http://www.recoveryinthepines.com/

Recovery In The Pines, 919 12th Place, Ste 13, Prescott, AZ (2026)

04/17/2026

Proverbs 25:28
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

When your mind—your values and vision—leads, your actions align with growth and purpose. But when impulses and comfort take control, you become reactive and stuck. Real change comes from creating space between impulse and action, choosing intention over instinct. Being a 'king' isn’t about power over others—it’s about self-leadership and consistently choosing what elevates you over what merely feels easy.

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

2. Assess where pleasure outweighs purpose.

3. Know your "whys".

4. Get into action.

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).

Determine where you may choose a quick, healthy "pleasure" as an addiction to pleasure to distract or deter you from taking purposeful action.

Create powerful "whys" for your best version. Your "whys" will help you stay focused on your goals and move through your addiction to pleasure, comfort, and various numbing agents and stimulants.

Be the king of your story. Determine the activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute action items) that strengthen your best version. Get into action today. By getting into purposeful action immediately, you will be less at risk of giving into the temptations of immediate pleasures, becoming a slave.

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

04/16/2026

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

The mind tends to fixate on problems, amplifying stress and reinforcing anxiety. When attention is deliberately shifted toward solutions—what can be controlled and improved—it activates problem-solving and resilience. This doesn’t ignore difficulties; it prevents them from growing through rumination. Over time, focusing on solutions builds healthier thought patterns and a stronger sense of control, ultimately influencing how reality is perceived.

The Basics
1. Focusing only on the problem will keep you stuck.

2. P.S.A. Instead of ruminating, start seeking and moving.

3. Get busy working on the best version of you.

4. Seek support when necessary.

The Lesson
Ruminating about a problem will harm you mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. It will warp you and only have you see the negative.

Remember a basic acronym:
P. - Problem
S. - Solution
A. - Action

Ruminating keeps you stuck in the problem until you do something constructive with it. Take control. Identify the Problem. Seek out a healthy Solution. Get into Action. Identifying the problem and seeking out a solution are not enough. You MUST get into Action.

Strengthen your character to be solution focused. Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Get into action daily with healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthens your best version. Start small. It's easier to discipline yourself to put them into action.

Where possible, seek outside support. Whether professional help to work through mental, emotional, and physical health concerns, or a mentor to guide you through challenging times, knowing you have someone you can count on will support you in the process of transitioning the problem into solution and action.

Questions? Need help with this? Reach out to us at: in

04/15/2026

Psalm 131--2
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

To remain calm in chaos is not passive but a disciplined strength, forged by confronting suffering and creating meaning. True character appears when disorder and fear arise, and the individual resists panic, standing firm in self-mastery. This calm is not blindness to danger, but the ability to see it clearly without being overwhelmed, acting by principle rather than impulse.

The Basics
1. Remember who you say you want to be and why.

2. PAUSE before responding.

3. Respond. Don't react.

4. Don't become JADED.

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). Craft powerful "whys" for achieving these. This is the version of you that you want managing chaotic situations.

Between emotion (stimulus) and action (response), PAUSE. Give yourself the opportunity to be mindful of what is in the moment and choose your choices instead of being fueled by the upheaval of the moment, emotion, or mood.

Use the pause to become aware of what is, get into acceptance of things as they are, and seek the healthiest path of progress as a way to respond. This can help you control your breathing, regulate your emotions, and choose how to respond from a calm POV.

Assess and accept when you racted with unhealthy behavior. Don't Justify, Accuse, Defend, Explain, or be in Denial about it. That will only leave you JADED. Get to work on healthy self-care, getting into action on the best version of you, and being of service to others. This will help you handle more complex conflicts in the future with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

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

04/14/2026

Isaiah 43:19
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

This quote emphasizes the importance of reflecting on past mistakes and developing strategies to avoid repeating them. This includes acknowledging mistakes, understanding their root causes, creating plans for improvement, and practicing new behaviors.

The Basics
1. The proper order is ... Ready. Aim. Fire.

2. Determine what you're aiming at and why.

3. Create the plan.

4. Now get moving.

The Lesson
Before getting into action, we typically need to "ready" ourselves by pausing and taking an assessment of the situation, with the help of wise counsel, to break old patterns. Then, we need to determine what is the best target to "aim" at. This is the fastest, most effective and efficient way to prep before we "fire" (or get into action). Otherwise, you're likely to get into action quickly based upon old patterns.

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 habits. Craft powerful "whys" with at least one "why" to the negative that would disgust you if you find yourself moving in the wrong direction. These are your moral compass points and goals to aim at.

Massive right action is required. Create a plan of actionable, small steps. Aim small ... miss small. You will have greater patience and perseverance getting into a rapid succession of new, small steps.

