Accepting the Past as an Asset in Recovery

By Aleah Johnson, The Meadows Alumni Coordinator
What if I were to tell you that all aspects of your past would be used as an asset? Would you believe it or would you instantly regret and want to change it?
I have a love/hate relationship with the word "acceptance." As a stubborn addict, I am not supposed to agree with everything, right?

What is Acceptance?

Acceptance is defined as "the act of taking or receiving something offered." Sometimes I really have to stop and take inventory of the things in my life, both personally and professionally and ask myself if I am fighting or if I am accepting.
One of the most crucial bits of advice I have learned in recovery is to accept my past as an asset. It is important to accept ourselves where we are on our journey and be able to leverage ourselves for good.

The past is a place or state of being in an earlier period of a one's life, career, etc., that might be thought of as shameful or embarrassing. We have all done things in our past that we may not be proud of— choosing to resist or deny our past only leads to more suffering. Acceptance allows us to live in the present moment and not "future trip" or worry about the past.

Resistance is often about control; the more we try to control our lives, the more out of control they get. Acceptance allows emotional balance and gives us the ability to accept people and things exactly as they are, even when we can't see the WHY or when we're not getting what we want.

Finding Serenity

Acceptance is a key solution to our problems. When we are disturbed, it is because we find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of life—unacceptable. We can find no serenity until we accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at that moment.

Until we accept ourselves, our situations and our life, on life's terms, we cannot be happy. We need not concentrate so much on what happens in the world as on what needs to be changed in ourselves and in our attitudes. (Page 417, The Big Book)

Early in my recovery, an old-timer in one of my first meetings told me, "You can make this as easy or as hard as you want, little lady, but ultimately the choice is up to you." I fully accepted this not only as a piece of advice but also as a challenge.

Nobody is perfect and everyone has battles and struggles; this is part of this amazing journey that we call life. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. It is our job to accept all aspects, to start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can to make the best out of the life we have left.

Join The Meadows Alumni Association

If you are a graduate from any of The Meadows inpatient programs, The Meadows Intensive Outpatient program, any weeklong intensive workshop at the Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows, or a family member who attended Family Week, you are welcome to join The Meadows Alumni Association!
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When Food Speaks

By Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDRD, Remuda Ranch at The Meadows Senior Fellow
Even before he or she could speak, your child was able to communicate with you through eating behavior. This can continue into childhood and adolescence when someone has difficulty expressing him or herself through words.

Undereating, overeating, or limiting variety of foods are sometimes clues kids and teens are struggling with particularly negative or stressful feelings. Particularly significant are changes to established eating behaviors, such as eliminating snacks or certain food groups that the child previously enjoyed; secretive eating, sneaking or hiding foods, or lying about eating by a child who is typically open and honest; or avoiding family meals or social events by a teen who was formerly extroverted and friendly.

What Your Child’s Eating Behaviors Can Tell You

Some possible messages that might be conveyed through changes in eating behaviors are:

• I’m sad about something or someone I’ve lost.
• I’m depressed.
• I feel so alone.
• I’m angry.
• I don’t fit in.
• Stop telling me what to do!
• I’m having trouble concentrating.
• I’m struggling to adjust to changes in my life.
• I’m never good enough.
• No one likes me.
• I’m having trouble making decisions.
• I’m scared to make a mistake.
• I don’t feel well.
• I’m exhausted.

In the face of feelings that they don’t know how to manage, children and teens may turn toward or away from food for a sense of comfort or control. Yet they may not realize that their eating changes are connected to their innermost thoughts and feelings. It is the role of caregivers and other trusted adults help with recognizing the connections. It is a mistake to only address the eating behaviors without investigating the emotions and thoughts that are behind the scenes.
If you suspect that a child or teen in your life has changed her eating due to emotional distress, Remuda Ranch intake counselors are available 24 hours a day at 866-390-5100. Or, you can fill out the contact form at our website, www.RemudaRanch.com.

Dr. Patricia Kirby Appointed Medical Director of Remuda Ranch

Patricia O. Kirby, M.D., was appointed medical director of Remuda Ranch at The Meadows. Among other responsibilities, Dr. Kirby will be responsible for the supervision of staff psychiatric and medical providers for the 12-bed critical care unit which provides 24-hour nursing, medical and psychiatric care to patients struggling with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Dr. Kirby is a skilled psychiatrist who has been practicing in Arizona for over 15 years, including five years in private practice with Arrowhead Professional Group (Glendale, AZ) and as a hospitalist and psychiatric consult-liaison at Thunderbird Banner Hospital (Glendale, AZ). She has also previously worked as a staff psychiatrist at Remuda Ranch at the Meadows, Gentle Path, and The Meadows, as well as an attending psychiatrist at Remuda Ranch. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2003. Dr. Kirby received her Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

“I’ve had the good fortune of working at Remuda Ranch in various capacities over the past 15 years ago, so I understand its roots and how it has flourished," said Dr. Kirby. "I’ve witnessed firsthand how much recovery goes on here and how our low relapse rate makes Remuda Ranch a true industry leader. I’m eager to incorporate parts of Pia Mellody’s Meadows model into Remuda Ranch while staying true to what we stand for. I have a clear vision about how to forge ahead, and I’m eager to get to work.”

Chris Diamond, Executive Director of Remuda Ranch, is happy to have Dr. Kirby back on the team. “Dr. Kirby knows both the eating disorder population and the Meadows Behavioral Health culture. She is the perfect fit for the position.”

As for moving to Arizona, Dr. Kirby says she was drawn to the state for two reasons: its marvelous weather and its Hispanic culture. “I was brought up in a Hispanic household. My father is a surgeon who studied in his home country of Mexico and then completed his residency in Ohio. I feel right at home here.”
About Remuda Ranch at The Meadows

For over 25 years, Remuda Ranch at The Meadows has offered an unparalleled depth of care through its unique, comprehensive, and individualized program for treating eating disorders and co-occurring conditions affecting adolescent girls and women. Set in the healing landscape of Wickenburg, Arizona, Remuda Ranch at The Meadows allows for seamless transitions between its structured multiphase treatment. A world-class clinical team of industry experts examines core issues through a host of proven modalities. Providing individuals with tools to re-engage in a healthy relationship with food – and with themselves – dis-empowers eating disorders and empowers individuals with a renewed enthusiasm for life. To learn more contact us or call 866-390-5100.

Source:http://www.remudaranch.com/blog/item/86-dr-patricia-kirby-appointed-medical-director-of-remuda-ranch