Managing the holidays can be stressful, good and bad. However, for a recovering addict the holiday season may be much more difficult to manage. There are many strategies that people in recovery can utilize to stay clean and sober during the busy holiday season. According to Social Work Today, the following are four very important strategies:
1. Prepare ahead of time. Recovering addicts should prepare a "recovery kit." This should include his/her sponsors contact information, daily meditation, and a list of support meeting available in the area they will be in. Also, the recovering addict should remember contact information from other support systems such as a best friend, mental health professional, or other family members.
2. Arrive early, leave early. At most holiday parties alcohol and drug use typically becomes more prevalent as the party continues, therefore addicts should consider arriving and leaving early. Don't worry the host or hostess will not be offended.
3. Bring beverages. Recovering alcoholics should bring their own beverages to holiday parties. This allows for the person in recovery to have control over what he/she drinks. This can be a life or death situation for recovering addicts.
4. Have an escape plan. If a situation arises at a family gathering that makes the recovering person feel uncomfortable and the temptation to use or relapse is present, then action needs to take place immediately. The recovering addicts sobriety is most important. It is the responsibility of the recovering addict to have control whether they will relapse during the holidays.
If you need assistance with this type of issue during this busy holiday season or any other type of concern, please feel free to contact one of our trained professional counselors at 954-800-0108.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Words of Inspiration!
It's time for the holiday season! As a big fan of Dr. Seuss, here is a Christmas quote that I would like to share with you.
The holidays are meant for a time of love, laughter, joy, and togetherness with family and friends. However, sometimes individuals lose insight of the true meaning of this holiday and become stressed out and overwhelmed with the idea of finding the "perfect gift," having the "perfect" dinner party, and making everyone "happy." People get so wrapped in this, they forget about taking care of themselves. Here are some helpful self-care tips for this holiday season:
1. Prioritize. Create a list of the most important things that must get done. Checking items off your list will help promote inner peace and calmness.
2. Listen to your body. It's simple, really. If you feel exhausted, get some rest. If you are hungry, eat. Remember, it's better to have a refreshing start the next day rather than feeling burned out.
3. Ask for help. You are not a super hero and no one expects for you to be. If you need help with something, simply ask. People are willing to help!
4. Pay attention to your nutrition, sleep, feelings, thoughts, and expectations. Its important to focus on all of these areas.
5. Learn to say no. When was the last time you said no to a commitment? This refers back to prioritizing. If adding the commitment to your "to do" list makes you become more overwhelmed and stressed, simply say no.
6. Breathe. Periodically take deep breathes throughout your day if you are feeling stressed. This will help you relax and regroup.
I hope you find these tips useful. Feel free to give us a call with any questions, 954-800-0108.
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
It came without ribbons. It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
~Dr. Seuss~
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
It came without ribbons. It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
~Dr. Seuss~
The holidays are meant for a time of love, laughter, joy, and togetherness with family and friends. However, sometimes individuals lose insight of the true meaning of this holiday and become stressed out and overwhelmed with the idea of finding the "perfect gift," having the "perfect" dinner party, and making everyone "happy." People get so wrapped in this, they forget about taking care of themselves. Here are some helpful self-care tips for this holiday season:
1. Prioritize. Create a list of the most important things that must get done. Checking items off your list will help promote inner peace and calmness.
2. Listen to your body. It's simple, really. If you feel exhausted, get some rest. If you are hungry, eat. Remember, it's better to have a refreshing start the next day rather than feeling burned out.
3. Ask for help. You are not a super hero and no one expects for you to be. If you need help with something, simply ask. People are willing to help!
4. Pay attention to your nutrition, sleep, feelings, thoughts, and expectations. Its important to focus on all of these areas.
5. Learn to say no. When was the last time you said no to a commitment? This refers back to prioritizing. If adding the commitment to your "to do" list makes you become more overwhelmed and stressed, simply say no.
6. Breathe. Periodically take deep breathes throughout your day if you are feeling stressed. This will help you relax and regroup.
I hope you find these tips useful. Feel free to give us a call with any questions, 954-800-0108.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Words of Inspiration!
"Happiness is neither a virtue nor pleasure not this thing not that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing." ~ William Butler Yeats
Yes, this is true! As humans we enjoying accomplishing tasks, moving forward with our profession/career goals, fitness, and creating and maintaining friendships/relationships. However, sometimes we hit a brick or stump in the road and we have difficulty with life. So, if you've planted "seeds " within your life and are having difficulty with letting them grow or maybe you don't know how, call us and we can help. We can become your personal life coach.
Here are some useful tip for goal setting to help you get on the right track with planting your "seeds."
