If there are two things that don’t belong together, it’s loneliness and recovery. For many of us, a profound sense of being alone drove us to the depths of addiction, which is where we eventually found recovery and a new way to live. Still, many who are just out of sober living or new in recovery find making friends a challenge. Not only are sober friends important to your recovery, but the fellowship that you find will be a great source of support and strength in the future. Continue reading
Memorial Day is often heralded as the unofficial beginning of summer, as it comes near the end of the school year and as the days are beginning to lengthen and warm. The holiday also brings a welcome break from the traditional work week, and brings a wide range of community events, cookouts and firework displays. It is important to remember, however, the true reason for this national holiday, and to take the time to respect the history of service and sacrifice that is the focal point of Memorial Day, which is why the team at My 12 Step Store is proud to present the following information. Continue reading
When you made the decision to enter rehab or sober living, your loved ones probably jumped for joy. Likely there was a talk of getting the “old you” back and putting this addiction business in the past. There is a common perception that people walk out of rehab and rejoin the world with no lingering issues. This, unfortunately, isn’t the reality.
Not only is rehab a difficult experience for most of us, but life after these transformative weeks or months can be a challenge as well. When you leave a rehab facility behind, you are also walking away from a safe space of sorts. For some of us, it almost feels like walking away from college and then trying to figure out what to do with the rest of our lives. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can set yourself up for success as you begin this exciting new chapter in your recovery.
It is important to take the time to build a support system in recovery as well as outside of recovery. Having friends and access to a strong fellowship is vital to building a lasting recovery program. Most people join a local 12-step group and meet members of those groups. This is one of the best ways to begin building a support system and meeting some new friends with similar goals.
Speaking of goals now is a great time to take a look at what you were doing with your life during your addiction and decide if that was really the right path for you. As recovery allows you to become the truest version of yourself, some of these choices will become crystal clear. Hazelden publishes a workbook http://www.my12stepstore.com/A-Guide-to-the-Big-Books-Design-for-Living-with-a-Higher-Power.html that is excellent for goal oriented people.
One of the great things about recovery and sober living is that you’ll find the energy to try new things. Those new friends that you’ve met will be great partners for some of these activities, but you can also explore the world on your own. Take up painting, running or even simple walks on the beach.
Early recovery is the best time to practice gratitude for all of the gifts that you’ve been given. Take some time each day to celebrate such things as your health, your basic needs being met, and your relationships. Not only will you have new friends, but you will also have the opportunity to work on and repair relationships with loved ones.
Early recovery is a time of growth and exploration. Take the time each day to meditate on the gifts that recovery has provided and worked on strengthening your program. For additional reading, check out our Hazeleden, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services published books personal growth and daily meditation books.
There are many important relationships throughout your life, but when you’re on the road to recovery your sponsor can serve as your confessor, your friend, your mentor and even in some ways as a parental figure. Your sponsor is primarily responsible for helping you work the Twelve Steps, and is often one of the most rewarding relationships that you will develop along your road to addiction recovery. Continue reading
Celebrating Mother’s Day isn’t just for your own Mom, it can be for a special friend who is a mom or even someone who is like a mom to you, but may not be your mom. Families are an important form of support during the recovery journey. So, on Mother’s Day, show your mom how much she means to you and how grateful you are for her love and support during this difficult time. Or how much you love and support her recovery journey. http://www.my12stepstore.com/product2563.html Continue reading
As the weather warms up, people look for reasons to get together and shake off the cold, dreary winter blues. What better way to kick off the summer season than a festive Cinco de Mayo party? While others may be out overindulging, it’s good to know that you can celebrate sober and still have a blast with friends and family.
It might surprise you to learn that you won’t find huge Cinco de Mayo parties in Mexico — that’s because this minor holiday isn’t Mexican Independence Day as many think it is. Instead, Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of a single victory over the French in the city of Pueblo. Why has this particular day become so popular as an unofficial U.S. holiday? The opportunity to enjoy tacos, nachos, Mexican culture and some serious drinking appeals to many Americans. Since going out with friends for a night on the town during a heavy drinking holiday isn’t a good option, what about some alternative ideas for hosting your own celebration?
