Ever-Evolving You

Happy New Year, Mountainside Community!

Here we are, in 2021.

Whatever your journey has been, you’ve made it this far – and Mountainside has played a role in your recovery.

As I write this, of course, we are still in 2020: in the throes of a Covid resurgence, wrapping up what has been a year of novel challenges and creative/patient solutions. As a result, I find myself thinking about previous years, in addition to the one ahead of us.

We often hear the phrase: “New Year, New You,” but this truism fails to capture an essential characteristic strength of our community – the quality of unusual resilience, self-knowledge, and continuity with our pasts in the ongoing process of recovery.
Speaking for myself and those of the Mountainside community that I know and love, I find myself eschewing the idea of a “new me” for several reasons.

All the alumni and the extended community of Mountainside have worked hard to get where they are, and it feels right and important to honor that process. Nobody becomes who they are in a vacuum – and no one knows that better than a community of individuals working on issues of addiction. For this reason, sticking close to the concept of an evolved (rather than a new) self seems appropriate and inspiring.

Some of the most wonderful self-discoveries I’ve made have related to the interests/feelings/pursuits I always had – the self I always inhabited, before anything that brought me to Mountainside. I find that my interests and thinking & emotional responses are usually not new, but rather have evolved with my own experiences, and in the context of all the work we started at Mountainside, and that I’ve done in the year since I left. Never could I forget that first week at Mountainside: “who are you, Christina, and what is going on?” seemed to vibrate through my dazed awareness. That work, which is always ongoing, started there.

I hope I never forget “who I was,” even at the least hopeful of times. That person is still in there somewhere, and she’ll always be a part of me. I will continue to honor my truth and the path that got me where I am today. This is how I am going to be able to live as my most authentic self, embracing my future and the possibilities I encounter with confidence and hope.

So rather than capitalizing on the recycled idea of a “New Year/New You,” I’ll instead phrase it like this… writing from New York City, in 2020, as we evolve into 2021 – here’s to this New Year’s evolution, and the ever-evolving you. May you meet the New Year with a grateful heart for everything behind you and everything that is to come.

Let’s all stay in touch with each other (shout out to all my friends who already do). It’s the very best.

Hugs from Manhattan and happy 2021!

Alumni Spotlight

How Dylan L. Discovered His Public Speaking Passion in Recovery

From struggling with addiction to giving a Ted talk, Dylan used the power of spoken word poetry to embrace sobriety and discover his gift for public speaking.

Read More

Around Campus

Season’s Greetings Alumni!

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these tough times. The holiday season is always a fun and exciting time for me, filled with friends, family, laughter, and great food! Although this year is very different from others, remember to take some time to practice self-care! My favorite spot on campus is the waterfall. I try to stop by once a week to take in the fresh air and appreciate its calming, quiet presence.

Be Well,

Eric

Host Your Own Alumni Event

Do you have a talent, hobby, or expertise that you would like to share? Would you like to volunteer and give back to the recovery community? Sounds like you would be the perfect person to host an alumni event! This is a great opportunity to give back and share your passion with us. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing: interior design, home organization, finance, gardening/landscaping, art, music, creative writing, spoken word, and improvisation. The options are endless!

Click [here](mailto:Alumni.services@mountainside.com) to apply to host your own Virtual Alumni event and the Alumni Team will be in contact with you. Be sure to include your first name, last name, email, phone #, time at Mountainside, type of event you would like to host, and why.

We look forward to being a part of it!

New Support Group: Spouse and Partner

Last year, we witnessed our first-ever Family and Friends Virtual Support Group grow into a large supportive online community. The engagement from family and friends highlighted the need for another family support group, which is why we are excited to announce the Spouse and Partner Support Group. Open to anyone who has been affected by a spouse or partner’s addiction, this group is a safe space to share stories, listen to others, and get advice.

Learn More