Looking in the Mirror "Without Judgment and Shame Looking Back at Me"
Alumni Spotlight: Kylie Nicole Armstrong,TopGolf Alumni Event, Plus...Something New in February
Alumni Spotlight: Kylie Nicole Armstrong
When Kylie Armstrong completed Asana Recovery (Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach) last January, she never expected her life to be this good. She knew she would return to her family and job, but "I never knew I could be so in love with who I have become,” she says.
“Today, I enjoy being able to look at myself in the mirror without judgment and shame looking back at me,” Kylie says. Instead, she sees a person and a life to be proud of.
Today, Kylie is a daily part of her children’s lives and has a career - as a Registered Behavioral Therapist for children with autism -that she loves.
Calling herself a “simple person,” Kylie finds enjoyment at home, watching movies with “my man and my kids” or catching up on family relationships neglected during active addiction.
How she maintains sobriety
Since completing the Asana Recovery program, Kylie says she maintains both her sobriety and mental health by:
Practicing acceptance
"Playing the tape through" in every part of my life when making decisions, big or small
Keeping in contact with others in recovery
“I also recover out loud,” Kylie says. “I make it known that if anyone needs the help I was given, I am here. I won't judge someone for still being lost. We keep what we have by giving it away!”
Cutting out toxic relationships
“The most challenging part of sobriety for me has been disconnecting and removing myself from the people I love, who are still deep in their addictions,” Kylie says.
It’s a challenge that’s not only emotionally demanding but almost seems in conflict with Kylie’s desire to “give away” recovery and help others. “I remind myself that I can't save everyone but I can at least try to help them save themselves.”
Yet this specific challenge is very much in line with what Kylie learned in her treatment program. “The most valuable thing Asana Recovery taught me was self-discipline and self-love,” she says. “They also taught me what healthy friendships and relationships were, and I couldn't be more appreciative for that lesson.”
Asana Recovery Alumni Event at TopGolf
The alumni event at TopGolf in Oklahoma City was a “success.” By that, we mean that we had a blast hitting golf balls, catching up and enjoying a night of sober, social fun. Thank you to Jim Bell and Kimberly Brave for organizing such a fun event!
We’re working hard to organize local events to help Asana alums stay connected to recovery - and to each other! Check upcoming newsletters for events in your area! If you’d like to volunteer to organize or host an event, contact amber.vaughan@asanarecovery.com.
Starting in February: Asana Recovery AA Meeting
Starting in February, Asana Recovery will be hosting a monthly AA meeting for alums. Reconnect with old friends, make new friends and continue the great recovery work you began in treatment. We’re still working out the details, so stay tuned!
Great article.