This past month I have had a chance to think a lot about what really makes me happy and what really makes me sad. Have you ever thought about that? Sometimes, as people we often forget about our needs and what makes us happy because we are too busy trying to help and take care of others.
We naturally try to please others for a lot of reasons. Maybe you have your own issues going on inside yourself and you like to push the focus on others. Possibly you are trying to impress someone and are going above and beyond forgetting about your own needs…or maybe you are looking for approval you will never fully gain. What really got me thinking about this today and inspired me to write was a quote I read on a friend’s page.
“The pain of not doing what is expected of you is far greater than the satisfaction of doing what is.” -(unknown) Have you felt this pain? It cuts deep.
So as humans what do we do, we try to mask our pain and pretend everything is ok. No one wants to not feel good enough. We are always looking for an escape from pain and we do this in many forms. Some people will turn to drug abuse, alcohol abuse or hide away from it all and become depressed. While others who are lucky and may be a little bit stronger, are able to identify the issue and face the problems head on.
Strength, confidence, and faith are key assets that are going to help anyone do what really truly deep down makes them happy. What faith means to each person is a relative. Faith for me is staying strong and keeping a positive attitude, while faith for others could have a Christian or Karma meaning behind it.
The one thing I have learned in life, is there will be pain…there is no way to avoid this. But this pain is going to be what makes you strong, what helps you appreciate the happiness and if you can harness it and can figure out deep down how to live your very own healthy happy life...then you my friend are doing well. Take a step back and look at your life from the outside…are you self inflicting pain?...Read the quote again.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
MARY-JANE...HEMP...GANJA...MARIJUANA...POT
“It’s not bad for you, it’s an herb”…”It’s natural because it grows from the earth and seeds”…”It calms me down and takes my stress away.” Those are just some of the most common sayings I hear when people start talking about Marijuana, “The Gateway Drug.”
What most people won’t hear or realize is that this drug is one used by 158.8 million people around the world and among those millions of people (roughly) 6.7% of those users are 12-17 years old. A very young and impressionable time looking back on your life where you should be learning how to deal with life’s stressors on your own and with the help of others…rather than turning to a drug. Yes, pot is a drug.
Marijuana is a drug that is extremely easy to develop a drug dependence on, even though most people say it is not addictive. You get addicted to the feeling of relaxation. It becomes an escape from your everyday life and often people start needing to smoke before they do everyday activities. When this starts to happen, then yes, you are an addict and it is not too late.
One of the most frustrating experiences I can remember with weed was when I was with a group of friends and we were up bright and early ready to hit the slopes to ski. I love waking up and making the first tracks in the corduroy while avoiding the massive lines of snowbunnies. After getting all excited about beating everyone up there, one of my good friends quickly put the first run on hold claiming, “I forgot to grab my blunt back at the cabin, Brittney we have to go back and get it because boarding just won’t be the same without it.” Relentlessly, I eventually gave into this request since I saw I was getting nowhere in the argument and didn’t want to ruin everyone’s time.
Lots of people claim that weed is a drug that helps them concentrate. I’ll often hear people talk about preferring to drive when smoking weed versus drinking. But next to alcohol, marijuana is the second most common substance found in drivers involved in fatal automobile accidents. Doesn’t sound like the smartest choice now does it?
All of these experiences and stories are signs of drug dependence and it is so important for people to recognize these signs and look for drug addiction recovery help before this gateway drug leads to bigger demons.
What most people won’t hear or realize is that this drug is one used by 158.8 million people around the world and among those millions of people (roughly) 6.7% of those users are 12-17 years old. A very young and impressionable time looking back on your life where you should be learning how to deal with life’s stressors on your own and with the help of others…rather than turning to a drug. Yes, pot is a drug.
Marijuana is a drug that is extremely easy to develop a drug dependence on, even though most people say it is not addictive. You get addicted to the feeling of relaxation. It becomes an escape from your everyday life and often people start needing to smoke before they do everyday activities. When this starts to happen, then yes, you are an addict and it is not too late.
One of the most frustrating experiences I can remember with weed was when I was with a group of friends and we were up bright and early ready to hit the slopes to ski. I love waking up and making the first tracks in the corduroy while avoiding the massive lines of snowbunnies. After getting all excited about beating everyone up there, one of my good friends quickly put the first run on hold claiming, “I forgot to grab my blunt back at the cabin, Brittney we have to go back and get it because boarding just won’t be the same without it.” Relentlessly, I eventually gave into this request since I saw I was getting nowhere in the argument and didn’t want to ruin everyone’s time.
Lots of people claim that weed is a drug that helps them concentrate. I’ll often hear people talk about preferring to drive when smoking weed versus drinking. But next to alcohol, marijuana is the second most common substance found in drivers involved in fatal automobile accidents. Doesn’t sound like the smartest choice now does it?
