July 2020 - mhsinc.org€¦ · 6/07/2015 · I went to my friend’s wedding on June 30th at her...

Clubhouse Connect

Inside this issue:

BPSR Escondido Clubhouse

Clubhouse Connect BPSR Escondido Clubhouse

July 2020

BPSR Escondido Clubhouse

474 Vermont Ave

Suite 105 Escondido, CA 92026

(760) 737-7125

https://www.mhsinc.org/listing/bpsr-escondido-clubhouse-2/

Inside this Issue News ............................. 1

Recovery Tool Time ... 2

Pet of the Month ........ 3

The New Normal……..4

Announcements......... 5

Art & Poetry ................. 6

Puzzles & Jokes ........... 8

Positive Vibes .............. 9

Spotlights ..................... 10

Events & Resources .... 12

This is an excerpt from the Dalai Lama’s perspective on the topic INTERDEPENDENCE, from the book, How to Practice the Way to a Meaningful Life. Ex-cerpt selection and capi-talization by: Shannon K

“Much of the world is now connected by a web of electronic com-munication and instant information. In the twenty-first century our global economy has made nations and their people heavily depend-

ent on one another. Today, it is impossi-ble to re-main iso-lated, so if nations do not have mutual RE-SPECT, problems are bound to arise. Although

there are grave signs of trouble between poorer and richer nations, along with groups within those nations, these economic rifts can be HEALED by a stronger sense of glob-al INTERDEPEND-ENCE and RESPONSI-BILITY. The people of one nation must consid-er people of other na-tions to be like brothers and sisters who deserve progress for their home-lands…

The only way to achieve lasting PEACE is through mutual

TRUST, RESPECT, LOVE and KINDNESS. The only way. Attempts by global powers to dominate one another through competition. How can the world full of hatred and anger achieve world PEACE? EXTERNAL peace is impossible without inner PEACE. It is noble to work at external solu-tions, but they cannot be implemented so long as people have hatred and anger in their minds, thus human INTEN-TION is ultimately re-sponsible. This is where profound change has to begin. Individually we have to WORK to CHANGE the basic PERSPECTIVES on which our FEELINGS depend. We can only do so through training, by engaging in practice with the aim to gradual-ly reorienting the way we perceive ourselves and others.

The desperate state of our world calls US to

The Value of Interdependence by Shannon K

Continued on page 3

Photo by Pixbay

2 Escondido Clubhouse Clubhouse Connect

The Newsroom:

Editorial:

Chris L, Cindy T,

Carmen D, David De,

Katherine W,

Shannon K, Terra J

Layout:

Cindy T , Terra J

Writing:

Carmen D, Chris L,

Cindy T, Dan K,

David De, David S S,

Shannon K, Terra J

Photography:

Chris L, Cindy T, Dan K,

Lulu M, Vicky W

Advisor:

Jill R

JULY 2020

RECOVERY TOOL TIME

The Power of Choice By Terra J

I learned this Recovery/Life Tool in the Leap to Confidence class I at-tended last year which is offered through a women's empowerment organization called, Leap to Success, founded by Dana Bristol Smith. The power of choice was the very first lesson, which laid the foundation to all subsequent classes. As Dana explained, (and I’m para-

phrasing) having choices is inherently empowering in and of itself. When we reframe our thoughts into choices we immediately switch to empowered thinking, which automatically culti-vates self-esteem and confi-dence. Here’s the exercise we did in class that illustrates this con-cept. You can do it with a partner or on your own.

“Have To” Exercise: 1. Write down a list of what you have to do in the next week:

“I have to…” __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Now say the list out-loud starting with “I have to…” before each item on your list. 3. Notice and write down how you feel and any sensations or thoughts: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Now cross out the heading “I have to…” and write above it “I choose to…” 5. Go down the list again saying “I choose to…” before each item on the list. 6. Now notice and write down how you feel and any sensations or thoughts: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You may have noticed a shift in the way you feel. For me, it was a BIG shift in mind and body. Now when I catch myself saying “I have to…” or even “I should…” I can quickly

change it to “I choose to…” I don’t always catch myself, but I am becom-ing aware sooner and more often. I feel more and more empowered.

