Where do you find peace?

One of the best tools I picked up and have held tight is the belief that you have to be healthy to be able to help your loved one. Working on your own mental health is the first and most important step you can take in supporting a loved one who is using substances.

“How do you take care of yourself?” It’s a question I ask my clients, friends and support group members. It’s a question most people don’t ask or hear. My answer to this question is so near and dear to my heart, and has pulled me out of my pit of despair time and time again…

There is a place where I feel at peace no matter what is happening in my family or in the world… my cabin.

Being at my cabin has been a huge help to me, and I want to share it with others. There is such peace and calmness there. As soon as we turn onto our road from the highway it's like a load has been lifted off of our shoulders. When I'm stressed and not doing well I step outside and let nature work her magic in my heart and mind. In winter an hour or two of cross country skiing turns my mood 180 degrees. The fresh, crisp smell in the mountains hits my brain and makes me feel like I can let go of my stress and give it to the trees.

I hate winter, but not when I'm in the mountains.  I used to think I needed a beach for a few weeks every winter, but after finding the cabin, that changed.  Don't get me wrong - I love the beach. Hawaii was my second home in the winter growing up, but in Canada we are never far from the peace and calm that nature provides.

Everyone morning I get up, rain, snow, or shine, and take my dog to the dog park and it clears my head and starts my morning off great.  No matter how sad or mad or frustrated I am I drag my ass out of bed and just do it. I always feel so much better. If I'm depressed, I have to force myself to get outside, but it works every time. The relief may be short-lived, but it helps.

Right now it is spring and I am so excited because I also love paddle boarding!

How will you take care of yourself today, or this week?

I hope you will allow nature to heal you as often as possible.