There is a month for everything. Most give the designation of “National.” National Ice Cream Month, National Walk your Dog Month, National Remember What Month it Is Month, and so on. September is no exception in having the distinction of being both National Recovery Month as well as National Self–Care Awareness Month.

This is a happy coincidence since self-care is the perfect partner to recovery from substance abuse. The two activities go hand in hand, a combo wherein each reinforces the other.

Anyone in long term sobriety - and there are millions - understand all too well that recovery is a constant, one day at the time, lifelong effort. In requires strength, determination, and commitment as well as support from friends and relatives. Sobriety, put another way, is a lifestyle choice and, like most lifestyle choices, necessitates making smart decisions on one’s behavior and activities and treatment when needed. Most importantly, recovery requires being good to yourself in ways both large and small. In other words, recovery involves itself in self-care in the most profound sense. Being good to yourself is in no way selfish. It’s wise. Wise and also reciprocal. The theory being that we can’t be kind to others unless we’re kind to ourselves.

It’s not a theory. It’s the truth.

So there you have it: September, National Recovery Month, and National Self–Care Awareness.

A marriage made in heaven.

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Learn more about Self-Care Awareness.

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This week on the Behavioral Corner Podcast...

Darnell Hinton didn’t wait for someone else to show him how to make a difference. He just did it; with his iPhone, a handful of friends, and $42, he set out to feed some hungry people in the neighborhood.

Darnell Hinton, founder of the non-profit “Teach One, Feed One”  is simply an inspiration, and he’s hanging with us on the BehavioralCorner this time. Join us.