1. Goals must be specific. Define what you specifically want to accomplish.
2. Create steps to accomplish your goal. Steps should be small and manageable. Here you are able to see your progress.
3. Identify any barriers that may get in the way of you accomplishing your task. Create solutions to each barrier.
4. Identify a specific time frame for you to accomplish your goal.
Remember your GOALS must be SMART!
Yes, this is true! As humans we enjoying accomplishing tasks, moving forward with our profession/career goals, fitness, and creating and maintaining friendships/relationships. However, sometimes we hit a brick or stump in the road and we have difficulty with life. So, if you've planted "seeds " within your life and are having difficulty with letting them grow or maybe you don't know how, call us and we can help. We can become your personal life coach.
Here are some useful tip for goal setting to help you get on the right track with planting your "seeds."
1. Goals must be specific. Define what you specifically want to accomplish.
2. Create steps to accomplish your goal. Steps should be small and manageable. Here you are able to see your progress.
3. Identify any barriers that may get in the way of you accomplishing your task. Create solutions to each barrier.
4. Identify a specific time frame for you to accomplish your goal.
Remember your GOALS must be SMART!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Words of Inspiration!
The only Journey is the Journey within. ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
Regardless of age, race, gender, etc... anyone can face the issue of having low self-esteem. If you are suffering from it, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people struggle with this issue daily. What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is your overall perception of how you think, feel, believe, and see yourself. Self-esteem affects every avenue of life such as relationships, stress, work and school performance, and overall daily functioning. One way to defeat low self-esteem is by using positive self talk. Often what happens is our inner dialogue will make a negative comment about the specific task, thought, or feeling that we are experiencing. If we stop this negative thinking by implementing a positive thought, then likely your self-esteem will increase. Now, the key is to practice stopping the negative thought and implementing the positive one. This will take patience and persistence.
If you need assistance with the way you feel about yourself, we can help! Please don't hesitate to call us at 954-800-0108 or e-mail at kaceet@provide4.org.
Regardless of age, race, gender, etc... anyone can face the issue of having low self-esteem. If you are suffering from it, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people struggle with this issue daily. What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is your overall perception of how you think, feel, believe, and see yourself. Self-esteem affects every avenue of life such as relationships, stress, work and school performance, and overall daily functioning. One way to defeat low self-esteem is by using positive self talk. Often what happens is our inner dialogue will make a negative comment about the specific task, thought, or feeling that we are experiencing. If we stop this negative thinking by implementing a positive thought, then likely your self-esteem will increase. Now, the key is to practice stopping the negative thought and implementing the positive one. This will take patience and persistence.
If you need assistance with the way you feel about yourself, we can help! Please don't hesitate to call us at 954-800-0108 or e-mail at kaceet@provide4.org.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Words of Inspiration
Live a FUNCTIONING life at your fullest POTENTIAL.
When we take a look at the defintion of potential it means "capable of becoming or being." Everyone has the ability to be their BEST SELF. Becoming your best self takes time and committment. Reach down into your inner self and pull your potential to the surface. I know this may be scary and people have called you a failure. Remember, it doesn't matter what other people think. It's all how you see, feel, and beileve about you. It's important to love you for who you are.
When we take a look at the defintion of potential it means "capable of becoming or being." Everyone has the ability to be their BEST SELF. Becoming your best self takes time and committment. Reach down into your inner self and pull your potential to the surface. I know this may be scary and people have called you a failure. Remember, it doesn't matter what other people think. It's all how you see, feel, and beileve about you. It's important to love you for who you are.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Quote of the Week!
This week I had the opportunity to attend a training at the Mental Health Assoication of Southeast Florida on Perspectives Inside the Institution. The training offered persepectives from hospital staff and patients within today's psychiatric hospitals. Today, I want to share a poem that was presented during this training.
MASKS
Don't be fooled by the face I wear, for I wear a thousand masks,
And none of them are me.
Don't be fooled, for God's sake don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure, that confidence is my name and coolness is my game,
And that I need no one. But don't believe me.
Beneath dwells the real me in confusion, in aloness, in fear.
That's why I create a mask to hide behind, to shield me from the glance that knows,
But such a glance is precisely my salvation.
That is, if its followed by acceptance, if its followed by love.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from my own self-built prison walls.
I'm afraid that deep down I'm nothing and that I'm just no good,
And that you will reject me.
And so begins the parade of masks, I idly chatter to you.
I tell you everything that's really nothing and
Nothing of what's everything, of what's crying within me.
Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm not saying.
I'd really like to be a genuine and spontaneous, and ME.
But you've got to help me. You've got to hold out your hand.
Each time you're kind and gentle, and encouraging,
Each time you try to understand because you really care,
My heart begins to grow wings, feeble wings, but wings.
