The Importance of Self-Care While Moving Forward
Practicing good self-care is crucial when trying to move forward. “Nora” has been, and will continue to practice, self-care by surrounding herself with people she loves and those who support her in her recovery. Relapse prevention is aided by self-care.
“Nora” was raised in Waseca, Minnesota. She had three biological brothers prior to being adopted, and she now has a sister and a brother in her adoptive family. As a child, “Nora” was involved in the church, choir, 4-H, band, and swimming lessons at the lake. “Nora” moved to Iowa to attend college, but returned to Waseca for a period of time before finally relocating to Mankato. Once she settled in Mankato, “Nora” got a job at the local hospital. She got married and had two boys and one girl. That marriage would later end in divorce.
Things started changing when “Nora” started drinking. When “Nora” lost her job at the hospital, she went on a downward spiral. Even though the loss of her job was unrelated to her drinking, alcohol became the focus of “Nora’s” life, and even her kids took a backseat. “Nora” had worked at the hospital for almost 10 years and had seen firsthand the consequences of excessive drinking. This taught “Nora” what to look out for in terms of symptoms or harmful side effects. “Nora” stated, “You learn to survive.” Her drinking influenced the path she took. After several emergency room and hospital trips by ambulance due to her drinking, “Nora” was admitted to a residential inpatient treatment facility. She was in treatment for four months. During her four-month stay, she attended counseling and other long-term recovery and rehabilitation services. While in treatment, “Nora” learned about Life-Work Planning Center. She felt that Life-Work Planning Center would be a fantastic way to navigate back into the community. “Nora” states “the pre-employment job search and workshops helped me with becoming more confident, and to have better self-esteem, and feel more secure.” All of this motivated her to go back to school and to move forward. “Nora” also enjoyed meeting other women in workshops; it helped her feel as though she was not the only person out there who has struggled. While pursuing her pre-employment goals with Life-Work Planning Center, “Nora” received support for necessities such as rental assistance and transportation. She also received a laptop from Life-Work Planning Center so she could complete her schoolwork.
As of right now, “Nora” is still attending classes to finish her two-year degree as a registered medical assistant. She is currently self-employed and on the dean’s list! As she continues her journey, “Nora” expresses her gratitude for the support and help she has received from Life-Work Planning Center. “Nora” counsels other women to “take things day by day” and that “other women are not scary.”
“Nora” is focusing on learning to love herself, finding comfort in her own skin, and continuing to set boundaries to safeguard her recovery. This journey is a work in progress. “Nora” lost some acquaintances along the way, but it was the self-care she needed to practice for herself, her kids, and her recovery.
Name has been changed to respect the privacy of the person in this story.
