Windward Way Staff Shares What They Are Thankful For This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for reflection on the previous year and to be thankful, which can be tough for recovering addicts. With family gatherings, cold weather, and memories of past holidays, it’s easy to understand how important relapse prevention is in the later months of the year. In an effort to combat addiction from rearing it’s ugly head, meditating on the gifts in life help to temper the anguish of this season so often associated with melancholy–from the small appreciation of music over dinner to the huge gratitude owed to our closest friends and family. What’s most important during this time is to focus on the good in life and be thankful for the people that lift us up.
Windward Way Recovery has an exceptional team that is supportive and nurturing, each with a unique perspective on life, addiction, and treatment. As the holiday season approaches, a few team members spoke freely and shared what they are grateful for.
“I am grateful for this second chance God has given me to live a healthy and sober life. I was so lost but now I am found and for that I am forever grateful.” –Anthony Fletcher, Treatment Technician
“My sobriety date is November 11, so every year I get to reflect on my sobriety and the gifts it’s given me. And I’m extremely grateful to be present with my family.” –Corey Russell, OCPAM Coordinator, Treatment Technician
“I am thankful for my sobriety, as well as all the people who have helped me through my journey so far. I am also thankful for my family, and windward way recovery.” –Kaleb Haeffner, Medication Coordinator
“I am thankful to have a career where I get to help others every day and work with amazing people. I am so thankful that I found the person God intended for me to spend my life with and that we are getting married this coming year.” –Veronica Parker, Clinical Director
“Even with everything that is going on in this world, I will forever be thankful of HOPE. It gives me the mindset and sentiment that tomorrow can always be better than today. It allows an individual to keep pursuing things and to grow.” –Chris Nguyen, LVN, Detox Manager
“I am grateful to have mental, physical and emotional health. The love and support of my family and an opportunity to help others every day.” –Michael Galvin, IOP Case Manager
“I’m thankful for God’s blessings- my wife and kids, all my family and friends, my health, my career and just being able to wake up every day.” –Fernando Osorio, Creative Designer
“I am thankful for my sobriety. Without that one thing I would not be present in my kids lives.” –Ryan Bouman, Treatment Technician
“I am thankful that I am alive. Not only for me but so that I am present for my little sister’s Christmas and I get to show up for my mother and help out with the cooking for the holidays. I am thankful for the community around me and how much love we give each other. I’m thankful for being here. Life is a blessing for all of us.” –Claudio Hayes, Lead Treatment Technician
“As I reflect on everything I have to be thankful for this season, one thing comes to mind. That is my family. I wake up every morning and thank God for my family and the life that I have today.” –Adam Gonzales, Detox Manager
“I’m thankful for being reunited with my deceased friend’s aunt, and having the opportunity to inherit his guitar. He was as close as a brother and being able to receive this gift is a true miracle.” –Ian Smith, Treatment Technician
“Life, Sobriety, god, aa, job, my family, my fellows, food in my belly, a bed to sleep in and a roof over my head. Erryday.” –Ryan Sauma, Lead Treatment Technician
Many thanks being given to family, friends, and the simple pleasures in life, like food or a job, all of which are possible to attain when a positive mentality is coupled with a sober lifestyle. Quite possibly the most universally appreciated thing at Windward Way Recovery is good health. Health is often the first gift that is overlooked and underappreciated when it is in attendance of life, but our staff have all lived lives that have taught them to understand its value.
Each and every person working at Windward Way Recovery is a source of inspiration, a wellspring of knowledge, and a cornucopia of support. It’s important to think positively on the recovery journey. The team at Windward Way Recovery encourages people to take on a positive outlook during the process, especially in the holiday months when temptation seems to be more prevalent. The staff is always available in times of need for loved ones to reach out, lend a supportive hand, and continue to help fighters fight the good fight. It’s important to think positively on the recovery journey.
Not only Americans during Thanksgiving are capable of openly admitting to people the things they are grateful for. At Windward Way Recovery we are eternally thankful for our dedicated staff who year around make life immensely more enjoyable and positive.
Join the conversation and let us know what you are thankful for.
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