September is Recovery Month
The Danya Institute, based in Silver Springs, MD published in their recent Dialogue Newsletter, an article from guest writer, Johanna Dolan, CEO of Dolan Research International, reflecting on the topic of recovery. SAMHSA defines this as “a process of change through which individuals improve their full potential.” It is an invitation to explore dimensions of life that contribute to our genuine happiness and sense of purpose.” Keys words that connect to Activity Services include dimensions, potential, purpose, joy, experimenting, satisfaction, intentional, passion and thriving.
Seniors in our communities have deep lived experiences of all kinds. Typically, we lean into the “easy” stories and leave the “hard” stories in the shadows. How do we as a profession acknowledge, understand, and support daily recovery efforts of the people we serve? First, on a personal level, creating safe spaces for their stories to be shared, by their choosing. Second, ask what would move them forward to a place of thriving.
Dolan suggested three ways.
- Shift Priorities: Recovery entails a shift from merely surviving to thriving. As we embrace healthier habits, we free up space for engaging in activities that genuinely bring us joy and satisfaction.
- Live Intentionally: Rediscovering passions is a chance to live intentionally. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and being attentive to what resonates deeply within us as individuals and communities.
- Learn to Embrace Change: The recovery journey necessitates letting go of old patterns and embracing change. Welcoming change creates room for new experiences and opportunities to shape an enriched life.
Activities play a major role in restarting hobbies or experimenting with new opportunities. Moving beyond comfort zones and discovering or re-discovering old passions that were frozen in time. All this can provide hope for the future and shift people into growth mode and truly thrive in senior communities.
Locate the SAMHSA Regional group in your area for trainings and resources.
Source:
Danya Institute provides evidence-based training, leadership and organizational development to behavioral healthcare providers and consumers. https://danyainstitute.org/
SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(represents SAMHSA Region 3: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Viginia, West Virginia)
Submitted by Nancy Richards, NAAP Education Council
