One Wild Summer

If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.

Recently, I had to make some changes that I knew were going to be beneficial to my health. You see, I am one of those people that yo-yos. I shed 20 pounds; I gain 20 pounds. Little by little, I start making excuses for why it is okay to start eating whatever I want. It’s a holiday, a weekend, a birthday, or I deserve it. I justify coming home from work and sitting down rather than doing something active. “I’m tired. I have this or that to do. I’ll do it tomorrow.” This is not a good place for me to be. It is that mindset that has me thinking, how did I get here again? I feel terrible.

Instead of falling back into my old ways, I decided to start working with a trainer, and getting up at 4 a.m. to go to boot camp. When that alarm goes off, all I can think about is that it is way too early. But when I get there, challenge myself, and dig deep to do just one more push up or sit up, I always feel better. When I send my trainer a list of what I ate during the day or when I choose between that one scoop of ice cream or three, I remember that being accountable to someone else is what keeps me engaged in being healthier.

It is okay to say “I need help,” and to seek out what we need to be the best we can be in all areas. I know today that what I put in my body and how I treat myself are directly related to how I am going to feel both mentally and physically. I am tired of giving up on myself. Being healthy is a choice that I am choosing today. It feels good to do something different. I am worth it.

Ask The Experts

One Wild Summer: Celebrating Sobriety Milestones

Summer is the perfect time to be active, to spent time outdoors, and to try something new. Mark Gerow, Senior Wellness Team Coordinator, shares with us how he plans to celebrate his seven years of sobriety this summer. Hint — it involves 211 miles of breathtaking landscape.

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Alumni Spotlight

From Relapse to Recovery: Q&A with Casey S.

Casey had been sober for a while when he relapsed. Determined to get back to sobriety, he came to Mountainside. Now, he looks for joy in the small things in life. In this month's spotlight, Casey shares with us his successes and hurdles. **Q.** What is the best advice you have been given? **A.** The best advice I was given pertains to not worrying what other people think of me. My friend told me, "You're coconut. Some people like the flavor of coconut. They like how it tastes, they like coconut ice-cream, they put coconut scented lotion on in the morning, they put coconut shavings on their yogurt, they like the texture, they love everything about it. Other people, they don't like coconut. They don't like how it tastes, smells, don't like the texture of it. They'd be happy if coconut didn't exist. It's not coconut's fault one way or the other. You're coconut. It's not your fault, and it's not up to you either way."

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Campaign

Brian H's Recovery Go-To's

Alumni Brian H. recently shared with us a few of his favorite things to do. He told us how he likes to unwind after a long day, his favorite exercise move, and his favorite health tip.

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Share Night Volunteers & Family Wellness Speakers

Jay C. Greenwich, CT 1409 days Seth S. Portland, ME 1202 days Michelle M. Willimantic, CT 963 days Kelly R. New Milford, CT 862 days Jean C. Simsbury, CT 576 days Cole D. New Haven, CT 491 days Allie R. Pleasantville, CT 439 days

Please email us if you are an alumni with 6 months of sobriety and are interested in sharing your story at a Share Night or at one of our Outpatient Groups as a Support Speaker.ms-alum

July Milestones

Click here to see all of the July recovery birthdays! If you have a milestone coming up next month, email us your first name, last initial, city, state, and how long you’ve been in recovery.

At what point in a new relationship should I tell someone I am in recovery?

Immediately. Be proud of yourself, your accomplishments, and your progress! Recovery is all about being honest, not just with yourself but also with those around you. Remember, your first objective is to take care of yourself and focus on your recovery. It is important that…

By Sarah Osborne, LPC, LADC, MATS