As I look out my window here in New Jersey there is no doubt that autumn has finally arrived! The leaves are beginning their transformation from green to golden and there is a definite nip in the air.  With the change of seasons we are always reminded of the amazing resiliency of nature as she adapts to weather extremes in an attempt to protect her precious trees, shrubs, and flowers so they may rejuvenate and bloom once again when spring arrives. The renewal of life is her goal.

Last month I was privileged to be one of the eight Americans honored by the Johnson Institute in Washington DC at their annual “America Honors Recovery” luncheon and noticed that among all the introductions, speeches, and words of thanks, one word was consistently used to describe all people in recovery – resiliency. Specifically it means “the ability to recover after being bent, stretched or deformed…,” – a pretty accurate definition for all of us, I would say.  And, like nature, the goal is always renewal of life, as many of us can probably attest – recovery has given us our lives back. 

Why the analogy today? Well, just as in nature, our resiliency often depends upon the nurturing and caring we receive from others, as well as our own utilizing of helpful and healthy tools that are available to us.  I’m thinking how I need to mulch my perennials next week because this little bit of attention will make them stronger next year and help assist Mother Nature in her renewal process.  In recovery, comparable attention can make a significant difference in the quality and time required for us to heal and renew ourselves. And one of the best ways we can do this is through food.

When temperatures drop and we begin to spend more time indoors, where germs and viruses flourish, strengthening our immune systems is of utmost importance, particularly if we are newly sober and have yet to regain our stamina.  The better we feel on a physical level the easier it will be to work our recovery program on a psychological and spiritual level.  So keeping healthy, warding off potential illnesses, and concentrating on self-care is a definite priority.  And, thanks to Mother Nature, there are some wonderful ingredients available to us for just that purpose.  Let’s look at a few…

            Ginger: Enough can’t be said about the healing benefits of this amazing plant known for centuries to provide relief for everything from nausea to fatigue.  There are many forms in which we can enjoy ginger – but one of my favorite immune boosting remedies is Sweet Ginger Tea, a wonderful and warming alternative to those “hot toddies” we once thought resolved all ailments.  I’ve added the recipe to our postings and encourage you to try it out.  You’ll need fresh gingerroot, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, and light brown sugar.

            Apples: The season is certainly right for these powerhouses of health which offer terrific amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as phytonutrients, natural protective elements provided by nature to ward off disease.  They are particularly effective against respiratory ailments and can add a great boost to our bodies’ natural defenses. Check out the recipe for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apple Compote – the best way to start off your day during these crisp mornings of autumn. 

            Winter Squash: At their best beginning in early Fall, these wonderful, vitamin-rich vegetables which are deep yellow to orange colored inside, have a hard skin that protects them from the cold (Mother Nature again!) and allows them to be stored in a cool, dry place for a month or more. Familiar varieties include Acorn, Butternut, Hubbard, Spaghetti, and Turban.  Although technically a member of the gourd family, pumpkin has all the same benefits and characteristics we find in winter squash varieties. And one of my favorite Fall soups makes use of both butternut and pumpkin, simmered together with ginger and nutmeg and blended to creamy perfection.  Try the recipe for Creamy Autumn Blend Soup with Rye Croutons and you’ll see what I mean. A serving of this hearty soup will definitely make your insides purr with warmth and pleasure and you’ll be doing your body good in the nutrition department as well.

With each season comes a variety of ingredients that reach their peak of perfection so do some browsing at your local market and marvel at the variety of fruits and vegetables that arrive this time of year.  From apples and pears to parsnips and Brussels sprouts, they are all there to be appreciated and enjoyed, and to remind us of the resiliency of nature.  And, while you’re at it, give yourself a big pat on the back and celebrate your own resiliency – embarking on a new sober life is no easy task, but with the help of those who love us and a nod from Mother Nature, we know we are well on our way to living the happy and healthy life we were meant to live. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

See you next month…

Yours in sobriety,