Motivation

It seems that the majority of those who enter into any kind of treatment are forced into it by something or someone. It could be a very unhappy spouse, or family member, the law, a job, or maybe even some kind of health concern. It could even be a person just "gets sick and tired of being sick and tired". I heard that somewhere. Statistically speaking, a large number of folks figure out they are not in control of the substance they are using in just a few months of use and abuse. Here's the thing though, it may take up to three years before those folks seek out a treatment center and actually get started in a program. Even then, it may be a half-hearted "I'm gonna try this program" attitude.

The "success" of any program has little to do with the program and more to do with the individual(s) in the program. Certain perspectives and attitudes can contribute to a successful treatment episode:

• Ask questions - Don't assume
• Listen and accept feedback
• Ask for help
• Take total responsibility
• Share honestly and openly
• Be helpful and supportive
• Let go of the secrets
• Stay away from self pity
• Be totally present in group

So, what motivates or gets you moving most? Is it gaining pleasure or avoiding pain (hassles). Figuring this out can help all of us get moving toward our goals. For instance, this writer is not very motivated by positives. I am more motivated by negatives, or avoiding pain and hassles. Obviously, if we are avoiding some kind of pain or discomfort, we are likely gaining some kind of pleasure and vice versa. So, start your self talk with your natural tendency, whichever one it is. There is no wrong way to do this. What ever fits you works. Check with your counselor for more details about motivation.

Ya Gotta Sleep to Dream

Sleep is a wonderful gift in our lives. While we sleep, our brains are shifting through our thoughts, emotions, and all the events of the day. While we are sleeping, our metabolism speeds up and we dream. Even if we don't notice our dreams or remember them later, we dream; probably about four times during the night.

Dreams are not always pleasant; especially during the first 6 months of recovery or after a traumatic event. Remember, dreams are not reality. They are pictures, feelings, and thoughts working themselves out.

More important than our dreams is how we work out our lives while we are awake. Key components of good health:

• sleep
• eat healthy
• exercise (even a short walk around the block is better than no exercise at all)
• pray or meditate 5 minutes a day
• spend time with people you love and are nurturing to you

The Covid Factor

By now, most of us have figured out that Covid 19 and its variants are real. To this writer, there is only one thing consistent about Covid 19. There is nothing else about it that is consistent other than we all have our stories about victory and defeat; about folks who had little to no symptoms, all the way to extremely healthy individuals who died quickly. Get informed, if you haven't already. Get information from various sources and make a decision that seems to make the most sense to you.