A New Tone and Direction…

– Michael, Pavillon Alumni
I’m so grateful to be able to start my days by saying “Good morning God!” rather than “Good God, it’s morning!” ~ Vivian
As is so often the case in life generally and especially in the realm of Recovery, word order–and emphasis–can radically change the upshot and meaning of just about anything we say or think; especially to ourselves. I don’t know about you, but some of the things I catch myself saying to myself–while (stark raving) sober–are not always the most helpful or kind.

I’m consistently trying to work on why it is I’m often inclined to be so hard on myself. In fact, this seems to be one of the many collateral benefits of slowly but steadily working the 12 Steps. From time to time, in the midst of this journey, I’m asked to stop and recall who I am as well as to consider where I’m heading–even when that destination may be far from clear. Before I began my Recovery process, my past completely controlled my present and my future (the very definition of an unfree life). Now my future dreams (not fears) have the potential to set the tone and direction of my present existence. It seems to me that this attitude is the absolute essence of a liberated and truly creative life.

As often as I need to–even if it’s every morning–I have been given the gift of being able to affirm who I am as a sober person and set my course accordingly, even as I remember with a bit of a shudder the dull sense of dread that used to greet me at the start of each day. What a great change of perspective THAT is!

Friday Pavillon Update:

Pavillon friends and Colleagues,
We have POWER at Pavillon! The power came on late yesterday afternoon.
Now begins the process of restoring all of our internal systems, and anxiously awaiting internet and communication services.
Our Facilities’ staff are on the campus assessing needs for critical resources such as water, the wastewater system, and our Chiller which provides our air conditioning and heat.
Outside resource agencies for these systems have been notified in anticipation of the completion of restoration and obtaining approval as required for these services prior to bringing patients back to campus.
The timeline for re-opening is soon, although we do not have an exact date. We hope that it will be next week, pending any unforeseen challenges. Time will tell.
In the meantime, please do not come to the campus. We will keep you informed of our progress through these updates, including when the campus is open to staff and then to our patients.
Stay safe and stay tuned for future updates. Please share with others who may have limited access to communication venues.

In gratitude,
Barbara Bennett, CEO