Dedicate time daily, keeping the steps as small as possible (2 - 5 minute micro habits) to get you moving forward. You can increase the speed, duration, complexity, efficiency, and effectiveness of your actions. Just make sure you check periodically that you haven't slipped into old patterns.

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

04/13/2026

2 Peter 1:5
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

Character Lab
"Today, we might say we send our kids to school to become critical thinkers. 'Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.'

Another—perhaps less obvious—goal is to cultivate character: 'But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society,' King wrote. 'The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.'"

The Basics
1. Intelligence helps process information efficiently.

2. Intelligence needs character to process information effectively.

3. Don't lose sight of what you’re aiming at.

4. Be a doer, not a hearer only.

The Lesson
Intelligence helps process information efficiently. It helps process information and problem solve faster, using less mental resources.

And yet, intelligence needs to be partnered with character if you hope to apply your knowledge effectively. Without character, your brain can create a number of warped perceptions and beliefs, skewing how your mind performs.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character aspects mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially you wish to master), followed by your SMART goals. Your best version is your moral compass. Your goals are your GPS points.

Once you know what you're aiming at and why, you need to get into action of activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthen your character in doses.

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

04/12/2026

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Depth Psychology
"Wisdom bids us to acknowledge and know when to move on. To overlook, in this context, refers to moving past and not lingering on what does not continue to require our attention. Not everything has to continue to be addressed to be at a good place for us."

The Basics
1. Pause.

2. Choose your battles wisely.

3. Assess what it takes to make progress vs just trying to "win".

4. Let the unproductive things go.

The Lesson
In a moment of conflict (with others or self), PAUSE. Emotions can cloud your better judgment on how best to respond.

From a calmer perspective, accept that not all battles deserve your attention.

Save your energy for those scenarios where you see opportunities to make progress and grow.

Assess what is creating the conflict, whether things in the present moment or ghosts from the past. Assess which of these things have value to help you make progress in the present. If they don't, what healthy value do they carry to wrestle with them? Some things just aren't worth our time and attention.

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

04/11/2026

Proverbs 25:28
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Harvard Business Review
"An ability to override short-term impulses that conflict with long-term goals is a hallmark of successful people. Research has shown that people with strong self-control have better health, relationships, finances, and careers. They are also less likely to have problems with overeating, overspending, smoking, alcohol or drug abuse, procrastination, and unethical behavior. Overcoming temptation also seems to be intrinsically rewarding — people with high self-control are also more satisfied with their lives and experience their lives as more meaningful."

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

2. Identify your cues.

3. Inventory your favorite unhealthy desires.

4. Have a series of healthy alternatives.

5. Create a cognitive gap between activation and actions.

The Lesson
Ceate / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master) followed by SMART goals, and healthy hobbies. We have a greater capability to engage self-control when we have a clear definition of what we're aiming at, and we have potent reasons "why".

Create a list of people, places, things, and experiences that activate impulsive reactions. Seek professional help if necessary to identify what activates your fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response.

Inventory a list of your go-to desires when activated ... mood / mind altering substances, s*x, food, money, foods, anger, avoidance, etc. Which of these are more important than living out your best life?

Be prepared with a list of healthy activities to offset your favorite unhealthy desires. The more you practice healthy offsetting actions, even when you aren't activated, will build greater self-control when you need it.

When activated ... PAUSE. Remember what you're aiming at and why, and get into healthy action quickly.

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

04/10/2026

Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Quotation Celebration
"Essentially Emerson is arguing for the power of personal determination in individual human beings. That we have far more influence over our destinies than we realize, because we often succumb to circumstances and let those circumstances determine who we are and who we become. Though Emerson would not minimize the impact of our past—he would vehemently argue that our past need not determine our present or our future."

The Basics
1. 80 / 20 is the norm.

2. Reverse this.

3. Be flexible ... in limited doses.

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

5. Invest in the present.

The Lesson
Studies show that, on average, people spend about 80% of their time regretting the past and worried about the future, with only 20% of their time focused on the present.

While you don't want to forget the past nor remain blind to the future, a healthier balance is to spend about 10% of your time on the past, 10% planning for the future, and 80% of your time mindful and in purposeful action in the present.

Sometimes, we may need to spend a greater percentage of time recalling things of the past or creating a vision for the future. However, guard against slipping back into ruminating about the past and future-tripping away the present.

Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually), followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally. Craft potent "whys" on your deepest motivation, and a series of micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that are small transformations.

This will give you focus for remembering successes and failures of the past to learn from, direction for the future, and a focus for how to invest in the present.

