What does New Year’s mean to someone in recovery? What opportunities await you in 2012?
As we begin another new year, TV shows, magazines, newspapers and the Web are filled with ideas for creating a new you, keeping resolutions, making changes inside and out. They shout at you with promises of 10 easy steps or five quick tips.
For those in recovery, every day is New Year’s Day – another chance to start fresh, to make positive choices and to claim victory over substance abuse or alcohol addiction. Anyone working a program knows change isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a daily process. There are no shortcuts and no quick fixes. A healthy, substance-free life is hard work. But the rewards are oh-so worth it. (more…)
The clock struck midnight, the ball dropped and a new year has been ushered in.
As the holidays approach and the to-do list grows, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed. The growing Christmas list, the crowds at the mall, the long lines at the grocery store, the endless parties and obligations… before you know it, you’re stressed out. It doesn’t help that the days are shorter and colder, making it tempting to huddle inside where it’s warm and hibernate. But the winter weather has more to offer than just chapped lips and static cling. The nature around us can do a lot to combat stress and depression – if you’ll only give it the chance.