Escondido Clubhouse Clubhouse Connect 3 JULY 2020

PET OF THE MONTH

ACTION. Each of us has a responsibility to try to help at a deeper level of our com-mon) (humanity… If with a warm heart and patience we can consider the views of oth-ers, and exchange ideas in a calm discussion, we will find

points of agreement. It is our responsibility- out of LOVE and COMPASSION for hu-mankind- to seek harmony among nations, when we truly recognize oneness of all hu-mankind, our motivation to find peace will grow stronger.

In the deepest sense we are really sisters and brothers, so we must share one another’s suffering. Mutual respect, trust and concern for one an-other’s welfare are our best hope for lasting WORLD PEACE.”

Jonas, Leila, and Penelope By Lulu M A very important part of

my family is my pets and I would like to share a little about each one. Jonas has been with us since August 2008, he is a Weimaraner. He loves people and doesn’t like being alone or going outside for very long if there are no family mem-bers. He is a goofball and gets excited about a lot of things, but his favorites are treats and going to the beach. Laila arrived in Feb-ruary 2009. We did not plan on getting another dog. One day my husband was down the street at a friend’s house when a fam-ily was walking their dog. My husband made a com-ment about how beautiful the dog was, and the family asked if he wanted her. We said sure and she has been with us ever since. She loves belly rubs, going for car rides, walks, and car-rots. The newest addition is Penelope, she is about five years old. We were at a pet event last October and saw

her. She was available for adoption and we went through an interview and home check before she was able to come live with us. Penelope loves going to walks, car rides, and fol-lowing around the big dogs. We also have a cat named Haley (not pic-

tured), she is an independ-ent spirit and likes to be alone, unless she wants food then she is meowing at everyone to feed her. She doesn’t like the dogs, so she usually outside or under my bed. We love all our pets and they make our home feel so much fuller.

Left Jonas, Leila, and Penelope. Photo by Lulu M

Interdependence (continued)


THE NEW NORMAL

7 Tips for Online Gatherings By Cindy T

In the Time of Corona-virus, we can’t gather togeth-er in person, but gathering online is a tangible alterna-tive. You can connect with your loved ones and see their faces. Though it’s not 100% the same, it brings back some similarities when being around the ones you love. Here is how I navigate online gatherings to maintain a healthy social life in times such as these.

1.Find a platform that suits you. I use Zoom be-cause of the whiteboard func-tion, which allows me to write on the screen for every-one to see. However, I do pay for a premium account because I want meetings of 3 or more people for longer than 40 minutes. That being said, if you want a more af-fordable option, there is Skype, FaceTime, and Google Meets, just to name a few. The mode isn’t as im-

portant as transportation, so to speak so what you have is useful enough to get you where you want to be.

2.Get creative. What kind of activities do you want to do? I do a mishmash of word games, guessing games, and picture games. You could do themes or share a meal to-gether by swapping recipes then making them (if you don’t mind having a laptop in the kitchen).

3.Time to Plan. What kind of party do you want to have? What kind of games do you want to play? Do you want a theme? A good host knows how to plan. When I plan a party, I try to make it fun for everyone. Are there conversation topics you can explore? Familiar themes for people to enjoy. Think to yourself, “what brings my group together?” The answer may surprise you.

4.Create a guest list.

There might be people who don’t show, but I find that creating a clear RSVP and jotting down the names of who you expect to join to be the most helpful. This makes it manageable for who might show and how long you should time your games or activities for however long you want to party.

5.Get dressed up. I know you’re at home, but you want to make an effort for the peo-ple that you care about. Make it an event that you can look forward to.

6.Limit distractions. Noth-ing kills the mood more than a noisy background. Try to get to a place that is quietest.

7.Put your phone on si-lent. So this is one of those things where you want to put your friends first. Also, how good of a host can you be if you are distracted? Phone etiquette is a thing and an important one too!

JULY 2020

Wedding By Chris L

I went to my friend’s wedding on June 30th at her house. The pastor came to her house and did the ceremony. There were 6 people there including me. It was such a nice wed-ding! I can’t believe I went to a wedding in a pandemic. I had so much fun the cake was beautiful, so was the bride and Broom. By the way the bride, Laura was my best friend.

Photo by Chris L

Escondido Clubhouse Clubhouse Connect 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JULY 2020

New group!

Bookworms Club is

12 pm on

Fridays, Join in!

On July 2nd we had

hotdogs, watermelon,

macaroni salad, and

cool and tasty root

beer floats! Stay

tuned for more awe-

someness at commu-

nity meeting.

PAG is on the August 26th at

noon.

