http://www.recoveryinthepines.com/

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

02/26/2026

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Medium.com
"In this world we live in, it’s not enough to just be positive and calm. You also have to protect that positivity and calmness when negative energy surrounds you.

And I’ll be the first to admit, that’s tough. Negative energy is contagious. It takes conscious, deliberate effort to not let it affect you. And like any skill, it will take time to master that."

The Basics
1. Know who you are at your deepest levels.

2. Work on keeping you unpolluted daily.

3. Accept that a certain amount of toxicity is a part of life.

4. Choose how to handle "polluted streams".

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character aspects mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially you wish to master). Your strength of character is what will keep you clean when aspects of the outside world are trying to pollute you.

Commit time daily to complete, at minimum, one healthy activity (30 - 60 minute events) and 3 - 5 micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthens the best version of you. Any lingering warped thinking and character defects will only get worse with "polluted streams". Work on cleaning up your thoughts and character daily.

Accept that all paths in life have a certain amount of toxicity to them. This will help you get into acceptance of life and not victimize yourself.

Assess the current challenge. If it isn't necessary to experience it, find a way to leave; don't accept it. However, if you are experiencing one of life's challenges that has toxic elements, choose to weather it. Trying to avoid these scenarios tends to limit our ability to learn how to deal with them, or keep them from repeating, or to dam them up with healthy boundaries.

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

02/25/2026

Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

OS.me
"This is the art of love in a nutshell. To love the other person the way he or she likes to be loved is love. All else is merely an illusion of love, quasi-love at the most. Feed them what they like to eat."

The Basics
1. Love has a variety of "colors".

2. Love is in the eye of the beholder.

3. Be a prolific artist.

4. Sometimes, you will wrestle with it.

The Lesson
There are 4 basic Types of love: Agape (unconditional love), Storge (empathetic love), Philia (friendly love), and Eros (romantic love) combined with 5 love Languages: acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, and receiving gifts.

While we often deliver love as we are inspired, how it will be received is a deeply subjective experience. The picture of love is in the eye of the beholder. As the artist, you will need to color the picture of love with just the right blend of Type and Language at just the right time for it to be perceived and received as a cherished work of art.

While we often only remember a few renowned works of art from the greats, these artists created thousands of pieces. Practice the art of love daily; don't wait until you can create the great masterpiece. You'll never get there if you don't practice daily.

Love doesn't always feel loving. It is an act that shows your true soul, especially when you create it even when it pains you.

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

02/24/2026

2 Corinthians 3:18
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Psychology Today
"Most people want to be heroes. Isn't that true? At least when we're young and innocent. Later we realize how difficult that would be, given that we don't seem to have any super-powers, but the philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome had other ideas, insisting that each person could be the hero of his or her own life."

The Basics
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. Rinse and repeat.

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), 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!

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.

Pause and reflect at the end of the day. Identify ways you can learn to increase the frequency, duration, complexity, efficiency, and effectiveness of your micro habits and activities. Keep getting after it, diligently, daily.

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

02/23/2026

Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

BetterHelp
"Empathy is a quality that can help us better understand how others feel, which can improve our capacity to communicate effectively and to act in a considerate manner. Without the many types of empathy, including cognitive and emotional empathy, building relationships and making decisions in social contexts can be significantly more complicated."

The Basics
1. Know how we're wired.
P + B = E = A

2. Get into healthy acceptance.

3. "Steel man" the other person's position.

4. Work on your own "lens".

The Lesson
Our (P)erceptions + (B)eliefs result in (E)motions and often trigger (A)ction. What do you know about the other person's beliefs and perceptions? This is the lens they see the world through. You can't understand and empathize with them if you can't see the world through their eyes. (** formula credit Jeanne Sanner )

To understand, get curious about their perceptions and beliefs. Take into consideration any other issues impacting their mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual health. You need to be aware of these aspects and accept them as they are. You don't need to like them or agree with them. But you do need to understand them so you can see things from their POV. Do not assume they see and experience events as you do.

Next, practice the "steel man" technique where you can clearly articulate the other person's perceptions, beliefs, emotions, and actions so effectively that the other person agrees you understand.

The best way to make sure you can understand others is to work on the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Understand yourself to understand others. This will also minimize any projecting you may do of your own issues onto them.

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

02/22/2026

Isaiah 43:19
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Jessica Lawlor
"Trying something new doesn’t have to be huge and life-changing (although it’s awesome when it is). There are plenty of small ways you can try something new. Perhaps you could try a new dish, wake up 30 minutes earlier to be more productive, make plans with a new friend…the list goes on and on.

If you’re stuck in routine and the monotony of the day-to-day, switch it up this week and try something new."