All of these experiences and stories are signs of drug dependence and it is so important for people to recognize these signs and look for drug addiction recovery help before this gateway drug leads to bigger demons.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
What the RIGHT drugs can do for you...
The first thing any addict or person seeking help needs to understand is, you are not alone in this uncontrollable behavior. There are many “average” people out there as well as a ton of celebrities such as Kirstie Alley, Britney Spears and Johnny Depp that can relate to hitting rock bottom and the road to recovery from all sorts of different kinds of addictions.
You generally first think of drug and alcohol addiction, but really there are many other addictions that can be just as detrimental too your health. Kirstie Alley has dealt with a food addiction since childhood and is still struggling against the battle today alongside of her drug addiction.
When making changes for a healthy lifestyle free from any sort of addiction you need to remember how too treat your body right and how nourish it as well as how not too abuse it! You are given one body, heart, mind and soul in this lifetime and taking care of it should be your number one priority.
Feeding yourself the right nutrients, getting enough sleep and living your life with everything in moderation are great keys to keeping yourself in the pattern of a happy and healthy life. Exercise and what we put in our mouths are both things that we can control.
I’m not just talking about what you shouldn’t put in your pie hole, but also what you should! The right vitamins and nutrients in your system will help your body function in a more efficient and productive way. Taking daily vitamins to make up for the lack in your diet could be the very thing you need to give you the extra boost of energy and confidence you’re lacking.
Vitamins are not only necessary for staying healthy, they play a big role in our metabolism, and can lead to serious health problems if we are not feeding our body the right nutrients it needs. Great exterior things will start happening to your body: your hair will get shiner, your skin will brighten and your nails will get stronger. But also on the inside your brain power will increase and your lack in energy and motivation will get a jumpstart! I recommend the new chewy gummy bear multi-vites, they are delicious!
You generally first think of drug and alcohol addiction, but really there are many other addictions that can be just as detrimental too your health. Kirstie Alley has dealt with a food addiction since childhood and is still struggling against the battle today alongside of her drug addiction.
When making changes for a healthy lifestyle free from any sort of addiction you need to remember how too treat your body right and how nourish it as well as how not too abuse it! You are given one body, heart, mind and soul in this lifetime and taking care of it should be your number one priority.
Feeding yourself the right nutrients, getting enough sleep and living your life with everything in moderation are great keys to keeping yourself in the pattern of a happy and healthy life. Exercise and what we put in our mouths are both things that we can control.
I’m not just talking about what you shouldn’t put in your pie hole, but also what you should! The right vitamins and nutrients in your system will help your body function in a more efficient and productive way. Taking daily vitamins to make up for the lack in your diet could be the very thing you need to give you the extra boost of energy and confidence you’re lacking.
Vitamins are not only necessary for staying healthy, they play a big role in our metabolism, and can lead to serious health problems if we are not feeding our body the right nutrients it needs. Great exterior things will start happening to your body: your hair will get shiner, your skin will brighten and your nails will get stronger. But also on the inside your brain power will increase and your lack in energy and motivation will get a jumpstart! I recommend the new chewy gummy bear multi-vites, they are delicious!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Family Recovery
Naturally when most people think of family their first instinct is to think of their blood relatives. But in my world I like to imagine a broader definition; people in your life who love and support you unconditionally, who will help you through all of your struggles, the good and the bad and will be there to give you tough love in your darkest times of need.
When dealing with addiction recovery it is so important that the family network is educated and aware of their role in the recovery process. Often times the cycle of addiction becomes a vicious one of the family enabling the addict and allowing them selves to be manipulated.
By simply giving money for groceries or bills you often times are supporting their addiction blindly. No one wants to believe that they are helping their child, brother or friend in carrying on a habit that is slowly killing them, but unfortunately sometimes you can do this unknowingly.
That is why family recovery becomes such an important factor in the process of the individual’s recovery as a whole. It is not about being a friend and apologizing to them for getting them help. Actually in most cases it is about forcing yourself to stop helping them. The harsh reality is unless they come to ask you for treatment they are most liking going to be very angry with you that you are questioning their unhealthy habits. The best thing any family can do in this situation is to grow a very strong backbone and face the issue head on.
It is very hard for some families to call their loved one an “addict” and is even harder to realize this will be a lifelong battle. The words “drug addict” and “alcoholic” have a ridiculously bad stigma placed upon them to society and people are simply afraid to use it in fear of being judged or are still in denial. Just because you have this disease does not mean you or your loved one is a BAD person! Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate just like any other illness and it takes no prisoners.