With your sensitivity and sympathy, and your power of understanding,
You alone can release me from my shallow world of uncertanity.
It will not be easy for you. The nearer you approach me,
the blinder I may strike back.
But I'm told that Love is stronger than strong walls,
And in this lies my only hope.
Please try not to beat down these wall with firm hands,
But gentle hands, for a child is very sensitive.
Who am I, you may wonder.
I am every man you meet, and also every woman that you meet,
And I am YOU, also.
Author Unknown
How many masks do you wear and with whom? How do you know when it's safe to take off the mask and show the "real" you?
I hope you find insight into this poem as realize that we all wear masks at some point in our lives.
If you would like more information about the Mental Health Assoication of SouthEast Florida please visit their website at http://www.mhaswfl.org/.
MASKS
Don't be fooled by the face I wear, for I wear a thousand masks,
And none of them are me.
Don't be fooled, for God's sake don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure, that confidence is my name and coolness is my game,
And that I need no one. But don't believe me.
Beneath dwells the real me in confusion, in aloness, in fear.
That's why I create a mask to hide behind, to shield me from the glance that knows,
But such a glance is precisely my salvation.
That is, if its followed by acceptance, if its followed by love.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from my own self-built prison walls.
I'm afraid that deep down I'm nothing and that I'm just no good,
And that you will reject me.
And so begins the parade of masks, I idly chatter to you.
I tell you everything that's really nothing and
Nothing of what's everything, of what's crying within me.
Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm not saying.
I'd really like to be a genuine and spontaneous, and ME.
But you've got to help me. You've got to hold out your hand.
Each time you're kind and gentle, and encouraging,
Each time you try to understand because you really care,
My heart begins to grow wings, feeble wings, but wings.
With your sensitivity and sympathy, and your power of understanding,
You alone can release me from my shallow world of uncertanity.
It will not be easy for you. The nearer you approach me,
the blinder I may strike back.
But I'm told that Love is stronger than strong walls,
And in this lies my only hope.
Please try not to beat down these wall with firm hands,
But gentle hands, for a child is very sensitive.
Who am I, you may wonder.
I am every man you meet, and also every woman that you meet,
And I am YOU, also.
Author Unknown
How many masks do you wear and with whom? How do you know when it's safe to take off the mask and show the "real" you?
I hope you find insight into this poem as realize that we all wear masks at some point in our lives.
If you would like more information about the Mental Health Assoication of SouthEast Florida please visit their website at http://www.mhaswfl.org/.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Quote of the Week!
The best way out is always through.-Robert Frost
Problem-solving is a mental process that involves analyzing and finding the best solution to resolve a certain issue.
The following are the steps to solve any problem:
1. Identify the problem.
Analyze the current situation surrounding the problem and identify the actual problem. Often times an individual identifies something that is not acutally the problem.
2. Define the problem.
State the problem into your own words
3. Form a strategy.
Develop a strategy to tackle the problem.
4. Organize information.
Identify what you know and don't know about the problem. The more information an individual as the more easily it is to identify an accurate solution.
5. Allocate resources.
Determine the priority of the problem is important. Is the problem of high or low priority? If its a high priority, then more resources will be utlizied. And if it is of low priority then less resources will be used.
6. Monitor progress.
Evaluate the progress made towards the goal. If no progress is made then, it's time to re-evaluate the goal.
7. Evaluate results.
After a solution has been reached, then it is very important to look at the outcome of solving the problem. Did you find the best solution?
Need help with this? Please call us for a free consultation.
Problem-solving is a mental process that involves analyzing and finding the best solution to resolve a certain issue.
The following are the steps to solve any problem:
1. Identify the problem.
Analyze the current situation surrounding the problem and identify the actual problem. Often times an individual identifies something that is not acutally the problem.
2. Define the problem.
State the problem into your own words
3. Form a strategy.
Develop a strategy to tackle the problem.
4. Organize information.
Identify what you know and don't know about the problem. The more information an individual as the more easily it is to identify an accurate solution.
5. Allocate resources.
Determine the priority of the problem is important. Is the problem of high or low priority? If its a high priority, then more resources will be utlizied. And if it is of low priority then less resources will be used.
6. Monitor progress.
Evaluate the progress made towards the goal. If no progress is made then, it's time to re-evaluate the goal.
7. Evaluate results.
After a solution has been reached, then it is very important to look at the outcome of solving the problem. Did you find the best solution?
Need help with this? Please call us for a free consultation.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Weekly Quote
"Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure." -Norman Vincent Peale
How do you feel about your life... success or failure? Have you assessed your attitude lately about the "facts" you are facing? Sometimes we as individuals need motivation to be our best and to do our best. Provide 4 staff can help you assess your motivational level and help you to determine ways to have a "successful" attitude. I leave you with this... I believe in you and I see your potential. The question is... Do you believe in yourself? Call us today, we are always willing to listen.
