Most people have heard the expression “fight or flight” – it describes every human’s reaction when they face fear. Often, being afraid of something is logical and healthy because it can help us make decisions about what action to take. On the other hand, too much fear can be a barrier to living our lives […]
When I came into recovery this year, I knew I had to do things differently. I did have a long period of sobriety years ago, but the concept of spirituality seemed to escape me and I knew that I had to come to terms with the idea of a “Higher Power” or I would be […]
Most of us spend more time on average with our working peers than with anyone else, and we don’t necessarily get to pick who they are. If a workplace is to function effectively and efficiently, we all need to work well together in order to get things done. While the majority of us learned as […]
Everyone experiences a certain level of stress in their daily lives – some stress is actually good for us. It can be helpful to feel a bit of pressure for increased performance or productivity. But stress that goes unmanaged can become a chronic problem. It can lead to negative feelings (anxiety, irritability, fear), thinking (self-criticism, […]
When I was in treatment, I heard the expressions “positive affirmations” and “try journaling” quite often. They were valid suggestions for people like me who suffered from low self-esteem and overwhelming negative self-talk. However, I personally found that I did not have the patience to sit and journal, and I really could not come up […]
It is very common for individuals in recovery to be told that they need to begin living a “balanced life”. But just exactly what is it and how can we achieve it? Living a balanced life simply means devoting time to each element of our lives that is important to us and enhances our well-being. […]
Individuals in recovery often dwell on their past and it becomes a barrier to a healthy, sober life. They tend to look to their past to define who they are today. But holding on to the past can hinder his or her ability to start again. Yes, it is imperative that newcomers in recovery deal […]
Many of us in early recovery find the dynamic of our family relationships gradually changes, and at times we need to set boundaries with which we are comfortable. Personally, I found (and at times still find) it difficult to set boundaries with my family, mainly because while I was using, I was very dependent on […]
For many of us in recovery, leisure or free time used to mean a time for “bad behavior”. It was the time I personally would abuse alcohol. Once I got clean and sober, it became very important to find new activities to occupy myself. That void needed to be filled with healthy pursuits or boredom […]
Humility is often considered a weakness but those who feel this way do not see its benefits. People in recovery sometimes have difficulty understanding the differences between self-esteem (assertiveness and standing up for one’s rights) and humility. Humility simply means showing respect to others and being open-minded. Individuals who display humility are not afraid to […]