Getting the Most Out of Summer

Recently, I became so closed off to the world around me that I was missing out on all the amazing signs the universe was sending my way. I wasn’t living with my heart. I was living in a space of self-pity and doubt, and that ever present “I’m just not good enough” kept taking over. I found myself sleeping in a little later, skipping the gym, and picking up food to cope with my feelings. And then it happened ⎼ I was standing in Target, talking on the phone, crying.

Sometimes we have bad days, but when those bad days turn into months, we need to dig deep and find the root of it. Life happens, and sometimes, it isn’t how we feel it should be or what we want. However, I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and with that comes a lesson, a reason to look at ourselves and find out what it is that we need to be working on or change.

I am grateful for recognizing when I need to move into action. I realized that I had not been focusing on myself, that I was allowing others to rule me. I began to feed myself positive affirmations each day, started a gratitude list with a close friend, increased my meditation, and got honest about some things I had been holding on to. I started stepping outside at night to look at the stars. I even pulled over one evening just to look at the moon. I could feel my energy beginning to rise.

I remembered that I am the most important person in my life. That if I don’t put my well-being first or ensure my needs are met, then I can’t be there for others. Self-care is essential. I booked a trip with no agenda or plan to California to see a friend. Just unplug and reclaim that self-love I’d strayed away from.

I’ll be heading to India by myself at the end of the month to continue my journey of self-awareness, and I am looking forward to what I will discover about myself.

What are your plans this summer? What will you do to challenge yourself? Do something to get outside your comfort zone. Don’t know where to start? Join the Alumni Change in Action (CIA) and camp on the mountain for two nights. Commune with nature, climb the mountain, and dive into adventure. Life is about stepping into your own, so get out there and claim yours!

Ask The Experts

Relearning to Have Fun as a Family

Rebuilding healthy family relationships is an important part of recovery, but it isn't always easy to do. In this month’s article, Tina Muller, Family Wellness Manager at Mountainside, shares some fun and simple ways to spend time as a family while strengthening your relationships.

Read More

Alumni Spotlight

Wesley B.

Wes’s road to recovery wasn’t easy ⎼ it took an intervention, 6 treatment centers, countless meetings, and lots of hard work. But now he’s healthy, happy, and helping others struggling with addiction. In this month’s Spotlight, Wes shares his journey and the most rewarding parts of his recovery. **Q.** What would you like people who are afraid to receive treatment know? **A.** Very few people in life get an “adult time out”, where they can look and reflect on life and look at the good, the bad, and their mistakes without outside distractions. A month may seem like a long time, but it goes by so fast. You will learn a lot, if you don’t fight it and listen to what the professionals tell you.

Read More

Health And Wellness

Tips for a Sober Summer

Summertime is just around the corner! For many, the season consists of relaxation, adventure, and quality time with loved ones, but for others, it can be filled with temptation that puts their recovery at risk. Safeguard your recovery with these simple tips and enjoy your best summer yet.

Read More

Introduction

Heather C's Road to Recovery

Did I make the right decision? Was it best to leave people, places, and things behind? Was it a good idea to get sober?

Read More

We Value Your Feedback!

Thank you for allowing us to have played a role in your recovery journey. We hope that you are enjoying this new chapter in life.

As you know, finding the right treatment center is an important part of recovery, but this process can often be overwhelming.

Please help others battling addiction to receive the quality care they need by sharing your experience at Mountainside on our Google or Facebook page.

We value your feedback, and we know that others will as well.

Connect With Us!

Staying connected is an important part of recovery. Connect with me on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all Alumni news and to join our private alumni Facebook group.

June Milestones

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).