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I was watching the sunset, in my beach chair, sipping on a hot cocoa in my backyard the other day. The sky was so colorful, filled with pink, purple and orange hues. It was so beautiful. I do this from time to time, contemplating life in the silence. To just be, with no distractions, no interruptions. Quieting the mind and watching the beauty of nature unfold in front of me.
It is in this place that I seek answers to things that I still sometimes question in my life and am unsure about. While sitting there, I spoke out loud, just a short, simple phrase, “What is my purpose? What am I supposed to do? Show me a sign.”
I woke up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back to sleep, and noticed my phone light up. I opened my Messenger app and there was a message from a friend I hadn’t spoken to or seen in nearly 11 years. In his message, he highlighted some changes he had seen in me, noted a few things about my journey, told me he was proud of me and he was glad he had the chance to know me once.
I immediately thought back to my time at dusk, questioning my life, my choices, and the direction I am headed. I was reassured by his words, that my choices and my path are moving in a direction that is both meaningful and purposeful. What this person expressed to me resonated so much.
Sometimes it is hard to see your growth, know if your decisions are correct, and whether you’re living a life fulfilled. Answers come in all forms: people, things, situations. Be open to receiving and seeing the answers. Pay attention to those things that seem like a coincidence, because they may in fact be the answer you have been waiting for. Please have faith that the universe is always listening. It hears you and it is guiding you every step of the way.
Ask The Experts
All You Need is Love
Alumni Spotlight
Opening Up: Recovery Q&A with Rada A.
Health And Wellness
The Masks We Wear
Mountainside is excited to announce the opening of Mountainside’s New York City recovery resource center. The all-inclusive space will be dedicated to recovery, and to empowering the community and addiction treatment professionals.
A Welcoming Space for People in Recovery
Recovery coaching
Wellness classes
Sober events
Game room and gallery space
A Wealth of Resources for Treatment Professionals
Continuing education courses
Networking events
Careers fairs
A Source of Support for the Community
Educational seminars
Prevention education
Support groups
Please email [Jessica Dolan](mailto:jessica.dolan@Mountainside.com) if you are an alum with six months of sobriety and are interested in sharing your story at Alumni Share Night.
As you heal and become more confident in your recovery, it is important for your loved ones to embark on their own recovery journey. Mountainside’s Family Wellness Support Group offers them an opportunity to do just that — to find the path to a happier, and healthier life. This free monthly group is open to anyone who has been impacted by their loved one’s addiction. During the group, participants will have the opportunity to:
– Meet others who going through similar situations
– Share their experiences, setbacks, and accomplishments
– Speak with a Family Wellness Clinician
We hope you encourage your loved ones to attend. To RSVP, please email [family.wellness@mountainside.com](mailto:family.wellness@mountainside.com), or call 800 762 5433.
We all love Adriana Popa. She has been such an asset to our Alumni Team. Her infectious smile and joyful heart have brought energy and fun to all of our events. We wish her well with her new role at Mountainside.
Stepping in to assist the NYC Alumni Team is CJ Alecci, a Mountainside alumni. He loves life, connecting with others and recovery. Welcome CJ!
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Mountainside can help.
Click here or call (888) 833-4676 to speak with one of our addiction treatment experts.
