A Fresh Start

By Andrea Dermott

As we head into the new year it provides us with a clean slate. We can use this opportunity to reach new heights and become the best version of ourselves. My name is Andrea and I am an alcoholic. I started working for Scottsdale Recovery Center in January 2019, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. In recovery, our main goal is sobriety. Goal setting, establishing a healthy routine, and staying connected have been the keys to my success. I don’t let my past mistakes interfere with my future and I’ve learned it’s never too late to start over. The only person responsible for my health and happiness is me — and goal setting keeps me motivated and accountable. 

When I set goals for myself, I like to make sure they are small and manageable. Setting smaller goals prevents me from feeling stressed and overwhelmed. For example, I recently set a goal to run a 5k race instead of a half marathon. I believe setting large goals that seem unattainable only lead to frustration and failure. In recovery, it is important for me to celebrate small victories to keep me growing and learning. I like to think of goal setting as creating a map that will lead me to my next destination. I decide which aspect of my life I would like to focus on first such as health, personal growth, spiritual growth, relationships, career, or finances. 

What is most important to you?

Think about what you would like to focus on this year and start there. 

The next step I take when I am setting a goal is to break it down and be specific. In my opinion, specific goals help them become more manageable. My list of goals always includes end dates for each of them. If there is no end date for my goals, there is no motivation for me to achieve it. Give yourself enough time to achieve the goal, make sure it is manageable and always have an end date. 

Then I keep in mind — life happens and there will always be obstacles that get in the way. I believe it is very easy to beat ourselves up when we fall short and consequently negative behavior like that is extremely unhealthy for my recovery. Positive self-talk and gratitude are such a huge part of why I have been successful over the past year. It keeps me in a positive mind set and lets me know that failures don’t define me. Failures only motivate me to stay focused, work harder and be the best I can be. 

After I set my goals for the new year, I establish a healthy routine in my life. Recovery comes first and that means I surround myself with good people and healthy habits. Creating a healthy routine keeps me from falling back into old habits. My new lifestyle consists of eating better, exercising regularly, and dedicating more time for sleep. These habits have reduced the stress in my life, improved my self-esteem and have encouraged me to be a role model for others. It was hard for me to embrace change, but the outcome was far more rewarding. If you stay dedicated to the healthy changes you make, they will become part of your new healthy routine. 

Lastly, the most important part of my recovery is to stay connected. Having a sober network will mitigate any negative influences and can show you firsthand that recovery is possible. 

Scottsdale Recovery Center recently introduced Scottsdale Recovery Continued Alumni Association and I function as the Alumni Coordinator. Membership begins upon completion of treatment and it is free! Our mission is to create a community of champions with unwavering dedication and unbridled ambition towards success in recovery. Members shall exemplify the interest and the desire to promote the mission and values of Scottsdale Recovery Center and Scottsdale Recovery Continued. We incorporate full dimensional wellness that can assist members with navigating the recovery process, making it part of their everyday lives.

We engage in monthly activities together that focus on eight dimensions of wellness including: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. These activities promote sobriety, enhance the recovery lifestyle, inspire others, empower people, promote unity and strengthen the core of our mission. I have had so much fun in recovery with this alumni program and really enjoy helping others on their journey.

This January remember …. it is never too late to start over! Goal setting, establishing a healthy routine, and staying connected with the Scottsdale Recovery Center Alumni Program have been essential to my recovery. I encourage you to make a change this year and start becoming the best version of you!

For more information about Scottsdale Recovery Center visit scottsdalerecovery.com.  Immediate help call 866-523-7634