Choose

It’s been said that the end is sometimes a new beginning. Much of how we end one story is how we start the next one in life. You might think that going out on your own means that you will be on your own. Not the case with the close of my time at Nathan’s House. It should be noted though that we are not on our own in recovery unless we choose to be.

Get Involved

My learning experience at Nathan’s House taught me a lot about what I valued as a sober adult. One such thing is human connection and friendship. I had to choose to be involved though for these relationships to have the time needed to develop. Once a connection was established I had done a lot in the way of maintaining a balanced recovery.

Community and Communication

With a community of friends in sobriety I made life much easier for myself. People were looking out for me. My friends asked how I was. They knew what was going on in my life because I was talking about it. If I wasn’t at a meeting they would text or call. I wasn’t on my own because I had a network of people that were watching out for me.

Routine

Another is routine. Up at a certain time. Off to work daily. Recreation time. Personal hobbies. TV shows that you enjoy watching. Whether it’s three months, six months, or a year at Nathan’s House you have a golden opportunity to get a schedule going in your life. The Alcoholic/Addict doesn’t do routine though. We reject the idea at it’s very core. It’s chaos and lots of it that we purposely choose and endure. As a protection from that way of life I have walled myself up with regularity.

Meetings!!!

What else can be done? Meetings!!!! Whether you are here in Boyne City or back in your hometown you have an amazing resource at your local AA meeting place. A chance to share what’s on your heart. A place to meet like-minded people and make friends. A collection of wisdom and experience that will understand what your going through. Trust me you can’t surprise these people.

Reach Deep

I look at my time at Nathan’s House as a timeout to figure out who I am and what I need daily to encourage healthy recovery. I learned that I need connections, people, and friends. I found out how important it is to have a routine. I found out about the things I treasure. Music, exercise, and movies. So reach deep and find yourself. Nathan’s House gave me the time to learn how to be on my own, BUT know that I am not on my own.  

J.P. Nathan’s House Graduate March 2018