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Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » Pressured to Provide or Glad to Give?
Officially, the “black” in the name refers to “being in the black” economically, because it’s among the biggest business days for retailers and among the best days for consumers to find great deals. However, many consider it a “black” day in the negative sense: a day when you run extra risk of being trampled or rear-ended, a day when store clerks and security guards go home with migraine headaches, a day when employers have always had difficulty convincing anyone to work. There is, in fact, evidence that the negative use of “Black Friday” precedes the positive by some 30 years.
And if you’re a newly sober alcoholic, beware: Black Friday ads and Black Friday deals also tout special buys on liquor and wine.
Assuming you resisted the temptation to restock your liquor cabinet on Thanksgiving weekend, you may still long for comfort in a bottle as you look at the month ahead. December is a challenge for anyone with stress-management issues. Here we are:
Happiness doesn’t come from to-do lists or “perfect” holidays, any more than it comes from a bottle.
Happiness comes from sharing and giving. Most of us know that instinctively. The trouble is, our view of generosity is as distorted as our view of what makes a merry Christmas. When “giving of yourself” means being a perfect people-pleaser, it’s no wonder we burn out and zone out. The world never runs out of requests and expectations, and the more we try to fulfill every one that comes our way, the more new ones we attract. And the more drained our personal energy banks become.
But in fact, this is the perfect time of year to explore new ways for giving of yourself in the healthiest sense. A vital part of the sobriety journey is learning to give for the joy of it, without obsessing over what we’ve “earned back” through hard work.
Here’s how to give in the best way this holiday season:
Giving like this will immensely improve everyone’s chances of enjoying a genuinely happy holiday.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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