http://www.recoveryinthepines.com/

Recovery In The Pines, 919 12th Place, Ste 13, Prescott, AZ (2025)

08/01/2025

Psychology Today
"Becoming bitter is the likely consequence of feeling invalidated and unappreciated in one too many situations and relationships. The problem snowballs when the hurt, bitter person gives in and gives up. Instead, taking action can make the difference between an isolated life and a connected one."

Hebrews 12:14-15
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

The Basics
1. Don't expect life to always go your way.

2. Do you get bitter or better?

3. You can choose who you become.

4. Your actions indicate your choice.

The Lesson
All paths in life have adversity. Things don't always go our way. Accept it. This will help you get into acceptance of life and not feel victimized by it. Your mindset matters.

Hold onto the expectation; become bitter. Accept what is and move on; get better. Choose. If you think it's not that easy, you're choosing to hold onto something that makes you bitter. Somewhere, you're Justifying, Accusing, Defending, Explaining, or in Denial, which is keeping you JADED ... or ... take it on as an opportunity to grow.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). This is who you want to become in all situations. You can choose these qualities under any circumstance.

Get into healthy action to neutralize the acid of bitterness. Examples are:

- Practice forgiveness.
- Get connected to other healthy people.
- Serve others genuinely.
- Work on the best version of you.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/31/2025

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

AI
"The phrase is a proverb emphasizing the importance of preparation and planning ahead rather than waiting until a crisis or urgent need arises. It means to anticipate future requirements and take proactive steps to meet them, rather than reacting impulsively when faced with a problem. This concept applies to various aspects of life, including business, personal development, and even physical survival."

The Basics
1. Adversity is part of life.

2. Identify your best version.

3. Strengthen your ability to handle complex things with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

4. Choose a challenge. Don't wait for it.

The Lesson
We have a comfort crisis. If you expect it, any level of uncomfortableness can create an exaggerated response. If you were to stop and assess the extreme examples of hardships humans have had to endure over time, it can help put your hardships into perspective.

Start by creating / reviewing the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). This is the version of you who you want to be facing challenges.

Identify ways you can increase your ability to handle maximum complexity with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Your best way to achieve this is through a daily practice of consistent micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) and healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) that strengthen your best version.

Don't wait for a crisis to occur before you drill your best version. You will only rise to the level of what you've been training. The key is consistent effort every day. Layer up the intensity and complexity as you go. Be prepared to rise to the occasion for the obstacles and opportunities that life brings you. Find a tribe, seek a mentor, or possibly some professional help.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepine.com

07/30/2025

Romans 14:12
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.

AI
"The saying means that a person who performs poorly often makes excuses and blames external factors, rather than taking responsibility for their own shortcomings. Essentially, it's a way of saying that the problem lies with the person's skill or effort, not with the equipment they are using."

The Basics
1. Your ego doesn't want to fail.

2. Take ownership for yourself.

3. Combat blaming with a focus on a solution.

4. Continue to work on your best version.

The Lesson
If your ego is large and in charge, excuses often kick in as a way to place the blame of potential failure or looking bad on someone or something else. It's trying to avoid taking ownership for the situation.

Take ownership for yourself and your role in the situation. Remind yourself of the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). See where you made a mistake or need more practice on a particular skill.

Devise a plan of action. Include a specific goal, small steps, and support of people and things. Then, get into action putting in new effort.

Once you succeed at overcoming the problem, you can focus your effort on putting maximum effort into building up the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially) in the present moment. As you live out these qualities, you will feel content and expand your capabilities to handle more complex situations with greater efficiency and effectiveness, reducing the likelihood that you will choose blaming in the future.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/29/2025

Philippians 3:13
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

AI
Setbacks and mistakes are inevitable on the path to achieving goals. Learning from these experiences is crucial for growth and ultimately achieving success. Instead of viewing failure as an end, it should be seen as a stepping stone, providing valuable lessons and opportunities for improvement."

The Basics
1. Have the courage to go through a trial by fire.

2. Be clear about what you're aiming at.

3. Create a plan.

4. Fail fast. Succeed faster.

The Lesson
All growth requires courage to go through a "trial by fire", whether surviving hardships inherent to life or challenging yourself to expose your mistakes and failings as a necessary part of forging the person you wish to become.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), followed by SMART goals personally and professionally, and healthy hobbies.

Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you violate your values. Go deep! This gives you a clear focus as goals and the fuel to go through the fire to burn away the useless things.

Create the plan of purposeful activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) focused on achieving your goals.

