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Overcoming Complacency in Personal and Professional Settings
Jun 19, 2021
Success does not rely on chance; it takes motivation, dedication, and persistence. Each time you accomplish another goal, you feel a sense of joy, gratitude, and pride because you know you put in the honest work to achieve the goal. Remember, the mission toward success and lasting recovery is a lifelong journey, and when you rest on your laurels for too long, you grow complacent.
Let Yourself Off the Hook Using Forgiveness
Jun 18, 2021
Most think of forgiveness as letting someone else "off the hook." Some even believe that they are doing someone a favor by forgiving them. Such an idea might indicate feelings of releasing someone from punishment and guilt. You might also think that such a gesture will offer a reward. Understand that while forgiving others for the right reasons is both healthy and necessary to move forward in recovery, you also need to learn how to forgive yourself by letting yourself "off the hook."
I’ve Lost my Motivation, What Now?
May 13, 2021
Early on in recovery, it might feel somewhat effortless to imagine and pursue all the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. However, recovery is a lifelong process, and as time passes and challenges arise, it can become difficult at times to want to motivate yourself to push forward until you endure. Doing the same acts day in and day out can bring you to the point of feeling completely unmotivated. Soon, the people and activities you usually enjoy might start to get on your nerves, and the meetings you attend as well as your work might not give you the same drive. Over time, doing the same thing may not serve you the same way.
The Connection Between Ambition and Depression
May 8, 2021
Sometimes when you strive to accomplish a goal, you set high expectations. You likely even visualize yourself reaching that goal which can help boost your motivation. While it is great to pursue goals and feel motivated, it can become problematic if you are more focused on achieving a goal just for the sole sake of saying you achieved something. Just like when you set your expectations too high, your goal becomes unreasonable, and you risk feeling upset and disappointed.
Don't Neglect Your Feelings
May 5, 2021
All human beings experience emotions. Emotions are a critical component of your life and survival. Therefore, you will experience a broad range of emotions; sometimes they are comfortable, sometimes they are uncomfortable. While experiencing unpleasant emotions is a natural part of existence, you might experience uncomfortable emotions more frequently in recovery and especially early recovery because your mind is still processing and adapting to your newfound sobriety.
Mindfully Coping with Complex Emotions
Apr 25, 2021
Life can often move quickly. The demands of your relationships, daily tasks, and work-related stressors can leave you feeling fatigued and overwhelmed with negative thoughts and an unproductive approach to life. If you keep living trying to keep up, difficult emotions such as anger, confusion, fear, loneliness, and sadness can begin to unravel both your personal and professional success gained in recovery.
Managing Your Social Support Systems
Apr 18, 2021
Long-term substance use can lead to isolation and conflicts with friends and family. When this happens due to substance use, it creates destructive behaviors and causes you to feel disconnected from positive change supporters. Distancing yourself from friends and family can make the early stages of recovery very hard to tolerate. However, rebuilding and reconnecting within healthy support networks helps to break destructive behavioral patterns and decrease the risk of relapse.
Is There Any Relationship Between Artists and Mental Illness?
Apr 17, 2021
There has been much fascination between the link of art expression and the artist's mental health. Interest comes from the fact that some artists are known to struggle with particular mental health disorders. The pattern dates back centuries. Among the more popular artists is the work of Vincent Van Gogh, who tragically died by suicide. Many now believe that Gogh's work suggests his anxiety, stress, and depression because of its eccentric and often melancholy portrayals of people and places.
Scales, Feathers, or Fur: How Pets Aid Recovery
Apr 15, 2021
Pets and their positive relationships with their owners are not a new concept. There has been plenty of evidence to demonstrate the healing benefits of having a pet. It is also no question that being a pet parent can have a beneficial effect on so many aspects of your life in recovery. It influences your mental, emotional, and even professional wellbeing. If you have not yet considered a pet, or are wondering if having a pet can help benefit you, then let's take a look at the responsibilities and rewards that caring for a pet can offer.
How Do We Stop the Stigma Behind Mental Health Disorders?
Apr 14, 2021
Many people who struggle with mental health disorders do not seek help. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, as many as 70% of people struggle with a mental health disorder on a global scale. Among the various reasons people avoid seeking help is because they have reservations about being treated differently by their family, friends, and strangers. Consequently, when undiagnosed and untreated, your symptoms can lead to a loss of professional or personal relationships.