The Estate News & Blog

Lately, I’ve been hearing recurring comments among clients, friends, and family members. They all seem to be focused on thoughts and feelings that their lives no longer have meaning or purpose. They feel stuck, unsure of the next direction they want to take.

Have you ever felt stuck, like you've taken a tumble in life that you just can't recover from? Or perhaps you're one of those who can easily rise, dust off the debris, and push forward without looking back. This resilience—or lack thereof—shapes not only our experiences but also our journey toward recovery.

Imagine, for a moment, navigating the ups and downs of life as a young horse embarking on his first adventure out from the safety of a fenced arena. Take Dreamer, my young colt that was about 18-months old at the time, for example. On his inaugural trail ride, he faced an array of obstacles—a few daunting logs, a challenging incline, and even a shallow stream to cross. He accomplished each task impressively, gaining confidence despite the gusty winds that can unsettle even mature horses. Dreamer was handling the ride with confidence, grace and ease.

As my husband and I were riding back towards home, we were discussing how impressively Dreamer had performed. As the ride neared its end, however, Dreamer stumbled. Falling forward onto his knees and right shoulder, he nearly toppled over entirely. Yet, he managed to compose himself quickly. With just a subtle lift of the reins from me, Dreamer found his balance and returned to a stand. As if nothing happened, he resumed walking, carrying me safely back home. Upon arrival, the remark was made, "I'm glad you both survived the fall." A simple yet profound observation that prompted my reflection on resilience and recovery.

Hello, I'm Janice, part of the dedicated team at Soberman’s Estate specializing in Equine Therapy and Mindfulness Coaching. I’ve been sharing thoughts and insights through our blog for a year now, and today’s post is particularly close to my heart. September marks National Suicide Awareness Month, and I'm compelled to share a deeply personal perspective, rather than statistics or data points.

The intricate, winding path of addiction is often accompanied by the heavy weights of shame, guilt and regret. Making the transition from addiction to sobriety can be as much about healing our inner world as it is about breaking free from the physical and mental bonds of substance use. Below are some insights and steps that may help in releasing these burdens and embracing the new chance at life that recovery offers.

Dutch Michaelangelo Soberman “Dutch”, our beloved therapy tortoise, has been a member of our therapeutic team at Soberman's Estate for over a year now. He was introduced to us by Psychiatrist and Medical Expert, Dr. Michael Vines. Dr. Vines has been with Soberman’s Estate since 2019 and it was that year that he found Dutch, and at that time Dutch could fit comfortably in the palm of his hand.

In the transformative journey of recovery, one of the most powerful tools you can harness is not just sobriety itself, but the power of gratitude. You might be wondering, 'Why gratitude? What has it got to do with recovery from substance misuse?' The answer is—everything. This simple yet profound emotion has the potential to reshape the way you view your past, perceive your present, and envision your future.

Mental health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing, and recovery is a critical component for individuals who have faced various types of challenges – be it addiction, trauma, or other life-altering circumstances. Navigating these roads can be challenging, but having strong, positive role models can significantly aid the journey.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often find ourselves trapped in a maze of negative thinking. These negative thoughts can lead to heightened stress, reduced self-esteem, and even a predisposition towards harmful habits or addictions.