Going Beyond Your Limitations

“Once we accept our limits we go beyond them.” Albert Einstein

A few years ago, I was in the midst of the worst depression of my life. I was fighting an internal struggle that eventually pushed me into darkness. A place I never thought I could turn back from.

What I did not know then is that there were many victories along that dim lonely path. Every day, I dug deep inside of myself to muster up enough energy to place my foot on the floor and continue to go through the motions of life. Although it felt like I was suffocating, I still showed up − even if I was sitting in silence. I continued to talk with friends and family about the same thing again and again, although I am certain they were tired of hearing about it.

I am not even sure how or why it happened, but I slowly began to realize that I had to do something. That I had to act to move beyond the nothingness I was feeling. I began to start my day with saying something loving to myself, eating better, exercising, and finding gratitude. Even though I did not believe it at first, eventually I felt it.

Lo and behold, a new, polished, more vibrant Jessica emerged. Since my light turned on, I haven’t stopped. I am simply living my life. Striving for more and going for it. I view the world differently because the experience changed me forever. I know that without it I wouldn’t be who I am right now, and for that, I am thankful.

Each month, I share with you a piece of my life. Now, it’s your turn! Mountainside is launching a campaign that will give you a voice.

Let me ask you a few simple questions: Have you overcome a challenge? Did you set a goal and achieve it? What are you doing in your life today that is amazing?

Through the #GoBeyond campaign, we will be able to recognize your achievements by celebrating your successes and the steps you take every day to reach your true potential.

To learn more, come to our campaign kickoff! Can’t attend? No worries, we will have more information coming to you soon.

Ask The Experts

Going Beyond My Limits

To celebrate his seven years of sobriety, Mark Gerow, Mind Body Spirit Senior Program Coordinator, embarked on a three-week journey in the High Sierra Mountain range of California. The 211 miles, known as the John Muir Trail, were an adventure but also a difficult challenge that pushed Mark to go beyond his limitations − physically and mentally. Now, he shares his story and the lessons learned on the John Muir trail.

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Alumni Spotlight

Sober Living Q&A with Lucas S.

Lucas had tried treatment before and wasn't sure if he even wanted to get sober − until he went to Extended Care. Now the thought of using doesn't even cross his mind. And he wants others to know that change is possible. In this month's Spotlight, Lucas shares what he has learned and how he has grown along his journey of recovery. **Q.** What has been the best part of recovery for you? Why? **A.** One of the best parts of recovery for me has been growing into myself. This is something I'm still very much working on, but getting sober has given me the chance to grow up and really figure out who I am, what I like, and what I want with my life.

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Health And Wellness

Healthy Ways to Indulge During the Holidays

Holiday foods can be one of the best parts of the season. That is, unless you are trying to stay in shape. Find out how to enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your fitness goals.

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Campaign

Jen G. "Goes Beyond" in Recovery

Every day, Jen chooses to go beyond in all aspects of her life. And there is nothing slowing her down, not even cancer. In this video, she shares what inspires her to keep going beyond. If I didn't let drugs and alcohol kill me, I certainly wasn't going to let cancer kill me. So, I made the decision, again, to do whatever it took to fight for my life.

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Share Night Volunteers & Family Wellness Speakers

Collin W. Great Barrington, MA 2364 days Ryan G. Oxford, CT 1374 days Suzanne M. Delmar, NY 1145 days Ricky P. Canton, CT 846 days Nick P. Bridgeport, CT 760 days James G. Seymour, CT 715 days Caitlin C. South Glastonbury, CT 320 days Helvi K. Cromwell, CT 304 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.

November 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.