How to Overcome Challenges

What if I told you that anything was possible? That all your hopes and dreams could become a reality? That if you ignored that voice in your mind that tells you that you are not good enough or that you can’t do something, that you could reach your fullest potential?

Over the last year, I have made significant changes to my life by becoming clear on what I want to achieve for myself. I began to work on my thinking, health, and the circle that I surround myself with.

Here are some of the things that I have incorporated into my life over the past year:

1. Start each day by making a gratitude list.
2. Choose a mantra for the day. Speak in the present tense. Say it and repeat it as needed.
3. Start a journal. Write out all the intentions for your life. Use as much detail as possible and speak as though it is already happening to you.
4. Set a goal. Find a partner and tell them your goal. Follow up with each other. Be accountable.
5. Get moving! It doesn’t matter what you do, just do something.
6. Make conscience choices when you are eating. You don’t have to give up everything you love, but trying to choose healthier options when you can.
7. Take a time out. Meditate, take some deep breaths or listen to something that relaxes you. This can be at the same time each day, or it can be anytime you are feeling overwhelmed.
8. Listen to or read a book. Don’t read just any book, but a self-help book, a book about something that inspires you to move towards your goals and reach your full potential.
9. Allow yourself time to rest. You don’t always have to be doing something. It is okay to do nothing, to sit and just be.
10. Surround yourself with people who are working on bettering themselves. You become who you surround yourself with. Find some positive people.
11. Don’t stop trying. If you fail at something, there is always a lesson. Stumbling blocks are part of everyone’s life. If it is something you really want, keep working at it.
12. End each day in gratitude by making a list.

Ask The Experts

Overcoming Challenges in Early Recovery

After achieving sobriety, people often expect life to get better, to go their way, to be perfect. But obstacles, set backs, and loss are unavoidable parts of life. When they occur during the early stages of recovery, they can be particularly difficult and threaten one's recovery. Dennis Bates, Detox Clinical Director at Mountainside, shares how he found strength in his sobriety during a time of despair.

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Alumni Spotlight

Recovery Q&A with Mark K.

Mark struggled with addiction from an early age, but now he is four years sober and living his life to the fullest. He has rediscovered himself in sobriety, made some great friends, and earned the respect of his sons. In this month's Spotlight, find out more about what he has learned along the way. **Q.** What would you like people who are afraid to receive treatment to know? **A.** Making major changes in your life is never easy and it certainly can be scary at times, but it is not nearly as scary as active addiction.

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Headlines

The New War on Drugs

As opioid-related overdoses rise, states are changing how they approach this nationwide crisis. While some are decriminalizing drug offenses, others are getting tougher on drug related crimes. Do you know how your state is handling this deadly epidemic?

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Share Night Volunteers & Family Wellness Speakers

Mark K. West Haven, CT 1598 days Matthew C. Litchfield, CT 1575 days Mary Kate W. Lebanon, CT 889 days Kristie L. Hawthorne, NY 624 days Leann D. Fairfield, CT 307 days Nicholas D. Stamford, CT 228 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 if you are an alumni with 1 year and would like to speak at our Family Wellness Workshop.

Want to Share your Recovery Birthday?

We are building a list of sobriety birthdays. If you’d like to have your recovery birthday featured in our newsletter, please contact [Jessica Dolan](mailto:jessica.dolan@mountainside.com).