Call in to Community Meeting

for more information!

Photo by Vicki W


ART & POETRY

JULY2020

A Small Brown Bird

I saw a small brown bird

Today at the park Sitting on a wooden fence

I couldn’t help but feel The spirit of my

Long deceased grandfather Telling me everything Is going to be alright

Perchance a Reminder Spring is

Just around the corner Life will begin anew Plausibly an indicator

God Will always provide for me

Or an incentive for my soul to navigate The soft gentle breezes

Maybe an image of The mythical Phoenix Rising from the ashes

So too perhaps There with its gleaming dark eyes A symbol meaning hope goes on

Even during the most Difficult of times

To all these things my mind took flight Until

I came to my senses And realized

That it was just A small brown bird . . .

—Dan K

Scarlet Sound

Come on and take a ride with me

Whatever comes to be will be

Scarlet sound takes you down

and all around

Life is never the same ever again after you've been

All sound and heard the sound

Scarlet sound

It all surrounds you

It seems the story of your life

is broken dreams and wasted time

follow me and you will find

everything you've lost inside

Scarlet sound takes you there

and everywhere

Life is always a game forever played

after you've stayed

All around and heard the sound

Scarlet sound

It all surrounds you

There's nothing left to say

and nothing more to do

We are on are way

Everything’s in tune

Scarlet sound takes you down

and all around

Life is never the same ever again

after you've been

All around and heard the sound

Scarlet sound

—David S S


ART & POETRY

JULY 2020

Art by Dan K

snakes slither in heat summer is at its peak time

to go to the beach —David De

Haiku Corner

Art by David De.


PUZZLES & JOKES

JULY2020

Word search by Cindy T

B R O O M L A G

E S S A E U M G

H M S K P C Y G

O W E M H K R O

M A H O O E D B

E K S P N T N I

W U Q L I U E Q

P A K A D D L I

T L O O M B G F

1

4 1 8 2 5

9 7 8

7 6

6 8 3

9 4 7

9 6 1

5 7 3 4

4 1 5

Sudoku Difficult: hard

BUCKET MOP HOMEWORK DISHES LAUNDRY MESSAGE PHONE

LOOM SPIN HOME BROOM

Jokes

“What do you call a gun that doesn’t kill animals? A

vegan” —Vicki W

“Why didn't the shrimp share

his treasure? Because he’s shellfish.” —Chris L

“What did the pebble wish to

be? A little boulder!” —Cindy T


JULY 2020

POSITIVE VIBES

“Be Happy!” —Mauro P

“I love the afternoons!” —Monique F

“Thank you and everyone’s voices sound so beautiful!”

—Lily B

“I miss everybody!” —Carmen D

“Watching reruns of Sanford and Sons makes me laugh.”

—Ken B

“Big Shout Out & The Most Positive Vibes go to Jill R for fa-cilitating our Newsroom Meet-ings. I am learning so much about editing and grammar from you. I appreciate your positivity and encouragement to us all. Thank you so much!”—Terra J

“We aren’t in control of people, places, and things.” —Kathy S

“Worry about today for tomorrow will take care of itself.” —Tom C

“Feelings are not facts.” —Elsa G

“The power of choice: I choose to do things, not have to do things.” — Shannon K


SPOTLIGHTS

Q: What is your job title? A: My job title is a Peer Sup-port Specialist. Q: How does a Peer Sup-port Specialist help people? A: A peer support specialist helps other people by sharing their experience and positive outlook in tough situations. Q: What motivated you to become a peer support spe-cialist? A: I had a passion for work-ing as a peer. The motivation was natural. I felt like I al-ways wanted to help and sup-port people. Volunteering was a natural way to support people, and, after a little more education, I applied for different jobs.

Q: If someone is seeking mental health treatment, where should they start? A: They can call the nearest psych unit or their primary care physician, who can lead them to a local therapist or psychologist. Q: What is your mental health journey? Where did it start? A:I was able to use my expe-riences from adolescence and childhood and every experi-ence that happened after that as a learning tool, or as an example to support some-body else with anxieties, hal-lucinations, or other symp-toms.

