http://www.recoveryinthepines.com/

Recovery In The Pines, 919 12th Place, Ste 13, Prescott, AZ (2026)

03/20/2026

Ephesians 5:16-17
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Balance Through Simplicity
"Intentional living is about knowing what you want from life and making space for that to happen. There are plenty more fluffy definitions but this is the basic premise. As much as possible, you clear the clutter from your life and the things which pull you off course and instead find ways to give yourself more time, space and energy for what matters to you."

The Steps
1. Know what you're aiming at.

2. Assess how you used your time.

3. Cut away the useless things.

4. Be purposeful with your actions.

The Lesson
Start by aiming at a goal. In your personal life, create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally, with healthy hobbies.

Next, inventory, with rigorous honesty, how well you are doing towards your goal and the actions you're taking. How much time did you waste on meaningless activities addicted to comfort? How much time did you spend on chasing pleasure and avoiding pain vs doing purposeful actions to stay healthy?

Look at all your busyness activities. Create the plan to remove them decisively from your life. They drain your time, creating a feeling of emptiness.

Then, create the plan of purposeful activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions). Start small. It's easier to discipline yourself to put them into action.

Commit time daily to complete, at minimum, one healthy activity and 3 - 5 micro habits that move you towards your goals. If not, you're likely to fill your time back up with wasteful busyness.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/19/2026

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Calmerry
"Simply put, being proud of oneself means having a strong, healthy sense of self-worth, which leads to generally more positive well-being. It’s a vital part of leading a healthy and happy life.

People who have a strong sense of self-worth feel more content with their lives and empowered with their life journey."

The Basics
1. You must have a healthy relationship with yourself.

2. Know your ideal.

3. Live out your best version.

4. Assess yourself as if you were taking an inventory of a loved one.

The Lesson
It's healthy for you to be proud of yourself for doing good things. You must have a healthy relationship with yourselves first. If you do, you're more likely to accomplish good acts and be genuinely proud of them. If you don't have a healthy relationship with yourself, you're at risk of acting out in unhealthy ways, creating resentments towards yourself.

Create / review
the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character aspects mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially you wish to master), followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally, and healthy hobbies. Know what you're aiming at.

Now get into action. Align your intentions, actions, and intensity of effort with your goals from the previous step.

After you get into action, take a moment and assess yourself honestly as if a loved one had accomplished what you did. Would you genuinely be proud of them for doing what you did, or becoming who you have become? If the answer's "yes", accept being proud of yourself. It isn't about being prideful, boasting falsehoods to build yourself up. Live authentically, giving your best effort, and love who you are.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/18/2026

Proverbs 11:27
He who looks for good finds favor, but he who looks for wrong-doing will have bad come to him.

Psychology Today
"In fact, because of what scientists call the brain's 'negativity bias' , we're most likely to notice the bad qualities in others rather than the good ones: the things that worry or annoy us or make us critical.

Seeing the good in others is thus a simple but very powerful way to feel happier and more confident, and become more loving and more productive in the world."

The Basics
1. Accept that others have value.

2. Suspend your biases and prejudices.

3. Be curious and connect.

4. Work daily on your best version.

The Lesson
Do you only look at people as obstacles, irritants, or to serve some purpose for you, or do you genuinely see them as having value? Could you learn something from them?

To see the value in others, you need to suspend your evolutionary negative bias. It's ingrained in all of us to spot differences in others and perceive those as threats. Pushed the pause button on negative thoughts and feelings you have about others. Chances are you're wrong.

To tap into the real value of others, it takes connection and curiosity. Start asking genuinely curious questions and practice active listening. See where you have similarities in your stories.

One of the best ways to see the best in others is to work on the best version of yourself. The more you work on your best character values mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially, you will develop a site to see it in others. Work on your best version daily.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/17/2026

Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

The balance between order and chaos is a fundamental tension that shapes everything from natural systems to human societies. Order represents structure, predictability, and stability—think of laws, routines, or the patterns in a crystal. Chaos, on the other hand, is randomness, creativity, and change—like a storm, a brainstorming session, or the swirl of a galaxy forming. Neither is inherently 'good' or 'bad'; they’re two sides of a coin, and life tends to thrive where they meet.

The Basics
1. Know what you're aiming at.

2. Find the edge of your comfort zone.

3. Follow the 85 / 15 rule, order : chaos.

4. Get into action to create order in the chaos, then continue to repeat the process.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially).

Be prepared to go through the following transformational phases of your comfort zone as you test out your capabilities:

- unconsciously incompetent
- conscious incompetent
- conscious competent
- unconsciously competent

Since studies have shown that optimal learning happens with 85% successful actions / 15% mistakes, this is a strong balance respectively between order and chaos.

Massive right action is required to learn a new habit or skill and transform chaos into order. Get into a habit of a massive amount of consistent, small steps. Once you begin to master a habit or skill, inject a new dose of chaos by adding complexity and repeat the process to continue to grow.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/16/2026

John 15:2
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Elevate Society
"[This quote] encapsulates a profound insight into the transformative nature of personal growth and resilience. At its core, the quote suggests that enduring hardships, facing inner turmoil, and undergoing profound internal changes are often prerequisites for self-discovery and the emergence of a stronger, more authentic self."