The sooner the family recovery process begins, the better for everyone. Take initiative to look for signs of addiction if you are suspicious and worried. If there is out of the ordinary behavior such as sleeping all day, not eating or your loved one becomes introverted and closed off. Don’t be afraid to ask them what is going on? Never be embarrassed or ashamed to seek out help to educate yourself and the family network because you very well could be saving their life. If there is life, there is still hope for your loved one’s recovery.
When dealing with addiction recovery it is so important that the family network is educated and aware of their role in the recovery process. Often times the cycle of addiction becomes a vicious one of the family enabling the addict and allowing them selves to be manipulated.
By simply giving money for groceries or bills you often times are supporting their addiction blindly. No one wants to believe that they are helping their child, brother or friend in carrying on a habit that is slowly killing them, but unfortunately sometimes you can do this unknowingly.
That is why family recovery becomes such an important factor in the process of the individual’s recovery as a whole. It is not about being a friend and apologizing to them for getting them help. Actually in most cases it is about forcing yourself to stop helping them. The harsh reality is unless they come to ask you for treatment they are most liking going to be very angry with you that you are questioning their unhealthy habits. The best thing any family can do in this situation is to grow a very strong backbone and face the issue head on.
It is very hard for some families to call their loved one an “addict” and is even harder to realize this will be a lifelong battle. The words “drug addict” and “alcoholic” have a ridiculously bad stigma placed upon them to society and people are simply afraid to use it in fear of being judged or are still in denial. Just because you have this disease does not mean you or your loved one is a BAD person! Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate just like any other illness and it takes no prisoners.
The sooner the family recovery process begins, the better for everyone. Take initiative to look for signs of addiction if you are suspicious and worried. If there is out of the ordinary behavior such as sleeping all day, not eating or your loved one becomes introverted and closed off. Don’t be afraid to ask them what is going on? Never be embarrassed or ashamed to seek out help to educate yourself and the family network because you very well could be saving their life. If there is life, there is still hope for your loved one’s recovery.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
It's never too late..
If everyone had the choice of finding the perfect road to recovery it would begin with them admitting they have a problem and asking for help. Their family & friends would be there every step of the way for support, and they may even be able to recognize their addiction before they cause irreversible damage to themselves or loved ones around them. This scenario unfortunately is far and few between in the world of drug & alcohol addiction.
I can’t stress enough that it is never too late to begin that journey to a healthy and happy substance free lifestyle! A lifestyle where you can eat, sleep and breathe free of your next move being controlled by addiction. This is a lifestyle where family, friends, fun and your health become a priority in place of the drug & alcohol addiction.
For the lucky ones, the choice will become clear to you in a positive moment of realization; possibly becoming a parent, an aunt/uncle or maybe even a great job offering can open your eyes and remind you that there is a better world out there. But for most, treatment often times will be a forced punishment after an arrest, overdose or possibly breaking bail. All I can hope for is that your moment of truth comes before the disease turns tragic and takes you.
What you may think is a harmless puff of marijuana or your exciting first sip of beer can be the very source that triggers your addiction into an uncontrollable downward spiral. Remember before placing any blame that the addiction has always been there, lurking in the background and it was only a matter of time before it affected your life.
It is hard to accept that the drug controls you and you quickly turn to look for any excuse to justify your use. Maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend breaking up with you, your car breaks down or you get into a feud with your family. All of these excuses are hiding what you’re really afraid of admitting; you have a disease. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
Whether it is a forced punishment, a positive moment in your life or hitting rock bottom to make you realize you need to beat the addiction disease and live life to the fullest again…always remember it is never too late to begin this journey.
I can’t stress enough that it is never too late to begin that journey to a healthy and happy substance free lifestyle! A lifestyle where you can eat, sleep and breathe free of your next move being controlled by addiction. This is a lifestyle where family, friends, fun and your health become a priority in place of the drug & alcohol addiction.
For the lucky ones, the choice will become clear to you in a positive moment of realization; possibly becoming a parent, an aunt/uncle or maybe even a great job offering can open your eyes and remind you that there is a better world out there. But for most, treatment often times will be a forced punishment after an arrest, overdose or possibly breaking bail. All I can hope for is that your moment of truth comes before the disease turns tragic and takes you.
What you may think is a harmless puff of marijuana or your exciting first sip of beer can be the very source that triggers your addiction into an uncontrollable downward spiral. Remember before placing any blame that the addiction has always been there, lurking in the background and it was only a matter of time before it affected your life.
It is hard to accept that the drug controls you and you quickly turn to look for any excuse to justify your use. Maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend breaking up with you, your car breaks down or you get into a feud with your family. All of these excuses are hiding what you’re really afraid of admitting; you have a disease. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
Whether it is a forced punishment, a positive moment in your life or hitting rock bottom to make you realize you need to beat the addiction disease and live life to the fullest again…always remember it is never too late to begin this journey.
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