Q: What are your tools or coping skills to use when you are in crisis? A: I listen to music and I used to work out. I’ve been doing that more lately, doing more pushups, and I actually ran a week ago! I keep mov-ing, singing, doing art, and helping others. Q: What does hope mean to you? A: Hope means a better today and a better tomorrow. Hope gives you something that sus-tains you. Any last remarks? Even if a situation gets tough, even if it seems like you're anxious and you feel like you won’t be non-anxious, never give up. Work with your treatment team and your sup-port team to overcome situa-tions. There are more re-sources and options that are out there that you are able to use that can make things easi-er for you. There’s a lot of things that are free.

Never give up. Like in art, the more you do, and the more you expand your hori-zons and resources, the more you expand your capability and ability. The more you grow and expand your well-ness tools and the more expe-rience you have increasing yourself and what a person can be, the more positive you can become in life.

Interveiw with Northstar Peer Support Specialist Ivan R

By Cindy T

Photo by I van R

JULY 2020


SPOTLIGHTS

JULY 2020

Chris L Interveiw By Carmen D

I've known Chris L for a few years as we met at MHS North Inland where we at-tended some groups. Chris will be 53 in August. She has lived in Escondido for 27 years. Since she joined in November, she has been so involved at the clubhouse that she has been voted member of the month twice, once by staff and once by members! Now she's cele-brating five years of sobrie-ty. I got the chance to ask her about it.

Carmen D: Why did you want to get sober?

Chris L: The reason I got sober was because of my health; I didn't want to die. I’ve seen three of my friends die from drinking and I did-n’t want to die like that. One of them had a 7-year-old son and she drank herself to death.

CD: How do your friends and family support you?

CL: My friends and family support me by being there when I need to talk or when I feel like drinking. They always tell me, “Don't do it,” and that motivates me to keep sober.

CD: How did you get to be five years sober?

CL: I got through by praying a lot to my Higher Power, will-power, and having three different amazing sponsors throughout the years. My sponsors were there for me and of course my friends were there too.

CD: I know you feel con-nected by going to groups. What are your favorite groups?

CL: My favorites are Com-munity Meeting, Life Skills, Newsroom, Social Skills, Wellness Planning, and Im-pact the Outcome.

CD: How do you attend meetings now during COVID 19 times?

CL: I attend AA through Zoom and clubhouse groups through Microsoft Teams.

Photo by Chris L


EVENTS & RESOURCES

Distance Groups

*Full calendar available at

https://www.mhsinc.org/listing/JULY 2020

DAILY

8:30 am Coffee and Chat

10am Community Meeting (Escondido)

1pm Community Meeting (Mariposa)

MONDAY

9am Penny Savers

11am Gratitude (Mariposa)

12pm Life Skills (Escondido)

2pm Mindfulness Monday

2:30pm Shoot for Success( Mariposa)

TUESDAY

9am Cooking Tips & Tricks (Mariposa)

11pm Women’s Group (Escondido)

12pm Social Skills (Escondido)

2PM Employment Talk

2:30pm Self Esteem (Mariposa)

WEDNESDAY

9am Dual Recovery Anonymous (Mariposa)

11am Thrive Living Grace (Mariposa)

12pm Men’s Group (Escondido)

2pm Wellness Planning (Escondido)

THURSDAY

9am Positive Vibes (Mariposa)

11am Smoking Cessation (Mariposa)

12pm Newsletter (Escondido)

2pm Recovery International (Escondido)

FRIDAY

9am Anger Management

11pm Power of Positivity (Escondido)

12pm Bookworms (Escondido)

2pm Impact the Outcome (Escondido)

2:30pm What’s Your View (Mariposa)

Call (619) 736-6325 for all groups

All groups are open to members of both

Escondido and Mariposa Clubhouses

*for Escondido-hosted groups enter

access code 132 036 466#

*for Mariposa-hosted groups enter

access code 541 520 452#

[email protected]

WANT SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

Come to newsletter on Thursdays

For more information or to submit articles email:

All the following in have channels on YouTube

Helpful Vancouver Vet: a Canadian vet who makes a lot of videos about cats. https://www.youtube.com/c/HelpfulVancouverVet

Flatbush cats: An organization that rescues cats from the streets, they take care of them and adopt them out to good homes. https://www.youtube.com/user/ButterTeam Bondi cats &Vet on the Hill: an Australian vets who help a lot of animals including cats https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRnSnAq44St3dzNdgPpfChA

Helpful links: Cat Lady Edition

By Katherine W

July 2020 - mhsinc.org€¦ · 6/07/2015 · I went to my friend’s wedding on June 30th at her...

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