Spring Forward Your Recovery

This month, I will be celebrating 11 years in recovery. It seems like only yesterday that I walked through the doors of Mountainside. When I arrived here, I hadn’t worked in over a year, was broke, lost all my friendships and my partner of 3 ½ years. I had no idea how to live, had zero self-esteem, and felt nothing.

I wasn’t one of those who got it “right” on the first try. When I left Mountainside, I went to a sober house. I didn’t take the suggestions: go to a meeting, don’t get into a relationship, get a sponsor, stop talking to old friends. I did the opposite. I isolated myself in my room when I arrived at my sober house, avoided going to a meeting the first night, and got into a relationship.

In less than two months, I was out the door. I knew I didn’t want recovery; I wasn’t ready. One night I found myself sitting across from this woman who looked like she was 100 years old. Something inside of me realized that I was staring into the eyes of my future. It was in that moment that I knew I had to make a change.

Everyone talks about “hitting rock bottom” and what that means. My view is that you can choose when you are at your rock bottom. The bottom is limitless. It is a dark, black abyss of nothingness that goes on forever. It will always get worse.

What I have learned since choosing recovery is that it isn’t a race. There is no finish line. We as humans are constantly evolving. There is so much to learn about ourselves. Growth comes each day. Celebrate your success, and most importantly, applaud your failures and know that if you are trying, you actually aren’t failing at all!

Stop using recovery as an excuse. Far too many times I hear people say, “I didn’t get into recovery for this,” or “Why is this happening to me? I’m not drinking or using anymore.” Guess what? We get to live this thing called life. Take recovery out of the equation. Realize that every human has ups and downs. We in recovery are not exempt from failure. What we do have are the tools and support to get us through any obstacles we face. We are, in fact, the lucky ones.

I have learned to live my life for me. As long as I am not harming myself or someone else in the process, then it can’t be wrong. In fact, the more I live my truth, the more authentic I am, the more I am supported and accepted by others. I wouldn’t change one piece of my story because all those scars, all those scrapes and bruises have led me to the most important thing: me. And guess what? I love me, 100%.

Ask The Experts

Get Better at Meditating in 20 Minutes

Meditation has countless benefits from peace of mind and enhanced self-awareness to increased focused and improved sleep quality. But practicing meditation isn't always easy. In this month's article, Megan Lutz, Wellness Coordinator at Mountainside, shares her tips for how to improve your meditation practice.

Read More

Alumni Spotlight

Finding Family in Recovery: Q&A with Sharon D.

When Sharon's family told her to leave home, she knew her addiction had gone too far. So, she decided to get help and truly commit to her recovery this time. Now, she is sharing her journey, what gives her life meaning, and the biggest lesson she has learned during recovery.

Read More

Headlines

Missy D. Shares an Uplifting Recovery Moment

By: Missy D. Today was so great, it was a hard to let myself be happy in the beginning, but a lot easier later. I had fun chopping the wood for the fire and helping everyone out...

Read More

Health And Wellness

7 Ways a Walk a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Summer is right around the corner and that means there will be ample opportunities to spend time outside. But did you know that immersing yourself into the great outdoors could also improve your mood and overall wellness, too?

Read More

Campaign

Dear Heroin

At some point or another we all have probably written a letter to our poison of choice. I just want to be clear this is not that type of letter. Instead, this might as well be a declaration. In this month's article, Michael Ahearn, Recovery Coach at Mountainside, shares his battle against heroin and what it's like to see those you love fall victim to addiction.

Read More

Share Night Volunteers

Many thanks to the alumni who volunteered to speak in April!

Anthony B. Newport Beach, CA 1118 Days Steven R. Enfield, CT 939 Days Nicholas D. Stamford, CT 805 Days Deirdre W. Bayonne, NJ 624 Days Victoria C. Shelton, CT 450 Days Jessica B. Morris, CT 337 Days Peter V. Canton, CT 296 Days Rada A. Southfields, NY 219 Days

Please email Jessica Dolan if you are an alum with six months of sobriety and are interested in sharing your story at Alumni Share Night.