6 inches or zooming out about 10-20mm? Wide angle camera lenses tend to distort images when they're "too close". I feel it would make the video a bit more comfortable to watch, although the up close and personal style is really awesome. The way I think about it is like try replicating the perceived distance, you would normally sit away from someone, in person. When you lean back in this video I feel that's a really nice distance. Thank you so much for making these videos, love you very much, Connor :] PS. I used to be a club photographer for 3/4years.

[@MIOLAZARUS]

This really resonated with me. Thank you for your wisdom

[@Thegratefulnurse]

Thank you you opened my eyes. It was a tough video to watch Connor hit close to home.

[@michaelafuchs3299]

thank you for this video. you are great!

[@Godisfirst21]

LOVE BUTTON.... YES, I'd love to see more videos like this. So Authentic, which I find all your videos are.

[@monamendiola1]

great video

[@ConorMcmillen]

Thanks Mona

[@smalltownplaya712]

I think what he is saying is that you need to change your life to what you want and what makes you happy, and then the habbits will solve themselves...i think he is right

[@smalltownplaya712]

When i used to landscape and talk to friends all the time, i don't think i ever really drank, so it adds up....hmm, i think he is on to something.

[@AllDesignOnMe]

Connor you are amazing! Thank you for sharing this with us :)

[@paccarcrap]

I've enjoyed this video because it's not so much happy happy joy joy, fluffy shit. It's REAL, true grit

[@ConorMcmillen]

Word up. Thank you

[@susiemouse]

thank you for sharing this important video, Conor

[@shelleymeredith7030]

Great video. Thanks man x

[@ConorMcmillen]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@Flessy89]

I hear you. I know all your videos are honest but this was somthing special. Looking forward to the tramadol video.

[@1960genius]

Thank you for this video Conor!

[@ConorMcmillen]

You are very welcome

[@DuetJustusFam]

Hey Conor. Great video! My wife and I thoroughly enjoy your views and insights. We definitely see how great of a therapist you are. Keep up the great work! We are fellow RVer's and have videos about our renovation process from start to finish... It would be awesome to meet up at some point during our travels. FYI, the link to your 30 day program seems to be cut off and is not directing people to the right place... hope this helps. Thanks for all of the help and motivation! Be well -Michael and Jenny Justus

[@ConorMcmillen]

Hi Michael and Jenny! Thank you so much for the support and watching the vids. Would love to see your RV! Hope you can swing by Austin or that we can link up somewhere else in the world. Thanks for the heads up on the link I am looking into it now!!

[@nourishnaturalnutritionfor1412]

Profound sharing!

[@brookmartinez4218]

Thank you for sharing this! 🙏

[@GrrlFever]

Loving this topic. My partner has a very addictive personality and it's hard for me to understand him on that level because I like constant change and have never understood being stuck on something that you know is harming you. We've been watching your addiction videos together and it's opened up an interesting dialogue. Thanks for sharing your stories! :)

[@SymbioticSolutions]

We love you so much.

[@mysteryandmeaning297]

Good job Connor helping people, i see you as somekind of shaman healer of your own making and style. more about addictions, all kinds addictions out there. Addictions replace each other too , so one has to be aware. With drugs often comes sex relationship addictions also. No one is stable on any addiction. Patterns, habits, emotional physical insanity as they say in counseling insanity is doing same thing over and over. Alcohol scares me I saw it destroy my dad, he lost control and lost everything. I saw his pain , Alcohol drugs not my friend.

[@IlovePaulMcCartney3]

Dude, holy shit, this video was fuckin deep.

[@JenRiveraBell]

Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@ConorMcmillen]

You are so welcome

[@rachelcrouse1168]

You are such a beautiful and inspiring human. Thank you :)

[@sadcholaclown9163]

Hey dude, I'll be at Zilker on the 2nd!! Yay!! Left a comment on Brittany's latest video sharing a little bit about my background (ex heroin addict yada yada). Thanks for this video!

[@ConorMcmillen]

Beautiful! Can't wait to see you at the meet up BUT it is at 2 PM on the 10th. Just to clarify ;)

[@sadcholaclown9163]

Oh, derp! I totally would have been there this Saturday. I guess I was so excited to see you guys that I had some kind of case of adult onset dyslexia or something :) . Somehow I saw "July 2nd" and didn't see a time at all. Hhhmmm, I wonder how many other things I misinterpret on a daily basis. Guess it's a reminder to slow down a little and take things in more carefully.

