Make Yourself at Home

A day in the Life our Recovery House…..

 

 

              Upon rising I thank God for bringing me another day. Things are stirring in the kitchen, so I pour myself a cup of Jo. Like any good addict, I now need a smoke! Coffee and cigarettes make a fine morning….HA.The morning proceeds into our daily devotions. The ladies, who choose to participate, gather around our kitchen table to thank God for our sobriety, we discuss current readings from spiritual literature, and share our thoughts and experiences in life….or just where we are at that moment. After our gathering we all disperse, and get ready for the day ahead.For those of us that work, the day begins with travel to our jobs destination.

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            For those who may be currently unemployed, we travel to search for work using a multitude of resources available to us in this booming area.  Others travel to attend out-patient or therapeutic programs at different locations.  When the afternoon comes, we find everyone milling back into the kitchen to get snacks, fresh fruit, and talking about dinner. The house provides fabulous meals prepared daily. These balanced meals consist of protein, starch, and veggies. While one of us prepares dinner, the others set off to do their evening chore.  Whoever is in the house is invited to sit together at the table for dinner as a family.  At dinner we talk about our day’s experiences, we may have had trouble spots, and joys. We then plan what meeting we will attend in the evening….or what event may be taking place. (during the spring and summer months activities such as picnics, music gathering’s and water rafting trips come into play.)

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         Monday nights a Recovery specialist visits our home to discuss the spiritual side of recovery. This is followed by our weekly, mandatory (everyone in attendance) house meeting.  We talk about the duties in the home, work schedules, appointments, meeting attendance, chores, and general house issues. This is a wonderful time to discuss possible changes, propose suggestions, short term goals, talk about the week ahead and welcome constructive criticisms. The remaining days in the week are filled with various activities and meeting attendance. Our meals are served every night, excluding Friday thru Sunday….but we ladies do plan group meals to barbeque together, share salads, and a ton of laughs.The weekend is laid back. Everyone in the house participates in GI on Saturday morning. This ensures that everyone is learning the skills they will need to eventually move into a home of their own….keeping it clean and tidy.

           

           On a hot summer weekend we frolic under our water sprinkler or sit under the back yard trees smoking a cig, reading a good book or conversing with one another. A parent will drop in with some cupcakes or fruits for the house while visiting with their daughter. At times parents will take their daughters out to lunch or dinner to have some mother daughter time.  There is a continuum of meetings. We enjoy the weekend.  On Sunday, some of us sleep in…Yeah!.. and there are some of us whom choose to pray  or attend church.This home is a “stepping stone”. The ladies learn how to incorporate scheduling back into their lives. Eating properly, taking medications regularly, going to work, or finding a job. Also, the planning of making meetings, finding a sponsor, negotiating travel, budgeting, saving money, and getting along with others. The skills that are taught and encouraged will allow each individual to have a successful transition when they are ready to move forward on their journey. 

 

By:  Heather F.

In this safe haven women are free to  develop a personal relationship with their God.  By application of the 12-Steps  and participation in  other spiritually enriching activities, our residents have time and space to experience  a fulfilling life free from the bondage of active addiction.