PATH TO PERSONAL CHANGE
What does personal change mean?
Making changes in your thoughts, behaviors, habits, or choices to improve your life.
What does mindfulness mean?
Paying attention to the present moment without judging yourself or the situation.
What is a trigger?
Something that can cause difficult emotions, cravings, unhealthy thoughts, or behaviors.
What does having a positive attitude mean?
Approaching situations with hope, constructive thinking, and a willingness to look for solutions.
What is a choice?
A decision between different options or actions.
Name one thing that can help someone make a positive change.
Setting goals, having support, practicing new habits, learning from mistakes, or making healthy choices.
Name one way you can practice mindfulness.
Deep breathing, mindful walking, meditation, paying attention to your surroundings, or focusing on one activity.
What are the three P's that can sometimes be relapse triggers?
People, Places, and Things.
What is gratitude?
Recognizing and appreciating the good things, people, opportunities, or experiences in your life.
What is a consequence?
The result or outcome of a choice or action.
Why is it important to know your strengths?
Knowing your strengths can build confidence and help you recognize what you are capable of.
What are the three steps in Stop–Think–Choose?
Stop, think about the situation and possible consequences, then choose your response.
Name two healthy coping skills someone could use when experiencing a trigger.
Talk to someone, go for a walk, exercise, journal, meditate, attend a meeting, distract yourself, or practice breathing.
Name three things someone could be grateful for.
Answers will vary: family, friends, housing, recovery, employment, food, health, transportation, opportunities, etc.
True or False: Every choice has consequences.
TRUE!
What is the difference between a short-term goal and a long-term goal?
A short-term goal can usually be completed sooner, while a long-term goal takes more time and planning.
You are angry and want to immediately send an angry text. How could mindfulness help?
Pause, breathe, notice your emotions, think about the consequences, and choose whether sending the message is actually helpful.
True or False: Asking for help is a sign of weakness.
False. Asking for help can be a healthy way of taking care of yourself.
Someone has a bad morning and says, "Today is ruined." How could they change that thought?
They could recognize that one bad moment doesn't have to determine the entire day and focus on what they can control.
You have an important appointment tomorrow, but your friends invite you out late tonight. What should you consider before making your choice?
The possible consequences, priorities, responsibilities, and how each choice could affect your goals.
Someone says, "I've made too many mistakes, so I can't change." What would you tell them?
Your past does not have to determine your future. Change is possible through choices, effort, support, and taking things one step at a time.
Why can taking a few deep breaths help when you are stressed?
It gives you a moment to pause, slow down, focus, and respond instead of reacting automatically.
Someone is having a difficult day and feels like returning to an old unhealthy behavior. What are three things they could do instead?
Reach out for support, remove themselves from the triggering situation, use a coping skill, attend a meeting, journal, exercise, or talk with staff/supportive people.
How can practicing gratitude affect the way we look at difficult situations?
It can help us notice what is going well instead of focusing only on what is going wrong.
Give an example of a short-term choice that could affect a long-term goal.
Example: Spending money impulsively may feel good now but could make it harder to save for a car, emergency fund, or other goal.