A Harvest House, Sober Living for Women

11/22/2021

I love Thanksgiving week . The cooking , remembering to be grateful , the family , the friends , the love , thanking God, putting everything else aside. I learned in AA , if holidays are hard, reach out. We’re here to help. ❤️🙏🏻

11/10/2021

I have seen a significant increase in co-occurring or primary mental health disorders in our work at A Harvest House Sober Living for Women over the last twenty months. . The medical care providers who help us are more important than ever.

We have a lot of healing to do.

Authorities must provide adequate coverage and prepare for an escalation in cases needing treatment as steep as that of the pandemic itself.

06/05/2021

This Harvard professor explains the science of happiness. Can we create happiness in our lives? The answer is yes !

Some high points :

Studies show gratitude lists can increase happiness by 25 percent . He said everyone should do them!

Top predictors of happiness are faith , family , friends and work that has purpose , in service of others.

As a feeling , happiness is sustainable only when shared . Otherwise it’s fleeting , unpredictable and circumstance dependent .

When we practice happiness, even though we are not feeling great , in the moment and over time, we become more happy. He used the phrase “fake it until you make it.” Contrary action lifts us up.

He also talked about introverts and extroverts and how we can learn from each other in ways that make us more happy .

❤️







https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/06/02/arthur-c-brooks-becoming-happier-acfc-full-episode.cnn?fbclid=IwAR3ctpvsTPVItGsj5ukrlW9yb0_qqQYjDS_TW-wY8ut18PL6trIsetsjhLI

The Atlantic columnist, podcast host and Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks shares lessons the coronavirus pandemic taught us about introverted and extroverted people becoming happier. Watch Anderson Cooper Full Circle on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6pm E.T.

02/11/2021

For 12 years, we have been doing something in the house , with over 600 women, that was revolutionary 80 years ago and still is today. We just follow the directions in the AA book , line by line, on the 12 steps and medical care as needed. It works .

11/21/2020

I am starting a gratitude challenge . When the pandemic started I had so much fear and had no idea how we were going to get through this. I know it’s not over yet but I wanted to look back at what I would tell my grandchildren (when I have them ) about this time. Post pictures from this year of some of what helped you get through . For me, prayer and taking this day by day. Finding joy .

08/20/2020

When I opened Harvest House eleven years ago, I wanted the house to be a place where someone could experience the joy that all of our senses bring - taste, touch, sound, hearing , sight . As we awaken to recovery , we realize life is beautiful .

In addiction , we look to drugs and alcohol for all comfort , for all needs. As we heal, that changes. It’s as if we see the simple pleasures around us for the first time. It is so rewarding to watch someone walk that journey !

08/05/2020

This is the other pandemic . So far, addiction has caused the loss of as many lives as Covid 19 in the US this year.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a disease with biological, psychological , social and spiritual manifestations. Without treatment and/or the engagement in recovery services (like AA , sober living , spirituality ) , addiction is progressive and can lead to disability or premature death.

There are many social services available for help , including free and low cost options. Don’t wait ❤️🙏🏻

06/01/2020

Truth does not discriminate

05/20/2020

04/14/2020

Mixing things up! So now we start every house meeting with “what did you do that was fun this week ?” We even created a “playroom “ in the house for games, art, creativity , making music, and meditation or alone time (thanks , Maya!) 🙌

Not so bad this week! Walking . Exercise with dumbbells. Fun movies. Driving around. Art. Making cartoons. Cooking. Music. Origami. Video games. Coffee. Playing with the pets. Boyfriend time. Laughing. Sharing. Service . As we say in AA , we are not a glum lot!

It’s not all recovery , online outpatient treatment and school, and other commitments . We all did this to be happy! 😊