The Bright Side of Life

I was standing in my laundry room when out of the corner of my eye I saw the most vibrant sunset. Without even thinking, I threw on my shoes and ran outside. I stood in silence appreciating the gift the universe handed me.

When I was drinking or using, I willingly gave those precious offerings away. But what nature provides is never ending. Its beauty, even in its most destructive state, can be appreciated. Its power is undeniable.

Now that spring is here there are endless opportunities to witness the magic of Mother Nature. As the colors start to reappear, it’s as if our world is being reborn. Every day, I try to stop and take a piece of what I witness with me into the day. It reminds me how small I am and that I am not the center of all things.

I find solitude in nature and its ever-changing landscape. And what a beautiful thought to know that at any time in the day I can re-center by stepping outside or glancing out a window.

I challenge you to take note of what you see ⎼ watch the clouds pass, close your eyes to listen to the birds, feel the breeze on your face, or to look up at the vast universe we are part of. I hope that it will bring you a moment of joy, a smile or a sense of peace, just as it does for me.

Ask The Experts

Is Trauma Holding You Back?

We've all experienced fear, loss, and heartache. Often, we face these instances head on and overcome them, but some experiences can be so traumatic that we opt for burrying them, pretending as if they never happened. When this happens, our unresolved trauma holds us back from being truly happy.In this month's article, Andrea Kreisz, Clinicican at Mountainside, helps us recognize our traumas.

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Health And Wellness

Spring Clean Your Life in 5 Steps

Spring is here, which means it is the perfect time to get rid of the old and welcome the new. Learn how you can better embrace change and let go of anything that is holding you back.

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Campaign

Redefining "Being a Man" in Recovery

Have you ever heard the expression "men don't cry"? Maybe you heard it growing up. Maybe you still hear it today. There are many ideas of how a man should and should not act, and for some, being a man means acting tough and never showing emotion. And while bottling up emotions is not good for anyone, it is particualarly dangerous for those in recovery. In this month's article, Michael Ahearn, Recovery Coach at Mountainside, shares how he is redifining what it means to be a man in recovery.

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Share Night Volunteers

Michael T. Southbury, CT 980 Days Lisa C. Redding, CT 938 Days Nicole S. Shelton, CT 802 Days Carl A. West Springfield, MA 593 Days Krista M. Clinton, CT 421 Days Brian P. Oxford, CT 214 Days

Many thanks to the alumni who volunteered to speak in March!