A Life of Opposing Forces

De: Michael S. Millin, Danielle Makenna Forras

Narrado por: Michael S. Millin, Danielle Makenna Forras

This isn’t another story about addiction or surfing. Those are just parts of the story, a story of recovery, redemption, and adventure.

With unflinching honesty, A Life of Opposing Forces highlights the complicated but enduring relationship Michael Millin has with his parents as he navigates the interplay of light and dark in his own life. Michael shares his path from addiction to sobriety, challenging his own assumptions of recovery and confronting generational trauma.

In the process, Michael exposes the reader to the incredible world of surfing and traveling. Throughout his journey, surfing has always provided a safe space for Michael. The ocean was more than an escape; it was medicine—and the key to his survival.

A captivating memoir and profound portrait of disrupting generational trauma, A Life of Opposing Forces is a must-listen whether you are struggling with addiction or looking for inspiration in your own life.

©2024 Michael S. Millin (P)2024 Michael S. Millin

I was invested in the story the entire time

A few days ago, my sponsor recommended this book to me, so I decided to get the audiobook and listen to it whenever I had free time. From the very beginning, I was completely invested in the story and found myself disappointed when it ended, I wished we were further into the future so I could hear more about his life.

I connected with the story on a deep level and even found myself getting emotional at certain moments. It made me reflect on how my own past may still be influencing me, even though I believed I had worked through it. At the same time, the book also gave me a strong sense of hope.

To me, the ending felt open-ended, as if there’s still more to the story to be told. I truly hope that one day I’ll get the chance to find out what happens next.

Honest and Raw

What an amazing story! Mike was so vulnerable and honest and authentic. This book and his story will help others who struggle with addiction and demons.

The honest exposure of pain sent me on a quest to find out why I treated my kids the exact way I swore I never would.

The very beginning, hearing a daughter get to read about her father in his own words shook me. I would give anything to receive a journal from my dad (Butch Van Artsdalen who died of alcoholism at age 38) whom I never met. Sure there are lots of stories about his drinking days and his legendary surfing as the original Mr. Pipeline & all of those stories make me feel like I know a lot about him from the outside looking in. How everyone got to experience him back then. But this…this would be like taking a ride inside his soul, on his personal journey. Butch knew about me, I wonder if he ever had thoughts like Mikey did about River. I will never know. River is a very fortunate young lady to have a dad like Mikey Millin.

Wow! What a Wild Ride!

Mike has lived a life. He brings you through the struggles he’s faced, sobriety, and the struggles he continues to face in sobriety.

He does an incredible job with the narration. His emotion is present and real and you feel like you are right there with him.

Thank you, Mike!

An Unforgettable Journey of Struggles, Surfing, and Spiritual Awakening!

A Life of Opposing Forces” is an absolute triumph of storytelling—a raw, gripping, and profoundly inspiring exploration of the human spirit. This book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the highs of surfing’s exhilarating freedom, the crushing lows of addiction, and the ultimate redemption found in recovery and spirituality.

The author’s ability to weave these deeply personal and often harrowing experiences into a narrative that is both relatable and transformative is nothing short of masterful. The descriptions of surfing are so vivid and poetic that I could almost see the waves breaking and hear their roar. At the same time, the honest and unflinching portrayal of addiction and its ripple effects on relationships, family, and self-worth is heartbreakingly real.

What truly sets this book apart, though, is its message of hope. Despite the darkness of dysfunctional family dynamics and personal struggles, the story shines with moments of spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and resilience. The journey to recovery feels authentic and deeply moving, offering a beacon of light for anyone who has faced—or is facing—similar battles.

I was utterly captivated from start to finish. A Life of Opposing Forces isn’t just a book—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Whether you’re drawn to stories of personal triumph, spirituality, or simply love the soul-stirring beauty of surfing, this book has something for you.

If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a must-read!