Dear Editor,
As we near the year’s end, it is normal to reflect on the days and months lived and to ask, “how did I do this year?” New Year’s is traditionally the time to make personal goals. ‘Where do I want to go? What do I want to accomplish this year?’ Physical health, relationships, education/career development, finances, and ‘being my best self,’ are often areas of focus for our resolutions. All are good areas to evaluate and try to improve.
One way to write your resolutions is to use this sentence stem: “This is the year I finally ____.” Fill in the blank with your resolutions and then begin trying to build the plan to get there. Want to run a marathon? You’re going to need to get moving. Want to buy a house? Get on a budget.
Change can be scary and trying to develop new ways of living is difficult, especially on your own. It is often necessary to find someone who knows more about or has experience with the desired outcomes we seek. To improve physical health, consider joining a gym, for example, or talk to someone in your circle who has a higher level of fitness. Finding support is helpful, as is having someone who is in the same process to lean on. Regardless of the changes you’re trying to make, please don’t give up. Persistence is refusing to quit and giving maximum effort.
If this is the year you want to do something about your substance use, then you may have questions. “Who can I talk to? Where can I go for support or help? Do I even really have a problem?” In Oklahoma, you can u s e www.OKImReady.org (800) 522-9054 to find out about Substance Use, Prevention Services, Support and Treatment. If you’re seeking treatment, please visit www.findtreatment.gov, Call or Text 988 Mental Health Hotline, (800) 273-TALK (8255) or (800) 662-HELP (4357).
To learn more about the substance misuse prevention efforts going on in your county please visit: https://www.swoda.org/s ubstance-use-preventiont reatment-andrecovery/prevention/odm hsas This program is funded by Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention, South Western Oklahoma Development Authority, and local coalitions.