Invest time daily getting into action. You will make mistakes, and yet these will teach you what doesn't work. You will learn faster and succeed faster. The longer you wait, the fear, anxiety, and worry about making mistakes or failing will talk you out of moving forward. This will lead to the ultimate failure ... giving up. Instead, get started.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/28/2025

Colossians 1:29
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

AI
"Feeling 'energized by purpose' means experiencing a strong sense of motivation and enthusiasm, fueled by a clear sense of direction and meaning in one's actions. It's when work or other activities align with one's values and contribute to something larger than oneself, leading to increased engagement and commitment. This sense of purpose can be a powerful source of resilience, helping individuals navigate challenges and adapt to change."

The Basics
1. Define your ideal.

2. Connect with your "why".

3. Don't coast. Get into action.

4. Build your BEST version.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally, and healthy hobbies. When we have a clear definition of what we're aiming at, and we have deeply personal "whys" for achieving these goals, we give purpose to our lives.

Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you violate your purpose. Settling for less of a life and conformity have their "whys" too. Your "whys" for achieving your purpose need to be more powerful.

Meditate on the fact that for you to become the BEST version of you, you can't coast. Without living each day with purpose, you run the risk of feeling empty and shackled. There aren't feelings of safety and security in stagnation.

Invest time daily to push yourself to work on your best version. Break up the actions into healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthen your best version. You can increase the complexity, frequency, and intensity of these actions as you gain a mastery of them. Be curious and creative in living a purposely life.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/27/2025

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

AI
"A strong character provides a solid foundation for all aspects of life. It influences how one interacts with others, makes decisions, and handles challenges. Unlike material possessions, which can be lost, stolen, or depreciate, character is a lasting asset that can continue to grow and benefit both the individual and those around them."

The Basics
1. Avoid the Hedonic treadmill.

2. Focus on internal development over your image.

3. Know what you're aiming at and why.

4. Get into action building good character, not buying flashy things.

The Lesson
Be cautious of collecting things in pursuit of "happiness" as a way to create an image for yourself. While you may get a temporary dose of dopamine, the feeling is fleeting. Careful becoming slave to image and trying to impress people with your looks. This will have you alter your character to be whatever you believe will bring you wealth.

Focus instead on your personal development as a priority over your image. If you have great character, that will resonate with other people as integrity. You can't do enough work on your image to cover up poor character. Your character will come out of your pores.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Create deeply personal "whys" for becoming this best you.

Invest time daily to work on your best version. Make sure you put a consistent effort into activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthen your best version in doses. Target completing at least 1 activity and 3 - 5 micro habits daily. The more activities and micro habits you practice, the more your best version will shine. This is your true wealth and stability.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/25/2025

Proverbs 14:23
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

AI
"The phrase means to continuously use and develop your skills and abilities, rather than letting them fade due to inactivity or lack of practice. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining proficiency and avoiding a decline in performance that can result from prolonged disuse."

The Basics
1. Know what you're aiming at and why.

2. Put together the plan.

3. Don't let your talents get rusty or dull.

4. Consistent right action over time keeps them honed. Put in the effort daily!

5. Don't wait for the crisis.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Assess what talents you have related to your best version.

Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you settled and wasted your talents. Go deep!

Next, create the plan of healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that test your best version and talents. Start small. It's easier to discipline yourself to put them into action.

Talent alone doesn't create a mastery. Double down on effort:

talent + effort = skill
skill + effort = mastery

Consistent right action is required to grow as the best version of you and keep your talents honed. Get into a habit of consistent small steps mixed in with a series of one daily activity.

Don't wait for the crisis to occur before you drill your best version or try to draw on your talents. The key is consistent effort every day. Layer up the intensity and complexity as you go and grow. This will help increase the complexity of situations you can handle with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/24/2025

Proverbs 13:16
Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

AI
"The phrase emphasizes the importance of pausing and consciously choosing a response rather than reacting automatically to a situation. This space allows for growth, freedom, and more mindful actions."

The Basics
1. What's your "true north"?

2. Know how you're wired.

3. Pause.

4. Choose your actions wisely.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). This is your personal definition of excellence that you're aiming at.

P + B = E = A
Our (P)erceptions + (B)eliefs result in (E)motions and often trigger (A)ction. It's how we're wired and it's a closed loop system. As you act, it rewires the brain. (** formula credit Jeanne Sanner)

Between emotion (stimulus) and action (response), PAUSE. Give yourself the opportunity to choose your choices instead of being fueled by emotion as a result of limiting, warped beliefs and perceptions. Use the pause to open your mind and seek the healthiest path. Seek wise counsel, if necessary.

Following your emotional activation, and pausing, you can now choose your actions. You will either compulsively do what you've always been wired to do, or you can choose a new course of action. Choose based upon what will lead you to your "true north". That's your path to growth and freedom.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/23/2025

Reinhold Niebuhr
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next. Amen."

The Basics
1. Realize how we're wired.

