Superman is Supervulnerable “Are you tired of trying to be like Superman?” When people go to see a therapist, often they have spent a good deal of their lives attempting to be like Superman. Trying to appear invulnerable, having no weaknesses will make us weak. Neuroscience has taught us that our emotions are a type of … More Superheroes and Using Your Imagination in Recovery
I am a fan of the Netflix Sci-Fi thriller, Stranger Things. If you are not familiar with the show, imdb contributor Charles J. summarizes it this way: In a small town where everyone knows everyone, a peculiar incident starts a chain of events that leads to the disappearance of a child, which begins to tear at … More “Rebellions (and Recoveries) are Built Upon Hope”
The British Psychological Societies Research Digest reported on a 15 week study of 377 adults that looked into which specific behaviors helped change to stick. Perhaps you, or someone you know wants to make changes to their drinking, substance use, smoking or overeating to cope with stress, isolating themselves rather than being with people, or … More Habit Change and Lasting Recovery
What’s holding you back from doing the things that make you feel alive? ___ Happy Halloween. I am sitting alone in a coffee shop. Dressed like Batman. You might think I am dressed up for Halloween. Nope. When I wrote this, it was October 30. I call today my Halloween warm up. The way I … More What Batman Taught Me About the Secret to Happiness
What do you think, about how you think? How do you acknowledge but then ‘ignore’ unhelpful thoughts? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section. Keep it Real
What do you think? I find it’s easy to get hooked thinking about and stressing over the things I have little control over. I can’t change my moods, I cannot erase my fears or make things easier. But I focus much of my energy on these things. I am working right now on settling intentions. … More I’m Hooked, and Sometimes I like It!
I came across this tool recently. It is a nice summary of self-care activities. What self-care practices do you find most helpful? For me, 5 of my “Go-to” self-care activities are: Walking outside – I try to get outside every day. When I am outside, I try to pay attention to what I see, any … More What Self-care Practices Do You Find Helpful?
Being in recovery from depression, anxiety or addiction is not simply finding a way to be happy. It is about boundaries, healthy self-care, communication and accepting both hard things and things you cannot change. For the rest of the article, “Four Ways that ‘Self-care’ will sabotage your well being” click on the photo. Photo by … More Pursuing Happiness Can Sabotage Your Recovery
Stigma lives within all of us Whether it is over use of alcohol or drugs, or mental illness, stigma will impact a person’s well being, quality of life and can lengthen their recovery time. Addiction is one of the most stigmatized health conditions that a person can experience. Whether it is over use of alcohol … More Addiction Stigma is Like Cancer to Our Recovery
Accepting what we can change is self-care. It is doing what we can to improve ourselves, our life, our work just a little bit each day. It is the ugly-hard-uncomfortable stuff. It is learning that no matter how old, stubborn, inflexible, proud or independent we may be, we can do something. And then we do … More Acceptance is Self-Care
Getting High on Recovery 