Lately, life has gently—but persistently—tapped me on the shoulder and said, pause. Between diving deep into my work as a therapist and caring for my husband as he recovers from surgery, I’ve felt that familiar pull many of us in helping professions know well: giving, holding space, showing up… sometimes at the expense of our own balance. This season has made one thing clear—it’s time for a reset. Not a step back from purpose, but a step toward alignment. Permission to slow down. Permission to reset. Permission to choose again.

Recognizing the Need for Renewal There came a moment recently when I realized something was missing in my recovery. I wasn’t drinking or using. My spirit felt tired. My thoughts were cluttered. I was carrying more weight inside than I cared to admit. That’s when I decided it was time for a recharge. Reaching Out for Support I reached out to a woman in recovery and asked her to mentor me. Together, we agreed on a simple daily practice. Each morning, I send her an email with ten things I’m…

When I think about service, I think about my dad. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for 10 years—both as a recruiter and a drill sergeant. He didn’t just serve his country; he helped shape it, enlisting young men and women into a path of purpose. He even recruited my mom and aunt! His passion for leadership, integrity, and commitment didn’t end when he took off the uniform.

From the First Meeting to Hitting Bottom I was first introduced to a recovery meeting at the age of 15. My stepmother had brought me, and although I believed the program worked, I couldn’t yet identify with it. It felt like it was for her, not me. Still, one truth stuck with me: this path works. I didn’t return for eight more years.

Today, I completed the 2-day Intensive Anger Management Certification Training led by Dr. Pavel Somov through the PESI platform. This course is an excellent choice for therapists seeking to earn continuing education units (CEUs) and enhance their clinical skills. The training was both enlightening and deeply personal. Dr. Somov shared candid stories from his upbringing in Russia, illustrating how fear often masks itself as anger—a profound reminder of the complex roots of this powerful emotion.

At Redefining Recovery, we believe healing begins with honesty — and sometimes, that means facing the truth we’ve learned to hide. A recent short film by Norwich City Football Club, featured in this Aleteia article, powerfully reveals how men often mask mental health struggles behind smiles, routines, and small talk. The video shows two friends attending soccer matches together, sharing laughter and connection.

We're thrilled to announce that Redefining Recovery LLC is now officially licensed to provide social work services in the State of Illinois! Illinois residents can now access recovery coaching and supportive services, in addition to those available in our home state of Indiana. They can access these services directly from a licensed social worker. The social worker has years of experience in addiction recovery, mental health, and trauma-informed care.

Inspired by a recent post from Merrit Elizabeth on Instagram. I was reminded how often those of us in recovery silently carry the weight of unrealistic emotional expectations. Her words resonated deeply because it's easy to forget that emotional healing doesn’t run on a timeline in recovery. The Belief That Holds Us Back One of the most common limiting beliefs I hear in therapy and recovery spaces is: “I should be over this by now.” This thought creeps in after a relapse, a bad day, or a flood of old emotions.

Virtual sober coaching to support your recovery journey. Book private, non-clinical coaching sessions tailored to your goals.

How You Can Support Gatehouse Recovery Home Beyond the Event While Dare to Bloom was a powerful reminder of the strength in sisterhood and healing, the journey doesn’t stop there—and neither does the need. Gatehouse Recovery Home thrives because of the support from people like you. If you’re inspired to keep the ripple going, here are a few ways you can get involved:

By a Member of Gatehouse Recovery Home Last Sunday, I experienced something truly life-changing. I had the chance to attend Dare to Bloom, a women’s empowerment event hosted by Sisterhood Social Co.—and honestly, I’m still trying to put into words just how special it was. As someone rebuilding her life from the ground up, spaces like this mean the world. They remind me that I’m not alone. That I belong. That I still matter. 🌿 A Space to Flourish, Nourish, and Bloom The day's theme was to flourish, nourish, and bloom—precisely what we did.

By Nicole Walters, LSW – Therapist | Volunteer | Wife | Daughter | Recovery Advocate As I sit down with a warm cup of coffee in hand and the scent of spring finally drifting through the window, I can’t help but reflect on how much has happened this month. March always feels like a bridge—between the stillness of winter and the bloom of new beginnings. And this year, it feels primarily symbolic. It’s been over six weeks since I officially became a licensed social worker, and I’m slowly finding my stride in this new chapter.