December

When we face hard things or times with a sense that there’s something we can do about them, life becomes easier to live. In a time where we are all feeling quite overwhelmed this can be tough. But hope can truly be the catalyst to get us to create and engage in behaviors that do make things a little easier, enjoyable, and fuel more hope.

Here are things we can do and ARE in our control even amid the pandemic:

1. Concentrate on Healthy Habits
By eating properly, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly, you can keep your body sound as well as your mind. Try something fun and new together.

2. Demonstrate Love
Be kind to yourself by setting clear boundaries with your time and energy. Be kind to others by noticing and offering compliments, appreciation, and support.

3. Celebrate Success
Take inventory every day of your small wins and celebrate them with family and friends. Remember, success doesn’t mean perfection. Instead, look for anything you did, said, or noticed that made you feel good.

4. Stay Positive
Think about activities that make you happy and connected to your loved ones. Bake some cookies, decorate the house, or participate in some other activity that gives you joy.
 
You and your children deserve happiness and fun. So go for it – take five to ten minutes daily to explore new things, build healthy habits, laugh, and play together this holiday season.

"Hope: Building Resilience" is an article written by 
Dr. Caelan Soma, PsyD, LMSW, Chief Clinical Officer at Starr Commonwealth. 

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Call for Art

​Lifeways is excited to present AMP, our annual art, music & performance exhibition and event that amplifies youth voices. This dual event will showcase local middle school and high school students in a month-long visual art exhibition and a one-night live performance event. 

The visual art exhibition will be open to the public March 1st-31st, 2021, and our live performance event is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, 2021 from 6-8 pm at the Rapid City Rushmore Mall. 

Lifeways is looking for middle school and high school students to submit artwork or performances to be featured at AMP.

Accepting applications for all art styles: drawing, painting, photography, music, poetry, song, dance, and so much more! The deadline to submit is 2/15/2021. 

To apply contact your school-based Lifeways Counselor or contact our main office today. So, get AMP'd to showcase your creative talents today.

1-605-716-6555
office@lifeways.us

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Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Red Ribbon Week Spirit Award, North Middle School!

October 23-31, 2020 was Red Ribbon Week, and our Lifeways Counselor Michele Brink-Gluhosky, along with a group of amazing North Middle School students create awareness around tobacco, alcohol, and other drug prevention. What great examples of how to be happy, be brave, and how to be drug-free.

The winners will each receive $250.00 and a Red Ribbon Week Spirit Award traveling trophy.

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Our adolescent addiction prevention, intervention, treatment, and family support programs address more than just substance use and addiction. We have designed our programs to address the multiple aspects of life that can impact an adolescents' relationship with various substances.

Evidence has shown supporting youth before they become entrenched in the drug culture and their own substance abuse disorder leads to the best outcomes.

End the cycle of addiction and connect with one of our specialists today. Lifeways supports families and youth in making long-term changes and implementing life-changing skills. Specialists are ready to listen and help you find answers for yourself and your child.

Contact us today for more information.
1-605-716-6555
office@lifeways.us
www.lifeways.us

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Boundaries - Creating Healthy Relationships
by Paula Long Fox, MS - Lifeways Counselor 

Boundaries are essential in creating healthy relationships with yourself and others. We create boundaries to:
•    Improve our relationships
•    Improve our self-esteem
•    Conserve our energy
•    Help us grow
•    Help us find our value

There are different types of boundaries that you can set. These include rigid, loose, permeable, and non-existent boundaries. A rigid boundary is one that you have set without a willingness to change or adapt. A loose boundary might be one where you can easily change your mind. A permeable boundary is a boundary where you have an idea of how you want it set but depending on the person or situation you may change your mind. A non-existent boundary is a boundary that has not been set but might need to be set in the future.

Boundaries change depending on the person, time, and situation. Being clear about why you are setting boundaries is the first step towards building healthy relationships. Here are four steps you can take to start setting boundaries.

1. You need to identify and define the boundary you are setting. 
2. Once you have identified your boundary, you will need to communicate that boundary to those it affects. 
3. Do not over complicate your boundary, say what you need to say, and stay relatively simple in your explanation. Be direct, assertive, and name your limits with this boundary.
4. Communicate why this is important to you and what the consequences are if/when the boundary is broken.

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So, as we head into the waning weeks of 2020, we are reminded of all that we hold dear.  Lifeways wishes each of you new ways to enjoy time together with friends and family; more fun times, more time doing things you love, more time building community, and more time to realize that there is far more, even in 2020, that can unite us than divide us.  Here's to a wonderful New Year 2021!