An Attitude of Gratitude

At times, life seems like an endless list of responsibilities. To-do lists, schedules, obligations ⎼ it can get overwhelming. There are days when I want to cancel, avoid following through, and even ignore phone calls.

As someone who plans events, I know how much work goes into everything. I recognize that my lack of follow-through creates a ripple effect. That it affects others when I don’t show up to things I have committed to. So, I try to think beyond myself and focus on the consequences of my actions.

My values need to align with my behavior. When they don’t, it doesn’t feel good. I worry about letting others down. I ask myself, did my inability to complete a task create problems or delay something from being completed? Guilt sets in and I regret not doing what I said I would.

To lead a more balanced life, I have started doing the following:

1. Learning to prioritize life.

I have let go of the idea that everything must get done right at this very moment and started asking myself: What do I really need to get done? What can wait? What makes me feel good? What is holding me down?

2. Allowing myself to say no when I have too much on my plate.

Before I say yes to new things, I ask myself: Does this make me feel good? Am I being weighed down? Not being a “yes” person is a gift. It is a form of self-care and the best present you can give your soul.

3. Scheduling time for myself.

Nothing else is going to matter if I don’t take care of myself. I will eventually become overwhelmed, tired and unable to fulfill commitments. Doing things that fill up my spirit propel me forward in a healthy way.

Our lives will never be completely balanced. We have to make adjustments as we go but if we do so in a way that is aligned with who we are, what we value and how we want to feel, we can’t go wrong.

Ask The Experts

Getting Out of Your Head and into Your Heart

Do you ever find yourself feeling stuck, allowing yourself to let fear, worry, and stress hold you back from living your life to the fullest? In this month’s article, Emily Robinson, Senior Clinician at Mountainside, shares how service can help you to get out of your head and teach you to appreciate the small things in life.

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Alumni Spotlight

All Things Recovery: Q&A with Peter

It was his brother and sister who realized Peter needed help and took him to Mountainside. It wasn't until that moment that he decided to give recovery a chance. Now he is enjoying his second chance at life, rediscovering who he is, and sharing his advice with others.

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Health And Wellness

The Season of Giving Back

There are countless reasons to give back — to make a difference, gain a sense of accomplishment, form connections, learn new skills. This holiday season, show your gratitude by helping others. Find out simple ways you can make a positive impact in someone else's life.

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Share Night Volunteers Speakers

Nicholas D. Stamford, CT 624 Days Deirdre W. Bayonne, NJ 443 Days Robert W. Canaan, CT 399 Days Steven S. Canaan, CT 389 Days Alexander B. Stockbridge, MA 291 Days Matthew R. Atlanta, GA 277 Days Beth Y. New Milford, CT 244 Days

Please email Jessica Dolan if you are an alumni with six months of sobriety and are interested in sharing your story at Alumni Share Night.

Psst...Guess Who's Taking Over?

We’re excited to announce that next month’s newsletter issue will be an alumni takeover! A newsletter issue for alumni, written by alumni. Expect a new alumni interview, a personal story about recovery, helpful information to keep you safe and sober during the holidays, and much more! This is a great opportunity to hear from others in the Mountainside recovery community. Our alumni guest editor, Amy L., has been hard at work making this upcoming issue our best yet. So be sure to add us to your email contacts and keep your eyes on your inbox! Our December issue is one you do not want to miss.