[@dethwtch]

I can relate so much. I appreciate your videos so much dude. Good vibes to you my man

[@ConorMcmillen]

Good vibes to you man!

[@ConorMcmillen]

Good vibes to you man!

[@irisweber6469]

Thanks a lot of sharing this, helped me so much. For me it's very hard to be present with myself, scares the shit out of me.

[@ConorMcmillen]

Hi Iris! I'm so happy this vid helped you. I can really understand being scared to be present. I think most of us are. I think it is ok to take time with this. Sending you love

[@CaveWomen88]

That was goooood shit.👏🏽❤️️

[@SanaEnergy]

Thank you for this video ♥️ God bless you.

[@whentheearthcracks]

Thank you so much, this helped so much

[@tania52644]

🙌 Everything you said in this video is so on point ... Thank you for sharing your story . ✌❤

[@ConorMcmillen]

You are so welcome. Thank you so much for watching

[@accessorizewithfrannie6167]

Thank you!

[@universalx0]

thanks for your videos!

[@perceptionvagabond3671]

I love your videos! Such an inspiration!

[@ConorMcmillen]

Thank you so much!

[@LilachLavy]

thanks for a great video

[@WeAreBullets]

the heart space is a real thing, look up what Drunvalo Melchizedek says about it, and Heart Math.

[@ConorMcmillen]

No doubt

[@MsMuminland]

brilliant

[@greenabby]

Conor, your videos your mind and you are amazing. Thank you! Side note: I prefer your nose without accessories :-) cheers and love

[@sadcholaclown9163]

Basketball Diaries and Drugstore Cowboy were huge for me. Lots of parallels here. I tried cocaine and heroin for the 1st time in middle school, but fell into a severe heroin addiction at about 22. I'll be turning 35 this year. I think we may be around the same age.

[@heathermm9042]

Coner, I've commented on a video like this before, but didn't get a reply. I really want to understand how you just quit drinking, smoking, etc. What kind of backlash did you experience? I don't want to live being dependent on certain things anymore, but stopping cold turkey just seems impossible and dangerous. you inspire me to do better....but the question is how to start. Much love to such a beautiful, gorgeous, loving specimen of a real man.

[@SEAJME]

Awesome video! Also you look a lot like Eloy Morales :)

[@ConorMcmillen]

:D Thanks

[@shelleymeredith7030]

Just subbed💋

[@ConorMcmillen]

Welcome my friend. Much love to you!

[@jessa4282]

This may sound really stupid, but I took Oxy when I got my wisdom teeth taken out and I totally understand that feeling. I thought I was crazy.

[@albertoscatto1263]

From this video i understood that i have replaced an addiction to another one, that's to say fruit,yes surely healthier but still an emotional dipendence. Ever tried ayahuasca ? What about you can't help look around you and see that utterly everything in this world is wrong, nothing is right even though you know the path to reach it ? So frustrating --->> isolation/loneliness ---> you even forget how to smile...

[@ConorMcmillen]

Interesting translation of the video. I desired to convey that loving ourselves will bring health. Eating a clean diet can be a tool towards health, just like having sufficient sleep and body movement. To be clear, I do not feel emotionally dependent on fruit but that is an interesting concept and I can understand one focusing on an idea of health in an unhealthy way. I have not tried ayahuasca. I do not see the world as you write here. I see it as a magical, loving, and beautiful place to create from a place of passion. But, I have felt that the world is wrong, that I am worthless, that nothing is good so I think I can understand what you may be feeling or asking about. I hope this response is helpful. Much love to you!

[@Aura000]

Hi Connor, I love your videos. Random question, just wondering what your ethnicity is? I love your look!