The Basics
1. Get clear about your best, authentic self.

2. Know how you're wired.

3. Do personal pruning.

4. Whatever you practice grows. Choose wisely.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). This is your ideal self.

P + B = E = A
Our (P)erceptions + (B)eliefs result in (E)motions and often trigger (A)ction. It's how we're wired, and it's a closed loop system. Your perceptions and beliefs impact what you feel and how you act. And how you act rewires your thinking. (** formula credit Jeanne Sanner)

Take time daily to assess all the things that hold you back from evolving as your best, authentic self ... thoughts, feelings, habits, and relationships. Create the plan to prune them decisively from your life. They are holding you back.

Put into action the new perceptions, beliefs, and actions to replace those recently pruned. Commit time to one healthy activity (30 - 60 minute events) and 3 - 5 micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) daily. The key is consistent effort every day. Layer up the intensity and complexity as you go. Let the old die off to make room for growth of the evolving you.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/14/2026

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Coggno
"Leading a purposeful life isn’t about being perfect or ticking off a checklist of achievements.

It’s about living in a way that aligns with your values and passions, making a positive difference to yourself and others. It’s about moving from merely surviving to truly thriving.

You don’t have to quit your job or move to a remote island to lead a purposeful life.

The transformation often occurs when you make small but significant shifts in your attitudes, habits, and perspectives."

The Basics
1. Don't just be wishful. Be willing.

2. Know what you're aiming at.

3. Connect with deeply personal reasons why.

4. Get into consistent action.

The Lesson
Wishing is nice, but purpose requires action. Are you willing to study, seek wise counsel, follow directions, and get into action?

Start by aiming at a goal. Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally, with healthy hobbies.

Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you quit on yourself. Go deep!

You will need to put in daily disciplined effort of activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute action items) that strengthen your best version and move you towards your SMART goals, and healthy hobbies. Start small. Layer up on the frequency and complexity as you go.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/13/2026

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Vunela
"Have you noticed that avoiding fear gives it more energy to keep it alive? Distancing yourself from fear does not loosen its grip on you, it only constricts it. What is the antidote for overcoming fear then? Moving towards our fears is the way to make peace with them, so they don’t conquer us."

The Basics
1. All paths in life have fear.

2. Know what you're aiming at.

3. Your "whys" to dare must be stronger than the "whys" from fear.

4. Break action down to simple steps.

The Lesson
Are you purposeful, or do you allow fear to make choices for you? Being purposeful isn't about being reckless. It's about not letting fear set the limits for your life.

Healthy Risk = healthy goal + big upside + little downside

Unhealthy Risk = unhealthy goal + little upside + big downside

The bigger the purpose, the greater the fear. That doesn't mean you shouldn't move forward. Educate yourself about the scenario to create the best plan of action or stay stuck by fear.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). What would your best character values have you do in each scenario? Choose based upon who you strongly dare to become.

If you dont have powerful reasons why you desire your ideals, you will avoid the things you fear. Instead of focusing on the negatives of fear, focus on the positive of achieving your purpose.

Break down difficulties into simple steps:

Small steps = small failures minimize difficulties

Small steps = small victories get you into healthy action quickly

If you break down action into small steps, and quickly put them in motion, you will get past the fear. If not, you're at risk of talking yourself out of it and let your fears limit you.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/12/2026

Exodus 4:13
But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”

Headspace
"Psychologists place excuse-making in the ‘self-handicapping’ category – that is, it’s a behavior we express that hurts our own performance and motivation. It serves as a distraction of sorts that prevents us from achieving the task, but it stems from a deeper, unconscious desire to protect ourselves (our Ego, if you asked Freud) against anxiety and shame. And the more anxious or ashamed we are likely to feel, the more likely we are to build barriers that impede our chances of attaining a goal."

The Basics
1. Know what you're aiming at and why.

2. Choose excuses or solutions.

3. Solutions aren't always convenient.

4. Start small. Make progress.

The Lesson
Start by creating / reviewing the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), followed by SMART goals, and healthy hobbies. Develop deeply personal, potent "whys" for achieving these.

Now choose what you're going to do with your time. Are you going to come up with excuses WASTING time on meaningless activities ... or ... are you going to come up with solutions INVESTING time, getting into action of your goals? Excuses only create greater guilt and shame.

Investing your time isn't always going to be convenient. You need to be committed. When you are, you'll find a way to accomplish what you're aiming at. If you aren't, you'll find the excuse that fits best to justify your reasons not to get into action.

Create the plan of purposeful activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions). Start small. It's easier to discipline yourself to put them into action, replacing excuses.

Commit time daily to complete, at minimum, one healthy activity and 3 - 5 micro habits that move you towards your goals. Get into action. Make forward progress.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/11/2026

2 Chronicles 15:7
But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”

Medium.com
"Striving to become the Best-Version-of-Yourself is often a difficult road. There’s no doubt about it.