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

2. Seek out new experiences.

3. Do it for the new awareness.

4. Rinse and repeat.

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). Have a sense of adventure to see where you can explore your best version with first-time experiences.

Curiosity, awe, and seeking new experiences are all healthy aspects to expanding your comfort zone. First-time experiences can happen by investing time to visit new destinations, experience new cultures, expand your pallette on a variety of new cuisines, explore new relationships, study a new subject, and learn a new skill set.

Focus on the new awareness you gain about yourself ... what you like or dislike, what inspires you, what gives you the opportunity to express your creativity, and what helps enhance your relationships.

Pause and reflect at the end of the day. Identify ways you can learn to continue to add in first-time experiences with a way to learn more about ways you can strengthen the best version of you, too.

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

02/21/2026

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

"Your mind is a powerful force, capable of producing positive and beneficial results like warmth and comfort (heating your house), but if left unchecked or directed negatively, it can also lead to destructive consequences like burning your house down; essentially, your thoughts and mindset can have a huge impact on your life, for good or bad depending on how you manage them."

The Basics
1. Know how you're wired.

2. Inventory your thoughts.

3. Give your thoughts something positive to focus on.

4. Act your way into right thinking.

The Lesson
P + B = E = A
Our (P)erceptions + (B)eliefs result in (E)motions and often trigger (A)ction. Your perceptions and beliefs impact whether you experience healthy emotions and take healthy actions or unhealthy ones. (** formula credit Jeanne Sanner)

Invest time daily to inventory your thoughts. This works best through meditation in a low-/no-distraction place. Allow your thoughts to come forward, uninterrupted. By giving them time to be heard, you now have the opportunity to choose what you're going to do about them. Don't let them linger. Don't ruminate.

After cleaning up your mind clutter, give yourself a positive focus. Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master, mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially).

Action improves focus. The formula above is a closed loop system. As you get into healthy Action in line with your best version, it starts to alter your Perceptions and Beliefs, inspiring improved Emotions, furthering healthy Actions. This will help you experience rewards, gaining greater control and focus on your thoughts so they either bring positivity to your life or they can burn it down.

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

02/20/2026

Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Positive Psychology
"Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. In the end, you can’t manage what you don’t measure and you can’t improve upon something that you don’t properly manage. Setting goals can help you do all of that and more."

The Basics
1. Value purpose over pleasure.

2. Know what you're aiming at.

3. Create deeply personal "whys".

4. Whatever you practice grows.

The Lesson
Focus on your personal development as a priority over short-term pleasure. This will keep you healthier, calmer, and clearer about staying committed to which "winds are favorable" on how to move forward on all goals in line with your character while avoiding getting pulled off course to seek short-term pleasure or avoidance of pain.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Put your personal development as a priority over SMART goals, personally and professionally, and healthy hobbies. These are your GPS points.

Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you violate your values. Go deep! Life will bring temptations. Your "whys" for your goals need to be more powerful or you'll sacrifice your character when tempted by pleasure or tested by challenges in the moment.

Invest time daily to work on your best version. Break up the actions into micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) and purposeful activities (30 - 60 minute events) that strengthen your best version in doses. As you practice strengthening your character assets, you're undoing unhealthy habits. This will help you be a successful sailor, facing the rough seas or changing winds of life, as to how to navigate them to end up in your desired ports.

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

02/19/2026

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

LinkedIn
"Breaking down complex problems into manageable parts requires a number of methods and tools. Generally, you should start by defining the problem, analyzing its components, decomposing it into subproblems, solving those subproblems, and then integrating the solutions."

The Basics
1. Assess the challenge.

2. Determine the goal you wish to achieve.

3. Move mountains one stone at a time.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

The Lesson
Before just jumping into action, take a moment and size up the problem. Identify the risk. Determine the components and / or individuals involved. Are there any complexities that would require outside expertise?

Next, determine what you ultimately want to accomplish. You need to have a well-defined goal to aim at. This will help determine what course of action to take. Don't get into action before establishing a goal, otherwise you're likely going to get into wasted action that can create greater complexity and a drain on your resources. Direction is more important than speed.

When faced with monumental challenges, break the work down into the smallest tasks possible. You will reduce overwhelm and fear. You can get into action faster. When you make a mistake, it's easier to correct it.

See who can help. We all need coaches, mentors, accountability, support, and encouragement. Often, just knowing we have people there for us is enough to lift our spirits for lifting heavy loads.

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

02/17/2026

Romans 5:3-4
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

"Facing life's challenges directly is essential for growth, as avoiding them allows problems to escalate and control your circumstances. Embracing challenges builds resilience, character, and strength, transforming obstacles into opportunities for development. Proactive, positive action keeps you moving forward, turning potential burdens into stepping stones for success."

