My (not so) Private Obsession

My (not so) Private Obsession

Ever been so obsessed with something that itā€™s all you can think about? Thatā€™s kinda me these days. I constantly think about the Landing Strong Program. Itā€™s almost all I talk about. Itā€™s become a bit of a problem for me. I seem to have sidestepped small talk, and get straight to the point as Iā€™m so hungry to make it happen.

Iā€™m planning the open house, which will be this summer, and imagine what it will feel like when we receive word that we have been offered funding so that people might access services barrier-free.

I imagine myself being active with program participants: hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, swimming, doing yoga, pilates, and stretch classes. Heck as a clinician who sits all day, Iā€™m excited about being active together.

I envision active, experiential learning, where we work in community to remove barriers, address fears, and instill confidence and hope.

I see laughter, and I see tears. Most importantly, I see people regaining the ability to connect with and express their emotions appropriately, even after years of feeling angry or flat. I feel their hope and witness the dawn of comprehension wash over their faces when they realize that recovery is possible.

I anticipate people discovering creative aspects of themselves that they did not know existed, or that have been long forgotten. Iā€™ll know itā€™s there by the spark I will see in their eyes as they talk about what theyā€™re doing. They will tell me excitedly how they plan to carry it over into the community.

I see families engaged, and happily involved with program participants and our larger community through our family support program. I definitely see us all going to on-tree together. Maybe a picnic at the beach or having some fun at a local gym or pool.

I am planning the intricate details of the graduation ceremony; even making small gifts to give to participants as I plan the celebration.

I see it that clearly. I hope that you are able to join me.

What Inspires You?

What Inspires You?

I had a first responder in my office this week who totally inspired me.

In his journey of recovery, heā€™s picked up a new hobby. Itā€™s healthy, active, and encompasses much of his free time when heā€™s not working. He wonders if this new obsession is healthy. Heā€™s been great about being home when his partner is home, but in his down time, heā€™s all over this new passion.

I asked him about his drinking, which had been reaching alarming levels in the past few years. Attending choir practice is a routine form of debriefing where he works.

ā€œFunny you should mention that,ā€ he responded. ā€œIā€™ve been so busy, I havenā€™t had time to drink. Iā€™m down to one beer day.ā€

ā€œHow about your anxiety?ā€ I asked.

ā€œBeen too busy to think about it,ā€ he grinned.

Sounds to me like recovery. Recovery isnā€™t about not doing things. Itā€™s about replacing unhealthy habits with more positive alternatives. Things that bring us joy.

Thatā€™s one of the reasons we are incorporating leisure pursuits and physical activities as core elements of the Landing Strong programming. We know that development of hobbies and interests is not easy, particularly when life feels overwhelming.

So we do it together. Have a wonderful long weekend and Happy Canada Day!