Alumni Profile: Michael C. In the rooms of recovery, being unique is not usually seen as a good thing. There are little slogans all over the place to warn of the dangers of thinking too much of yourself, or “terminal uniqueness”. But, 20 years from now, when people in recovery get together in meetings or … Uniquely COVID: From Online To In-Person Recovery
For a man who is not a realtor, Earl Thiessen knows a lot about housing. “This one we bought in 2002. This one is ‘06. 1997 was Rocky View House. 1996 was Highland,” he says, scanning a spreadsheet. Some 28 houses are now in the fold across Alberta and there is more to come. But … Earl Theissen: Aurora and Oxford House Foundation = A Perfect Combination
The discovery of unmarked graves of children on the grounds of former residential schools have shaken a nation out of its COVID-induced survival mindset. While second vaccinations pierce the collective biceps of Canadians, vigils, orange shirts, and red dresses remind a shaken public there is much more to think about than a pandemic. Yet judging … Trauma, Addiction, and Healing
It can be incredibly frustrating to try and talk to someone about their addictive behaviours and the impact they are having on their life and relationships. Often, you’ll be met with defensiveness, manipulation and deflections. The first thing you need to know in order to make headway is that substance use disorder (SUD) is not … How To Talk To Someone With Addiction
In many circles, it’s called a sacred pause, those moments when we stop doing and practice being. Sacred because it connects us to the present moment, the place where inspiration and connection lives. In this moment, the Now, we can connect to the simple and profoundly nourishing beauty of nature. The dance of light and … Spiritual Wellness in Recovery: The Benefits of Pausing
Face painting. Sparkle tattoos. Pride signs. A balloon rainbow. Staff and patients at Aurora Recovery Centre joyfully showed solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community on Wednesday, June 23rd in honour of Pride Month. A rainbow pancake and muffin breakfast launched a full day of events and celebration. Staff and patients dressed the part in tie-dyed and … Pride and Joy: Celebrating Pride Month at Aurora
Duke Rumely is chomping on a sizeable cigar, puffs of smoke drifting their lazy dance across his front porch. It’s a perfect Colorado spring evening, barely a breeze as he squints towards the face on his laptop. He’s talking hockey. He’s talking football. He’s talking baseball. He’s talking recovery. Sports and recovery – for so … Sober AF: Duke Rumely’s SAFE Brings Fun to Recovery
Since the early phase of the pandemic, fitness equipment prices, new or used, have skyrocketed. Now that people are working out at home, a lot of people who want to make a quick buck have been clearing out their storage, selling their old equipment at ridiculous prices. From my own internet searches, I have seen … Fitness in Recovery: Buying Used Fitness Equipment
With some of us experiencing stricter lockdowns, it is imperative that we maintain our physical conditioning and mental health. National Fitness Day is a great reminder to get active and stay active. Start with meditation and prayer One of the simplest exercises we can start the day with is meditation and/or prayer. You have been … Fitness In Recovery: National Fitness Day: June 5th
Vince is on the computer again, setting up another meeting. One more call with someone in recovery. Texting with alumni buddies about a tee time, and there’s another Zoom call with a friend curious about his changed attitude. He’s just one week out of treatment and Vince’s life is full-on and in full colour. “It’s … Profile In Recovery: Vince H.