How do you feel about your life... success or failure? Have you assessed your attitude lately about the "facts" you are facing? Sometimes we as individuals need motivation to be our best and to do our best. Provide 4 staff can help you assess your motivational level and help you to determine ways to have a "successful" attitude. I leave you with this... I believe in you and I see your potential. The question is... Do you believe in yourself? Call us today, we are always willing to listen.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Weekly Quote
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
by: Martin Luther King, Jr.
New beginnings are difficult for everyone. However, new beginnings are necessary to progress forward in life with work, school, family, relationships, etc.. If you are having a problem with closing one chapter of your life and opening a new one by taking this first step, Provide 4 can help.
We offer support, guidance, and direction. Contact us today for a consultation. We are always willing to lend a listening ear.
by: Martin Luther King, Jr.
New beginnings are difficult for everyone. However, new beginnings are necessary to progress forward in life with work, school, family, relationships, etc.. If you are having a problem with closing one chapter of your life and opening a new one by taking this first step, Provide 4 can help.
We offer support, guidance, and direction. Contact us today for a consultation. We are always willing to lend a listening ear.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Quote for the day!
ACTION leads to your DREAMS!
Now it's time for the ACTION to lead you to your DREAMS about the life areas you re-evaulated previously. We all have dreams and our dreams can turn into reality with hard work and pateince. I believe in you! The question is: Do you believe in yourself? If you are having diffcuilty with answering any of these questions I pose to you. Feel free to give me a call to set up a consultation. My goal is to help you reach your fullest potentail in all life areas.
Now it's time for the ACTION to lead you to your DREAMS about the life areas you re-evaulated previously. We all have dreams and our dreams can turn into reality with hard work and pateince. I believe in you! The question is: Do you believe in yourself? If you are having diffcuilty with answering any of these questions I pose to you. Feel free to give me a call to set up a consultation. My goal is to help you reach your fullest potentail in all life areas.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Quote for the Day!
Commitment leads to action!
In this present moment, what are you committed to in your life? Work, school, friends, family, nutrition, exercise, etc...? If you don't feel any level of satisfaction in these areas, it's time to re-evaluate! When we feel committed to reaching a goal in the areas above identified, our self-confidence increases, which in turn makes for a happier person. Commit to re-evaluating one area of your life this week and see what "action" needs to take place. And then ACT on it!
In this present moment, what are you committed to in your life? Work, school, friends, family, nutrition, exercise, etc...? If you don't feel any level of satisfaction in these areas, it's time to re-evaluate! When we feel committed to reaching a goal in the areas above identified, our self-confidence increases, which in turn makes for a happier person. Commit to re-evaluating one area of your life this week and see what "action" needs to take place. And then ACT on it!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Quote of the Day!
Every flower that blooms has to manage to get through some dirt. - Author unknown.
This quote holds true to many individuals as he or she faces many challenges and life stressors at home, work, school, and in the community. Remember to practice patience and have a positive attitude. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. This is just one of the many tools to utilize to manage the "dirt" in your life. Please contact us if you would like to learn and master other tools to help you manage your life.
This quote holds true to many individuals as he or she faces many challenges and life stressors at home, work, school, and in the community. Remember to practice patience and have a positive attitude. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. This is just one of the many tools to utilize to manage the "dirt" in your life. Please contact us if you would like to learn and master other tools to help you manage your life.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tip of the Day!
People often find themselves overwhelmed with the day to day hassles of school, work, relationships, finances, and etc. These hassles or annoyances can lead to STRESS. Use the following relaxation technique to help decrease stress and any negative feelings you may have.
5-3-5 Method:
1. Inhale through your nose for 5 seconds.
2. Hold your breath for 3 seconds.
3. Exhale out of your mouth for 5 seconds.
4. Tell yourself "calm now."
Repeat this sequence for a total of 10 times for as many cycles as you need to. This relaxation techniques forces your mind, body, and soul to relax. Most importantly this exercise can be used anywhere during any part of your day.
5-3-5 Method:
1. Inhale through your nose for 5 seconds.
2. Hold your breath for 3 seconds.
3. Exhale out of your mouth for 5 seconds.
4. Tell yourself "calm now."
Repeat this sequence for a total of 10 times for as many cycles as you need to. This relaxation techniques forces your mind, body, and soul to relax. Most importantly this exercise can be used anywhere during any part of your day.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Quote of the Day
If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.
~Author Unknown
~Author Unknown
Friday, April 1, 2011
Quote of the Day
The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind. ~G.K. Chesterton
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