Resources and Skill Building

If you type, “creating a healthier life a step-by-step guide SAMSHA” into the search engine, a solid and helpful resource will appear.

I like this one. Here is a quote, “wellness is about how we live our lives and the joy and fulfillment and health we experience.”

I’ve been lucky enough not to struggle with substance abuse, but anxiety and depressed mood are often a part of my life. I’ve been a much happier person since I’ve learned to see the world in terms of skill building, rather than a fixed situation that cannot be changed. It’s often the difference between saying, “What I’m doing is not great” rather than “What I am is not great.”

This resource breaks areas of wellness into the categories: social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial,  and occupational. These are not in any particular order. Which I like, because if you change something in one of the areas…you almost can’t help but get better in another area 🙂

More quotes, “Habits become ingrained in us-and are often tough to change.”

“Establishing new, better habits that support our wellness goals and values can be challenging, but worth it. Developing healthier routines and habits in our lives can lead to positive feelings (emotional), relationship satisfaction (social), increased energy (physical), inspiration (emotional), and and a feeling that we are using our creative talents, skills, and abilities to engage in activities (occupational, intellectual, spiritual).”

This week has been pretty good. With the help of family and friends, I have returned to daily 30 minutes running or walking (physical). It seems to be working to run one day and then walk the next…every other pattern. We’ve been sending each other texts and pictures of our runs/walks (social!). My favorite thing has always been reading,  but sometimes the days are crunched. I was reading about the health benefits of fresh cranberries this morning (intellectual). I’m planning to attend a training in Duluth called, “Forensic Interviewing.” I’m learning that there are studied ways of responding to children who disclose sexual abuse that help in the court system (occupational, spiritual). I think the last one is spiritual, because helping the vulnerable is just.

In unrelated, and more selfish news, I will turn 39 this December. This begins a full year for my family and friends to plan an awesome party.

Don’t worry, I’ll act surprised!

Hugs and love,

Terra