[@ConorMcmillen]

I'm scotch-irish. My brother and sister are both read heads with freckles. Thanks for the comment. I'm smiling :D

[@evangewho56]

Conrad, I can't understand how you got into hard drugs, especially as a young kid, because the main reason that kids do is having a bad parents, and yours don't seem that way, they looked like they had you when they were young, they are healthy active, really cool, seem they are the kind of people you could easily talk to and would understand you and sure that they gave you unconditional love. You are also quite good looking (obviously inherited) and that helps immensely in life. My parents didn't love each other and that affected my only sibling and I (we both never married and only speak through lawyers) and they came from a different country, so had difficulty understanding my problems as my angst as a teenager and I was considered, so homely, ugly, geeky that no one would sit with me at lunchtime and one time a guy (yes boys should be locked up all through junior high) told me that the reason why no one would sit next to me was because I was so ugly they would throw up, but I would be too nerdy for anyone would think of selling any to me. So (and if you prefer ,do a video) about your childhood and what happened to make you feel insecure, again being attractive DOES make life easier so sure you didn't need to feel that way.

[@Jikan04]

I feel very very lucky that I didnt get hooked on any drugs. I had a messed up upbringing and was very miserable and F'd up in my teens to early twenties. I ended up hanging around with some people who stole, drank way too much, did lots of drugs....I even married one of these guys (It didnt last long) I did some drugs...speed, acid, cannabis and various different tranquilizers/painkillers....and drank a lot for a short time. It got to a point where I had to make a choice big time. I knew if I stuck with this man then things were going to get bad. I made a clean break....stopped seeing any of them and cleaned up....but I know it would have been easy to carry on down that other path. I felt like I had no control of anything when I was doing those drugs.

[@monamendiola1]

and another quick question, what is your authentic self? what is being in the present? after watching your videos it leaves me with this question lingering for days.

[@ConorMcmillen]

Thank you so much! Self-energy, the way I am describing it, is about being present and in a state of curiosity, calm and compassion. A state that is able to observe our reactions, actions, manifestations and creations with love and understanding. A state where we are not resisting but rather flowing. A state of leadership. A state of love for ourselves and our external world. Thanks for asking!

[@monamendiola1]

A state of curiosity, calm, and compassion, ... Toward ourselves?

[@ConorMcmillen]

Yes :D

[@ryanlewis194]

While using could never really have a positive experience due to guilt. So I would search drug after drug looking for the "rite" one that would bring me peace without guilt. I ultimately had a 12 hour bad trip off 1 hit of paper acid in 98 that changed my life. I never touched another illegal drug got sober the next day.

[@ConorMcmillen]

I can understand that search. Sending you love

[@sisterearth]

thank you for sharing this ★peace

[@monamendiola1]

just curious, do you have any kind of certification to be a life coach? I love this video special how you can flip bad habits into something non condemning but of kind of a phase in our journey

[@ConorMcmillen]

I have training as an IFS therapist and use this therapy within my coaching. I'm great at what I do and I really encourage people to think twice about licensure or certification and make sure that it is really serving them or if it a default decision. I have a lot to say in this area but I hope that info answers your question :D Thanks for the comment!

[@nicolepapole]

+Thriving Minimalist .Com I would love to hear more about it! I have always been passionate about learning, growing and sharing with others to help gain and shift perspective. I always said school would take too long but here I am 10 years out of high school and it's still what I really want to do.

[@dianelimouzin-lamothe2160]

Is that really you Conor on that picture ? I can't believe it.

[@makenagichinga5960]

Hallo Conor. I'm new to your channel but this has really moved me. Is it ok for me to share it? Looking forward to FWF2019. Hope to see you soon.

[@dethwtch]

I like the septum piercing Connor! You pull it off man it looks tight.

[@ConorMcmillen]

Hey thanks man!! I super appreciate that

[@happyandauthentic]

Conor, I have to ask: is that a picture of you in the thumbnail?

[@Godisfirst21]

Do you ever have days that you want hard drugs again? Do you ever have days, you want to smoke weed again?

[@biomanization]

What’s the pain, man? I feel so much pain when I watch you. I wish you find a little peace from the pain

[@jdavis6775]

A natural minimalist with a nose ring? Really love the thought behind your actions and words but ornaments seem showy. Curious why you've made this choice?

[@ConorMcmillen]

I have had the piercing for over a decade and recently it just sounded fun to put in some jewelry. It felt like pushing my edge a bit and I'm liking it. I'm not really interested in adhering to any constructs of minimalism or other lifestyles, I just use minimalism as tool to bring more happiness to my life. Thanks for asking the question in a kind way. Much love to you

[@Justonevideoplease]

Wow!! Good for you for stopping!