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

04/09/2026

1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Focus
"Sometimes, it feels like you’re juggling a million things while balancing on a tightrope, and it’s tempting to shove the hard stuff to the back burner. We all do it. Whether it’s putting off that awkward conversation, avoiding a looming deadline, or procrastinating over a life change, avoiding problems can feel like the easy way out. But here’s the thing: those problems don’t go away. They hang around like unwelcome houseguests, and eventually, they demand your attention."

The Basics
1. Assess the problem.

2. Create a solution with wise counsel.

3. Get into action. Start small.

4. You are to be the hero in your story.

The Lesson
When it comes to problems in our lives that are our responsibilities, avoidance and procrastination only increase the consequences and pain that we're trying to dodge. Pause the story and emotional impulses. Break down the problem into its primary variables.

Next, devise a solution for facing and moving through it. Seek wise counsel for insights and perspectives you may be lacking. Knowing we aren't alone can encourage and energize us.

Don't expect problems to resolve themselves. We must get into action. Take it one step at a time, and start small. This will help minimize the inherent fear and resistance factors. Stay consistent. Gain momentum. Check back in with your wise counsel.

Ultimately, we can't control the outcome of situations, but we can control who we are going through them. Focus on going through challenges as the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Even if you don't achieve your desired results, you can still be the hero in your story by growing in the strength of your character.

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

04/08/2026

Luke 14:27
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Medium
"It might sound scary to have no life blueprint you can follow.

But I think what is scarier, is to live someone else’s life, rather than your own."

The Basics
1. Know what you're aiming at so you know which road to take.

2. Create the blueprint on how to get there.

3. Wise counsel can walk with you, but they can't walk it for you.

4. Get on with your journey.

The Lesson
Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually) followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally, and hobbies. Create deepky personal, potent "whys" for achieving these. This is your personal road to take.

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

Outside, healthy perspective from wise counsel may be required for perspective, insights, guidance, accountability, and encouragement. They can walk with you, but not for you.

Commit time daily to complete, at minimum, one healthy activity and 3 - 5 micro habits that help move you forward on the road to becoming your best version.

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

04/07/2026

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psychology Today
"Besides taking a toll on their mental health, their physical health may take a beating, too. Pessimism, while it may be useful in isolation or in moderation, is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hostility, high blood pressure, and heart disease."

The Basics
1. Pessimism is a dishonest scale.

2. P.S.A. Instead of complaining, take control.

3. Focus on effort, relinquishing the outcome.

4. Get busy working on the best version of you.

The Lesson
Pessimism sucks. It sucks the joy and peace out of the present. It is a dishonest scale because it only looks at the negative in a situation and can often warp your perceptions to make the situation appear worse than it is. Pause, and identify what you have going for you. Be grateful for them.

Remember a basic acronym:
P. - Problem
S. - Solution
A. - Action

Pessimism keeps you stuck in the problem until you do something constructive with it. Take control. Identify the Problem. Seek out a healthy Solution. Get into Action. Identifying the problem and seeking out a solution are not enough. You MUST get into Action.

As you work to overcome challenges, you can set a goal for a desired outcome, but then put your focus on the effort you put into achieving it. Outcomes are largely outside of our control.

Be clear about what you want most. Create / review the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially). Get into action daily with healthy activities (30 - 60 minute events) and micro habits (2 - 5+ minute actions) that strengthens your best version. This 100% inside your control. Working on you, in this way, will make you a more capable, optimistic person.

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

04/06/2026

Luke 8:15
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Mike Robbins
"However, this is actually what patience is all about – allowing things to be as they are and trusting that things will unfold as they are meant to.

It’s hard to do this in the best of circumstances, but over the last few years, it’s been even more challenging. One thing that can make patience specifically tricky is the fear that things won’t work out."

The Basics
1. Pause.

2. Know what you're aiming at.

3. Assess the situation.

4. Create the plan of action. Start small.

5. Strengthen your endurance in your downtime.

The Lesson
Before your impatience gets you into quick action, pause. Direction is more important than speed.

Set your direction by creating a target. If personal development, focus on creating your definition of the best version of you (your top 5 - 10 character assets you wish to master mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually) followed by SMART goals, personally and professionally.

Once you know what you're aiming at, you can better assess the situation ... what helps or hinders you from achieving your goals, appropriate expectations on when you can achieve them.

Massive right action is required. Create a plan of actionable, small steps. You will have greater patience and perseverance getting into a rapid succession of small steps than trying to take big leaps. Get into a habit of a massive amount of consistent, small steps. Then, focus on your effort and the journey, not just the destination.

Don't wait for the critical moment to occur before you drill the character qualities of your best version. This will build confidence, patience, and perseverance. The key is consistent effort every day. Layer up the intensity and complexity as you go, improving your self-confidence and endurance.

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

Recovery In The Pines

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