Christmas can be a wonderful time, but also a very difficult time for people dealing with addiction, loss. or pain.
Throughout December, we will share some encouragements here from our STAR team. We hope our messages will encourage anyone in their recovery journey and remind us that hope is on our doorstep.
At STAR, we believe that there is always hope for any of us experiencing addiction or contending with destructive habits. Walking alongside people as they navigate the challenges of life, helps people to turn away from feelings of discouragement and look towards hope and the possibility of freedom.
The Christmas season can be challenging with the pressures surrounding spending, drinking, parties, and self-indulgent activities. Each of us can make a difference by looking out our for people who may find the festive season difficult.
We don’t have to have all the answers, just having a coffee together, or a simple chat, can mean so much to someone who feels isolated. This Christmas, let’s be hope-sharers in our communities.
Do you have a favourite Christmas film? One you could watch every year, which you remember, or could even quote the dialogue? Often, we remember the content because we rehearse it – watching a film again and again. We can also repeat good things on the journey of recovery, remind ourselves of small steps that change the direction of our lives, and be strengthened by these memories.
The journey of the Christmas story was not an easy one, but the destination was worth it. The idea of travelling while heavily pregnant, or not finding suitable accommodation to give birth, could not have been easy. We often move forward by ignoring the discouragements of life and by keeping our focus on the promise of something better.
For anyone on a journey of recovery out of addiction, it is important to keep reminding ourselves that recovery is possible. Recovery is sustainable. This is a message worth sharing. Share your victories with others, no matter how big or small. You may just encourage them toward their own journey of recovery.
Have you heard the phrase “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone”? Christmas reminds us of the importance of peace within our lives and within our communities. If we don’t know how important peace is, we soon become aware of its value when we do not have it.
Many of us might secretly be seeking peace in our lives – to find ways to not be troubled by our experiences or the hurt we may have caused others. This can lead to choices which don’t actually bring peace, they just reduce our memory of the things which cause us pain. However, this escape from remembering is usually temporary.
Although it may not be easy, the encouragement to find peace on Earth and good will to all people can bring longer-lasting freedom from pain and disappointment. As much as it is possible, try to make peace with your past, which cannot be changed. As much as it is possible, try to regain good will toward others – not wishing anyone harm, which brings a freedom of its own.
At Christmas, stars are all over the place! This month, in schools across the country, children will be taking part in nativity plays and remembering how the star of Bethlehem led the wise men to see the baby Jesus. In the clear night sky we are treated to the beauty of stars as they sparkle in the blackness of night. They twinkle like diamonds and spread a glow of light into the darkness.
For any of us facing addiction and destructive habits, isolation and loneliness and despair can make the world a dark place. At STAR our steps-to-active-recovery provide guidance, hope and light to those trying to navigate their way to freedom and peace. It is our hope that everyone will start or continue a journey toward the light of recovery this coming year.
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