The holidays can be a difficult time for those in recovery, especially if you’re still trying to figure out how everything works. If you won’t be able to spend time with friends or family right away, you may also be struggling with feelings of guilt, sadness or hopelessness; our society places so much emphasis on being surrounded by others during the holidays, and this often causes us to hold unrealistic expectations. We begin to believe that if we aren’t surrounded by a lot of people who love us – this “picture perfect” vision of love, happiness, food, gifts and celebration – we must not be lovable. The truth is, a lot of families around the U.S. don’t have others to celebrate with. Not only that, but there are a lot of other people in recovery whose friends and family aren’t around. There are still so many things to be grateful for this holiday season and changing your perspective may make this time go by much smoother.
Things to be Grateful For
- You’re at a place in your life where you can really start focusing on your mental, physical and spiritual health.
- With so many free resources and organizations who want to help people, you’re at a great advantage for finding tools to promote your recovery.
- This time of the year is a great time to start reflecting on how far you’ve come and where you plan to head with your life.
- If you have little friends or family around for the holidays, you can enjoy the day relaxing, catching up on movies you’ve missed, or volunteering to help out others. You have another chance to focus on yourself.
- You’re alive! Today in and of itself is a beautiful opportunity to learn and grow.
Back in 2015, researchers published an article in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine regarding the “rules” of recovery and people’s’ perceptions on what really makes recovery a transformative journey. These are the rules they found worked best: 1) creating a life that’s more conducive to sobriety, 2) being completely honest with others and yourself, 3) asking for help when you need it, 4) practicing self-care, and 5) don’t bend the rules! Perception is everything, and in all reality, the holidays are just that – days. They will come and go, but what matters most is that you continue to practice the path of recovery that you’re on. Stay strong.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-campus, we are made up of 2 twelve-step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
Call us today at 1-800-646-9998 to take the next step towards your happiness and health.
