Life Renewed, The Final Story.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

First, I want to recognize all those that have lost their lives, and all the families that have dealt with that loss - remembering them is the purpose of this holiday. We wouldn't have the freedom we have, and I certainly wouldn't have the freedom I have to do what I'm setting out to do, without those sacrifices. THANK YOU to all the souls that have given it all!!

As I shared in my previous post, from about mid-year 2020 through the spring of 2021, I was overseeing a residential treatment program for pregnant and parenting women, one that allowed children to stay in the facility, as well. This was in addition to my everyday duties and management of our revenue cycle management teams. The nine months I spent filling the extra shoes proved to be the most challenging of my career. More than anything, I lost all work-life balance, working 14-16 hours per day, on average. Wake up before the sun comes up, go to work, come home, eat, work more, go to bed late into the night. That was my life. It wasn't sustainable, and as the new year came around, I considered if I was in the right place.

After conversation with other leaders at Avivo, the decision was made to move forward with a permanent program director hire for the residential program. Another program director was also approved, one that would oversee two of the teams I had been managing - intake and access. Within a matter of a couple months, both roles were filled, and by the end of February, there was light at the end of the tunnel. I began planning my life around a return to some normalcy - monthly trips to fairly local destinations, bi-monthly trips to Massachusetts to be with family, and quarterly trips to other parts of the country.

I also began putting together the plan to take on the completion of a book, knowing the blog I'm currently posting from would need to be up to speed. And in March, it all began with a trip to Florida, with my business partner. It was such a blast, and so peaceful and relaxing. I could tell I was on my way to some life again. The day after I returned, the first program director started, and I had two weeks of intense training. At the end of that two weeks, the next program director started. I went from managing a dozen staff on six different teams to three staff with three different teams under them. What a difference.

As I sit and write this, putting the final touches on my chronological story, to date, I'm in awe at the amount of stress, joy, challenge, and satisfaction that can come simultaneously. Today, more than ever, I'm happy to be back to focusing on family, friends, and Recovery Reinspired. I'll spend the next several months putting a book together, and the months after that planning a fundraising event taking place in 2022, one that will be tied to the official launching of my book and new business venture. From that business platform, I will deliver messages through my book, my websites, speaking, and sharing in any way I can. The fundraiser will benefit multiple recipients - organizations that are doing what I like to consider God's work, taking care of and advancing the well-being of those who need it the most.

COVID-19 put a damper on the original plans for the event, as it was meant to align with a decade of recovery in my own life, but because we can't control a pandemic, it will be something like "a decade plus one." There will be plenty more information to come on this VERY soon, and I truly hope to see as many of you there as possible. This is an event I want for all - to deliver a message of hope, humanity, and healing. Until then, all my friends and family - stay well and safe!

Peace,

J