CeDAR Newsletter

CeDAR Connects Alumni Newsletter

December 15th, 2022 | Volume 19

"I was soon to be catapulted into what I like to call the fourth dimension of existence." When I first read this iconic line in the Big Book, I thought to myself "Whoa, trippy; this book might be alright after all". I couldn't, then, possibly fathom what Bill W. meant by this, however. And to be honest, this line escaped my memory over the years until a peer recently spoke to it during a meeting. This peer went on to to say the fourth dimension is simply a state of presence. To not live in the ruminations of the past nor the projections of the future, but to dwell in present-time. This is recovery.
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Though sober, we can still find ourselves "somewhere else," which is usually in the webbing stories of both past and future. We know all too well that this can be dangerous territory for recovering addicts and alcoholics. Life is intended to be experienced in the Here and Now and for us, our lives depend on it. So, during this season of giving, considering giving yourself, the gift of The Fourth Dimension: the presence of mind, body and spirit. Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!
I want to also recognize the grief that can come with the holiday season for many. If you are feeling as though you may need extra support over the next few weeks, please get involved! Schedule a coffee talk with me and I also suggest coming to the Friday 1pm Say It Out Loud alumni support group. For more information, check out CeDAR Central.

To CeDAR Residents with Love, CeDAR Alumni

It’s hard being in treatment. It’s even harder being in treatment during the holidays away from family, friends and traditions. Every year, we organize a gift drive for CeDAR’s residential patients in hopes of bringing them a little Holiday cheer and to let know their alumni community supports them. And, every year, our residents are so surprised and so grateful to know they were thought of.

Gifts must be new, unopened, unwrapped and treatment appropriate. They can range between $10-$20. The last day to donate gifts is Friday, December 23rd (though sooner is appreciated). Gifts can be mailed directly to CeDAR attn: Meghan White 1693 North Quentin Street Aurora, CO 80045. They can also be dropped off during normal business hours (including the weekend) or you can coordinate with me. I, we, appreciate you all so much! I know times are tough with the rising cost of everything, so please know how appreciated you are! This long standing tradition is part of what makes the CeDAR Alumni Community so special.

I will also need help wrapping. Join me on Thursday, 12/22, at 1pm at CeDAR. I'll have coffee and snacks. Let me know if you can help!

For more details on what is considered treatment appropriate and for gift ideas, please click the button below.
Gift Drive

Sober not Somber:

In this feature we highlight upcoming activities within the recovery community. If you have any recovery-related events to put on the calendar, let us know.
  • 12/16 7pm: Monthly sober open mic night at Red Rock
  • 12/17 6-10pm: Holiday movie night at The Phoenix
  • 12/17 2pm: Holiday party at Advocates for Recovery
  • 12/19 6:30pm Cookies and Cocoa holiday edition alumni meeting. Let me know if you plan to come!

Cookies and Cocoa:

Join us on Monday, 12/19, at 6:30pm for a holiday edition alumni meeting. We will have cookies and cocoa. You're welcome to bring cookies to share, as well. Wear your ugly holiday sweater and get into the festive spirit, CeDAR style. The meeting will be held in the family room so enter through the gate near the Spiritual Center. Parking is in the garage directly across from CeDAR. Let me know if you can make it!

CeDAR Night Live: Speakers Wanted.

Recently, we have teamed up with the three major A's to feature a speaker from each respective fellowship on a monthly basis. Currently, AA speaks on the 1st Saturday, CA on the 2nd and NA on the 3rd. I would love to plug in a CeDAR Alumni speaker on the 4th and 5th Saturdays. We need a speaker on Christmas Eve and NYE at 7pm on Zoom. If you'd like to be of service that night, let me know. We typically suggest 1 year in active recovery and welcome all pathways to recovery.

Your Online Hub:

Have you checked out CeDAR Central, yet? It's a question I will continue to ask until everyone is in the know about this amazing alumni resource. Check it out:
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