However, being committed to making the right choice when everything or everyone seems to be pushing you the wrong way will define who you are."

The Basics
1. Accept that life isn't always going to be easy.

2. Choose how to navigate the "suck".

3. Get into right action.

4. Acknowledge the lessons and continue to grow.

The Lesson
Accept that all paths in life have pain and challenges. This will help you get into acceptance of life and not expect comfort.

Next, assess the current challenge. You will navigate the "suck" differently if your ultimate goal is to do whatever is most comfortable vs. doing what is purposeful. Comfort will have you seek short-term pleasure / avoid pain, but always comes with consequences. Purpose will have you accept whatever short-term pain is necessary to achieve the right goal.

Create your action plan. Focus on the smallest steps possible. It's easier to get into action with multiple, little steps, reducing fear, resistance and pain, and by accomplishing steps, it starts to change the "suck" into success.

Lastly, assess what you did well, what you could have done better, how you persevered, and what you can be grateful for. Follow this by reviewing
the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master). Work on some aspect of this every day. This will help better prepare you for doing what is right not what is easy when the next challenge comes.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/10/2026

2 Timothy 3:17
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Tim Ferriss
"It's more than put the work in," he said. "It's practice and rehearse the skills ... that you want to have as a reliable tool when the sh--'s hitting the fan, or when the stakes are high, or when your heartbeat is 180 beats per minute. You have to train for that. It's like a sport. You can't read a book on soccer and then go to the World Cup."

The Steps
1. Know what you're aiming at and why.

2. Put together the plan

3. Don't rest on your talent. Double down on effort.

4. Massive right action / time produces the results. Put in the effort daily!

5. Don't wait for the crisis.

The Lesson
Start by aiming at a goal. Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). This is the best version of you who you want showing up in a moment of crisis.

Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you quit on yourself. Go deep!

Next, create the plan of healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions). Start small. It's easier to discipline yourself to put them into action.

Talent alone won't get you there either. Double down on effort:

talent + effort = skill
skill + effort = mastery

Massive right action is required to grow into the person who can overcome big challenges. Get into a habit of a massive amount of small steps mixed in with a series of one daily activity.

Don't wait for the crisis to occur before you drill your best version. The key is consistent effort every day. Layer up the intensity and complexity as you go and grow. This will help increase the complexity of situations you can handle with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/09/2026

Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Medium.com
"Inspiration comes from a completely different place. The word inspiration means to be in spirit. So, it’s about being called to act because you’re in direct alignment with the true potential that is your authentic self.

Inspiration involves changing the way people think and feel about themselves, so they want to take positive actions. It taps into their values and desires."

The Basics
1. Don't sit around waiting for life to inspire you.

2. Determine what you want to accomplish.

3. Create the plan in small steps.

4. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment. Get moving.

The Lesson
Life passes by quickly. The longer you wait for inspiration, your desire for inspiration will turn into desperation, or the choice to drop out and just take the scraps life discards.

Start with crystal clear goals ... who is the best version of you, what are your SMART goals, and healthy hobbies? If you're struggling with creating goals, go test some things out. Experiment. See what you like and dislike.

Be rigorously honest with assessing your goals related to your ideal. From there, you can make a clear plan about how to get into action. Create the plan of purposeful activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions). Start small. It's easier to get into action quickly. You will increase the frequency and complexity of these actions as you get into consistent action.

Conditions will never be perfect, yet there is always something you can do to make progress ... assess the situation, study on the topic, find a tribe to connect with for inspiration and accountability, and get going. Build momentum. Create some "heat" to fuel your inspiration.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

03/08/2026

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Happify
"Research conducted by Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., on positive emotions shows that opening up to the world with curiosity, with joy and wonder, broadens our perspective and builds our resilience. We need to learn to pay attention in a different kind of way—a way we’ve forgotten—because we’ve come to conflate joy with pleasure."

The Basics
1. Who and what are on your "save" list?

2. What's the measure of your gratitude?

3. Familiarity may be causing you to crave something new.

4. Be grateful for the present moment and enjoy.

The Lesson
Imagine you have just 5 minutes to choose as many people and things in your life today as you can that are most important to you, and whatever / whomever you didn't choose in that time would be gone forever. Who and what would be on your "save" list?

How often, in what way, and to what magnitude do you express gratitude for them? Your gratitude leads to an experience of joy.

As people and things become familiar, our brain can often go on autopilot with them, reserving energy to focus on the new things. Be careful letting this autopilot create an existence where you assume and expect vs. appreciate and respect. Don't miss joy in the moment with people, things, and experiences by chasing after bigger, newer things.

In order to experience why you're grateful, sometimes we need to meditate on what life would be like, at a deep level, if the people and things on our "save" list were suddenly ripped away from us. Express your gratitude before the opportunity is gone. Continue to do this as an ongoing, random experience. Don't do it one time or have it lose its potency by getting in a rut with it. And when you get to spend time with them, be present and enjoy.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

Recovery In The Pines

03/20/2026

03/19/2026

03/18/2026

03/17/2026

03/16/2026

03/14/2026

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

03/09/2026

03/08/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category