If you’re here, it’s likely because someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use disorder. That journey is overwhelming, exhausting, and full of questions you never imagined you’d have to ask.
The start of a new year can feel like a cruel joke—another reminder that time is passing, yet nothing seems to be changing. But what if this year didn’t have to start with resolutions or promises to “fix everything”? What if it could begin with something small, something intentional, and something that’s completely within your control?
This month, I invite you to try a daily practice that I use. One that takes just two minutes but can have a profound impact. It’s not about pretending life is fine or forcing positivity.(If you know me, you know that isn't my style) It’s about grounding yourself in clarity, gratitude, and focus so that, no matter what’s happening around you, you can show up in a way that feels true to who you are.
The Practice
Every day, spend two minutes reflecting on these three simple prompts:
I will let go of...
I am grateful for...
I will focus on...
1. I Will Let Go Of...
Let’s be honest: letting go can feel impossible. When it’s someone you love, the instinct to hold on, fix, and control is almost automatic. But letting go doesn’t mean you stop caring. It means you stop carrying things that aren’t yours.
Example:“I will let go of replaying last night’s argument in my head.”
Letting go creates space—for you, for them, and for the kind of connection that heals instead of hurts.
2. I Am Grateful For...
Gratitude isn’t about pretending things are perfect. It’s about noticing what’s good, even when things are hard. It might be as small as the sunlight on your face or the way your coffee smelled this morning. (Both a couple of my go to favorites)
Example:“I am grateful for the kind text I got from a friend today.”
Gratitude shifts your focus, helping you find light even in the darkest days.
3. I Will Focus On...
When life feels like chaos, narrowing your focus can feel like reclaiming control. This isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about choosing one or two things that matter most today.
Example:“I will focus on taking five deep breaths before responding in a stressful moment.”
Focusing on one small action helps cut through the noise and reminds you that you still have choices.
Your Invitation for 2025
For the next seven days, try this practice. Write your reflections in a notebook, on a sticky note, or record a memo in your phone. You don’t need a fancy journal or hours of spare time—just two minutes a day.
If you’re part of a support group, share your experiences with others. If you aren't - ask me about ours! What did you notice? How did it feel to let go, to name your gratitude, and to focus on something small?
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen in isolation. But these small, consistent steps can lead to big changes—not just for you, but for your entire family.
Because when you take care of yourself, you’re modeling the kind of love and resilience that creates real, lasting connection. It is the start of your Parallel Recovery™.