Learning to Love Your Sober Self

There’s no better time to start taking steps to love your new sober self than on Valentine’s Day. 

Whether you’re struggling with feelings of uncertainty or guilt over past deeds, today is the perfect day to begin forgiving yourself and to start moving ahead as you learn to make better, brighter choices in life. 

Devote a few minutes today to showing yourself a little appreciation – you deserve it! A few small gestures can help you build your confidence and learn to love the new sober you! 

Do something that feels good. Nurturing your body is one of the best ways to achieve self love –whether you do some yoga, whip up a superfood-charged snack or just soak in a bubble bath. And don’t forget to nurture your mind, too. Carve out a few moments today to meditate, listen to an interesting podcast or do a crossword puzzle.

Create an enjoy-life calendar. Start today and schedule into each day this week some small thing you would enjoy doing – and make it happen. Some ideas: 

• Give yourself a pedicure or facial.
• Call your sister or best friend.
• Sit down and color or sketch.
• Try a new recipe.
• Begin reading a best-seller or self-help book. 
• Soak up the sun for 15 minutes.
• Start a new hobby.

Plan your future. Spend some time today setting some future goals (small and big) for yourself. This will give you something to look forward to in your new sober life. Just remember to make them S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).

Celebrate a small win. Take a minute today to pat yourself on the back for any recovery milestones or victories that you’ve recently achieved. Write them down and keep them in a mason jar or shoe box so you can reference them on those days that you need some extra encouragement.  

A Sanctuary to Find Self-Love

At Rising Roads, we have crafted an environment that will make each woman feel great about her surroundings, which will help her feel great about herself. To learn more about our programs and facility, call today: 866-746-1558.

3 Simple Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Friends

When you think about Valentine’s Day, what comes to mind? Chocolates, roses and candlelit dinners probably round out your list. While traditionally this holiday is a celebration of the romantic relationships in your life, at the core, it’s really all about celebrating loving relationships, which can take many different forms.

Given that, why not take this holiday to honor the good friends and family members in your life who show up for you during the good (and not so good) times? And, this is an especially great idea if you recently graduated from rehab. (Most addiction specialists recommend that you wait at least once year before pursuing new romantic relationships.)

If you’ve just started a new life of sobriety, you don’t have to feel left out on Valentine’s Day. You can still celebrate this holiday by taking the time to show your loved ones just how much you care. 

Here are a few ways you can celebrate this Valentine’s Day! Share the love and show your love!

(1) Spend the night learning something new!
It’s always fun to try something new and it’s even more enjoyable when you can do just that with your friends by your side. Sign up as a group to attend a yoga class you haven’t tried yet or get involved with a local cooking class.

(2) Give back to your community.
Have you thought about volunteering lately? Chances are, your friends have too. Take the initiative and invite your friend group to join you. Instead of spending the day showing just one person how much you love them, spread the joy around to your entire community. Consult some local volunteer groups in your area to learn which groups need some extra help.

(3) Host a Valentine’s Day potluck dinner!
Instead of spending the evening at a crowded restaurant, why not invite friends to join you for a casual dinner at your place instead? To keep things simple, just make it a pot-luck dinner and ask everyone to bring a home-cooked dish. And, to make it an extra special event – you can ask everyone to share their favorite story about another friend attending the get-together!

Rising Roads Recovery Center for Women

Rising Roads Recovery is a small women's residential treatment center in Orange County, California with the purpose of supporting you through your healing so that your addiction and co-occurring disorders stop causing havoc in your life. With comprehensive clinical care, 12 step participation, and an entire curriculum designed just for women by women, you are on your way to a healthy and happy life. Call (866) 746-1558 to learn more.