2. Focus on what you can control or influence positively.

3. Define your role.

4. Choose your actions wisely.

The Lesson
P + B = E = A
Our (P)erceptions + (B)eliefs result in (E)motions and often trigger (A)ction. It's how we're wired, and it's a closed loop system. As you act, it rewires your perceptions and beliefs, influencing your emotions, positively or negatively. (** formula credit Jeanne Sanner)

Life falls into the categories of:
- Control
- Responsibility
- Influence
- None of Your Business

The only thing that goes into the Control category is you ... your P + B = E = A. You have control over your effort in the Responsibility and Influence categories, but you don't control the outcome. Waste no time on those things that fall into the None of Your Business category.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). This is your role.

Give yourself the opportunity to be mindful of what is in the moment. Quickly get into action on a series of rapid, small steps assessing your perceptions and beliefs, regulating your emotions, and choosing your actions wisely. You may have a responsibility to and influence with others, but their thoughts, emotions, actions, and consequences are for them to own. Don't take them on.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/21/2025

Galatians 6:5
For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Medium.com
"The number one reason that mostly holds us down comes from what’s inside our control.

Work on that.

There’s no other way than to face it.

Once you face it, you will then understand that the one who is holding you is actually you."

The Basics
1. Be crystal clear about what you're aiming at.

2. Realize how you're wired.

3. Focus on what you can control.

4. Take ownership of your actions.

The Lesson
Start by creating a clear goal, whether the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), or a SMART goal, personally or professionally.

P + B = E = A
Our (P)erceptions + (B)eliefs result in (E)motions and often trigger (A)ction. It's how we're wired, and it's a closed loop system. Take ownership for your perceptions, beliefs, emotions, and actions. (** formula credit Jeanne Sanner)

Life falls into the categories of:
- Control
- Responsibility
- Influence
- None of Your Business

The only thing that goes into the Control category is you ... your P + B = E = A. You have control over your effort in the Responsibility and Influence categories, but you don't control the outcome. Waste no time on those things that fall into the None of Your Business category. When you take ownership for what's truly in your control, you stop blaming, making excuses, and open up the opportunity for creative solutions and action.

Quickly get into action on a series of rapid, small steps towards your goal. The "mountain" won't climb itself. Don't give power to obstacles and negativity. As you make progress, assess, adjust, and get back into action. Seek professional help if you're stuck.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/19/2025

Mark 6:31
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

AI
"Taking time for yourself is crucial for mental well-being and can lead to greater self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and increased creativity. It provides a space to disconnect from external demands and reconnect with your inner self, fostering personal growth and a sense of calm."

The Basics
1. Self-care is not selfish.

2. Schedule "me" time.

3. Clear away distractions.

4. Be willing to inventory all of it.

The Lesson
A truly content life requires alone time to connect with your best version, your "whys", and inventorying your values, emotions, and actions. This requires moments of alone time.

Invest time daily for self-reflection. If you haven’t been a practitioner of this, you may need to start out with only 5 minutes, working your way up to 30 - 60 minutes as you grow more comfortable being alone with your thoughts and emotions.

Caution: You want to face and acknowledge negative thoughts and emotions, too, but don't obsess on them.

Determine where you will practice your inner examination ... a quiet room or a spot in nature. Wherever you select, assess what things may want to divert your inward attention. Remove the external stimuli as best as possible.

Create a list of things to explore:

- the best version of you
- mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being
- relationships
- work performance

Anything you're avoiding looking at requires attention. If you are troubled by unresolved trauma, seek professional help to guide you in self-reflection.

After your time of self-reflection, make a list of what came up for you. Take time to process your list and choose what changes you wish to make to become your best version.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

07/17/2025

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Medium.com
"The picture that is emerging from all this research suggests that having a sense of purpose is not something that we only discover when we are free from our struggles and the mundane details of life. To the contrary, purpose is precisely what helps us deal with adversity. It gives us the strength to persevere when we start to lose hope, and to find meaning in the seemingly meaningless details of our daily routines."

The Basics
1. Search for your meaning.

2. Don't coast on autopilot

3. Cut loose the useless things.

4. Build your BEST version.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially), followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally, and healthy hobbies. When we have a clear definition of what we're aiming at, and we have deeply personal "whys" for achieving these goals, we give purpose to our lives.

Meditate on the fact that for you to become the BEST version of you, you can't coast. Without living each day with purpose, you run the risk of feeling empty and shackled. There aren't feelings of safety and security in stagnation.

Pay attention to where you've become comfortable with the things that have been holding you back ... addictions, unhealthy habits, harmful relationships. Cut them away quickly.

Invest time daily to push yourself to work on your best version. Break up the actions into healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthen your best version. You can increase the complexity, frequency, and intensity of these actions as you gain a mastery of them. Be curious and creative in living a purposely life ... or risk feeling set adrift.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: info@recoveryinthepines.com

Recovery In The Pines

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