The Basics
1. Accept that adversity is unavoidable.

2. Your best version is the mature you.

3. Strengthen your ability to handle complex things with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

4. Face challenges as your best version.

The Lesson
All paths in life have adversity. Realize the futility in trying to avoid it. Avoidance will only lead to missing out on life and who you could become.

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). Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you were to quit or settle for less.

Identify ways you can increase your ability to handle maximum complexity with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Your best way to achieve this is through a daily practice of consistent micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) and healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) that strengthen your best version.

Now, as adversities arise, move through them as your best version. Each action you take is a vote for your future. Take challenges on as an opportunity to mature. Or fall prey to developing and entrenching maladaptive coping skills, ultimately staying immature ... and life will be a challenge.

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

02/15/2026

James 2:17
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Google AI
"Having faith can motivate you to take action by providing a sense of belief and purpose, which can give you the confidence and resolve to pursue goals and make decisions aligned with your values, even when faced with challenges; essentially, faith acts as a driving force to actively engage in activities that reflect your beliefs, whether it's helping others, pursuing personal growth, or taking on difficult tasks."

The Basics
1. Faith + Action = Believe

2. Know what you're aiming at.

3. Gain inspiration from your past and others.

4. Get into action with small steps.

The Lesson
Having faith alone will not help you experience the change or achieve the goal you're hoping for. Faith and Action fuel each other as you come to Believe that you can achieve what you're aiming at.

Your faith will grow the clearer you are about a goal. Be specific about 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. Develop deeply personal reasons "why" you want to achieve your goals.

Your faith doesn't need to be blind. It helps to remind yourself what you've accomplished in the past and to educate yourself on / connect with others who have gone before you. You will have evidence that what you desire is possible.

Get into action daily with 1 healthy activity (30 - 60 minute events) and 3 micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions). Start small. It's easier to have faith in yourself putting small steps into action. When you can break down what seems big and complex into small, simple steps, it reduces the inherent fear warning in the mind. It makes it easier to move forward in faith. And as you act, your faith and belief in making it grow.

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

02/13/2026

Luke 9:62
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.

Brainz
"The past can be a powerful tool. We learn from our mistakes, we grow from our experiences, and we build upon our successes. However, when we become shackled by past events, we stagnate our personal and professional growth. It can hold us back from achieving our full potential and pursuing new opportunities."

The Basics
1. It's natural to think about the past, but don't let it distract you from the road ahead.

2. Reflect ... in limited doses.

3. Know what you're aiming at and why.

4. Invest in the present and future

The Lesson
On average, people spend about 80% of their time regretting the past and worried about the future, with only 20% focused on the present. You don't want to forget the past, but the more time you invest in asking "why" about events of the past, the less time you have for what you could put into action in the present to create a new future.

Don't shut the door on the past. However, guard against slipping back into ruminating about past hurtful events. This can create a variety of mental issues. Seek professional help if you experience brainlock about the past.

Direct your focus towards who you are in the present and what you're aiming at moving forward. 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, and healthy hobbies. Craft potent "whys" on your deepest motivation. Your "whys" for looking ahead need to be greater than your "whys" of looking back. You'll focus on your greater "whys".

Now, get moving forward. Commit time daily to complete, at minimum, 1 activity (1+ hour action) and 3 - 5 micro habits (2 - 5 minute micro actions) that move you towards becoming your best self.

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

02/12/2026

1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Picture Quotes
"Mann's vision for education was inclusive and comprehensive, encompassing not only academic learning but also moral and ethical development. He believed that education should instill in individuals a sense of responsibility to their fellow human beings and inspire them to work towards the common good. By encouraging students to think critically, act compassionately, and strive for excellence, Mann sought to cultivate a generation of citizens who would be active participants in shaping a more just and humane society."

The Basics
1. Don't forget who you want to become as the best version of you.

2. Leverage your talents in the service of others.

3. Learn as you serve.

4. Don't let your skills go stale.

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 a combination of your most cherished character assets combined with your moral compass.

You now have a good idea if the assets you have to utilize in service of others. Look for volunteer opportunities or spontaneous needs as you go throughout your day where others may need your assets.

While you are serving others, be open to experiencing how this impacts others and you. As you serve, you learn ... learn about who is grateful for your help, who just takes it for granted, who steps up to help, what emotions and thoughts arise, what did you do well and what did you wish you had done better so you can be more effective and efficient with serving others in the future.

In your down time, double down on honing your service skills. Get into a habit of a massive amount of micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthen your best version.

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

Recovery In The Pines

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