Ditch the high-pressure bars and local eateries, and host your own sober Cinco de Mayo extravaganza! Mexican culture is bright, colorful and incredibly festive so hang up some paper lanterns or luminaries, toss some red and yellow tablecloths on your outdoor tables and have friends bring tacos fixings. Asking others to bring specific dishes such as a side dish of beans, cooked ground beef or turkey, shredded lettuce or cheese and taco shells or tortillas will take the stress out of a fun afternoon or evening event. Note that you’ll provide all the beverages to limit the chance that temptations could crash your party.
There are certain friends who may trigger you to make choices that aren’t in your best interest. Avoid inviting them for this specific event to be sure you’re able to relax and enjoy yourself. A great book published by Hazeleden The Latino Guide to Emotional Well-Being Mi Familia y yo: Guía de Bienestar Emocional Author: Staff from Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio. http://www.my12stepstore.com/My-Family-My-Self.ht
No matter how you decide to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, know that your sponsor, as well as supportive friends and family, will be happy to join you in making this Cinco de Mayo the best. Each day sober is another day to celebrate — find just the right gift to give yourself after enjoying your sober Cinco de Mayo at My12StepStore.com.
Road leading into a beautiful sunset
When you are in recovery from an addiction, your life will change in remarkable ways. It is important to take the time to celebrate these victories that sober living has brought into your life. As you embark on this journey, here are some of the miraculous changes you will notice: but first a great book published by Hazelden, talks about the wonderful gifts in recovery. http://www.my12stepstore.com/Gifts-of-Sobriety.html
When you are in the throes of addiction, it’s as though you see the world through a sort of haze, possibly not even remembering certain aspects of your life. Once you have made the journey into sober living, you’ll find that colors seem brighter, memories seem sharper, and you just have a general sense that you are getting so much more out of your life than you ever did before.
The friends you make during addiction usually aren’t truly your friends, and you’ll find that out very quickly once you stop using. The friends you make in recovery, on the other hand, are some of the truest friends you will ever have. Going through this experience together bonds you together in such a way that nothing else can. You’ll love being surrounding by people who truly care about and support you in your new life. http://www.my12stepstore.com/product2524.html
A big part of recovery is making amends to the people you have wronged in the past, and with that comes a release of much of the guilt that you have been hanging onto for so long. This weight off of your shoulders gives you a newfound sense of freedom that is incredibly uplifting. In addition, you’ll be free from the constant pull of drugs or alcohol trying to drag you back down into the abyss. When you feel free, it is amazing how much happier you will ultimately be.
No matter which stage of the recovery journey you currently find yourself in, you can find all of the tools you need to guide you on your way at My 12 Step Store. Whether you are looking for the Big Book, motivational posters or fun key chains, we’ve got it in stock. Take a look through our selection today to find what you need to help you stay on track with your recovery.
When you are going through the process of recovering from addiction, one of the first things that you will learn is the importance of self-love. If you can’t find it within your heart to love and forgive yourself, you cannot realistically expect others to do the same. Continue reading
Many people who are learning about recovery are concerned about how religion factors into many existing programs and approaches. This is especially true in regard to Alcoholics Anonymous, which is the largest and most well-known recovery program. The Alcoholics Anonymous was founded as a Christian-centered program, but it is also a space that is inclusive of people of all faiths, or from no faith at all. To truly reap the full value of a recovery program, it is important to understand the role that religion does and does not play. Continue reading
The process of recovery is a different journey for everyone, although there are areas of commonality that many people share. One of those common truths is that working with others throughout the recovery process and beyond is a powerful way to reach out and connect with people who are on their own unique journeys. Service to others fosters a different sense of self, new bonds with others and a connection to something greater than our own individual identities. The following thoughts can help people in recovery begin or deepen a path toward service. Continue reading
