Reclaim Your Energy in the New Year
Waking up to snow falling swiftly outside my window a few years ago, I rolled over to check my phone in hopes that I would be greeted by a text revealing that I did not have to trek through the winter wonderland outside my window and venture to work that day. To my surprise, my wish was granted – and I sighed in relief as I sunk back down into my bed, finally being permitted to take a day to rest. . . It was the first day I was able to rest in months and I could barely move. Working two jobs that I was whole-heartedly devoted to left me with little time to care for or connect to me. In my state of exhaustion, I realized that I had been neglecting the most important relationship in my life – the one I hadn’t created with myself. I was in a state of doing and never took the time to slow down, soften and just be. In that moment I made a commitment to me; the person I often had the hardest time keeping a commitment to. My resolution was to reclaim my energy – to create time and space to care for and honor myself. On my quest to reignite my energy and light I decided to go inward – to reconnect with my needs; strengthening my mind, spirit and body. Here are seven ways that I reignited internal energy reserves: 1. Meditation – Engage in a daily meditation practice. Meditation allows me to let go of my roles and responsibilities and creates space to just “be” with me. Its through meditation that we become more in tune with our inner process. If you’re more of a “do-er” start meditating at night as a way to wind down and complete the day. If you need a little more inspiration to get your day moving, meditation can help set your mind at ease and gain focus for the day ahead. 2. Exercise– Daily movement is essential for well-being. Ask yourself if you are honoring your body’s need to move on a daily basis. Yoga helped me reconnect my mind body, breath and spirit. Most importantly it taught me how to breathe and to honor my body (my oldest friend) by moving with my breath every day. 3. Diet– Start looking at food as fuel. Ask yourself – what can I put in my body that is going to make me feel the best and give me the best results? Engage in mindful eating. I chose veganism because eating fresh, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables fill me with energy and light. I no longer crave foods that don’t support my physical well-being 4. Relationships– Tighten up your circle of friends. Are you spending time with people who energize you or those who drain your emotional reserves? I made a conscious effort to spend time with friends who are uplifting, make me laugh until I cry and adhere to my desire to uphold wellness; mind, body and spirit. 5. Spirituality- Connect to a higher power, whatever that may be for you. Connection with something greater increased my capacity for faith and hope in all that I do. 6. Nature- Get outside. Spend time with mother nature every day. Whether it be a walk on your lunch break or a hike in the woods. Human beings are animals after all, and we require time to feel in tune with Earth. I feel most alive when I am breathing fresh, clean air surrounded by the beauty of our planet. 7. Reboot- Find something that you love to do. Do you love to draw, read, write, cook, sing opera, play an instrument? Make time each week to do something that makes you, you. I found that when I became curious about my interests, I found more of them and making space for them made me happier as I was getting to know myself. In reclaiming my energy, I stumbled on a journey to cultivate self-love. I found pieces of myself that I had neglected for far too long. I found fuel to drive me. I now recognize the sense of wholeness that comes from linking mind, body and spirit. In 2018, let love go inward first – then we can be an expression of glowing energy and inspire those around us to do the same. Author: Chelsea A. Hoagland, MSW, LSW – Footprints to Recovery – Substance Abuse Counselor
Without Realistic Goals, You Might Fail: Here’s Why
Change is a big word, and a successful recovery requires a great deal of it. That thought can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It does, however, require some strategies. One of the best ways to bring about change in your life is to learn to set realistic goals. A personal goal differs from a dream or a wish in some specific ways. A wish or a dream does not demand any action or effort on your part. “I wish I could win the lottery” is a perfectly valid wish, just as, “I dream about having grandchildren one day” is a perfectly nice dream. Neither of these is a goal, though, because the outcome is not at all within your sphere of influence. In other words, there’s nothing you can do to make it happen. A goal is a wish that makes demands on you—that’s wholly dependent on you to achieve it. Why Is It Important to Set Goals? The process of setting goals is key in recovery because it is the first step to taking control of the outcome. Goals help you gain control of your life, and the more of your own life you control, the more your life will look the way you want it to. Goal-setting puts you in the driver’s seat on the way to your future. To begin the process of setting goals, divide them into categories. This can help you set goals that are both relevant and balanced, so you don’t run the risk of burning out on one goal (such as attending two 12-step meetings per week) or category while neglecting other areas of your life (such as your job or your partner). Here are some examples of goal categories: Professional – Goals related to your career could be getting a new job, asking for a raise, training for a new line of work, pursuing a degree, or changing your profession altogether. Spiritual – Examples could be finding a house of worship that feels welcoming, beginning a meditation practice, or practicing gratitude each day. Financial – Financial goals might include creating and maintaining a household budget, reducing unnecessary spending, or paying off a debt. Relationship – Interpersonal goals are things like designating a date night once a week with your partner, committing to calling your parent(s) once a week, or making time to get together with friends. Health – Goals that support your wellness might include taking a walk every day, committing to meatless Mondays, or cutting back on processed foods. There are many more possibilities for your goal-setting categories. Choose categories that are meaningful to you and in sync with the areas in your life you want to give attention to. In addition to categories, your list can be divided into long-term and short-term goals. Are Your Goals SMART? In 1981 George T. Doran first used the acronym SMART to describe criteria for effective goal-setting. A SMART goal is one that is: Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-bound As the concept of SMART goals has become more common, some have added the letters “E” and “R” for “Exciting” and “Recorded.” When considering your goals, ask yourself if each of these words can be applied to your goal. These elements increase your chances of actually reaching the goal you set. For example, “My goal is to lose weight” is not a SMART goal. “My goal is to lose 8 to 10 lbs. in the next 2 months” is a far better goal, as it is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound—as well as giving you a bit of flexibility. Goals are not meant to make you feel bad. The purpose of goal-setting is to bring clarity and motivation, and to help you prioritize. If you feel overwhelmed by your goals, then they might need to be SMARTER! Creating Your Action Plan Once you have a handle on your goals, the next step is to put them into action. Often there is a gap between what we want for ourselves and where we are now. The way to get from here to there is to have a clear plan of action. The elements of a good action plan are: Motivation – How can I stay motivated to move toward my goals every day? Accessibility – Are there easy and reasonable steps I can take along the way? Immediacy – Is there something I can do right now to get me closer to my goals? Now that you have a goal-setting mindset, follow these steps and get some goals: Take inventory of where you are now and where you would like to be – Divide your life into categories, and set goals according to the areas you wish to strengthen. Envision your life as if you have already achieved your goals – Use the power of your mind to imagine what your life will look life in the aftermath. Write down your goals – You might want to use a goal-oriented planner (like this one) to easily track your progress. There are many others on the market. Break down your goals into small, actionable, achievable pieces – Even within each category, break down your goals into bite-sized pieces at first, so you can start to experience some achieved goals. Each time you succeed, you are more likely to try again. Be flexible – Be prepared to gently revise your goals if your success journal reflects that you are not reaching your milestones. That’s okay! Try, flex, forgive, repeat. Make a vision board – Create or find images that show how your life will look when you have reached your goals. This could be a house, money representing a well-paying job, a happy family, etc. Put your vision board where you can see it often, so your goals stay fresh in your mind at all times. Value this process – Keep in mind that you are setting your goals for one person: your! Their purpose is designing your life in a better way.
How to Navigate the Holidays Clean & Sober
The holidays can be magical. Spending time with friends and family, traveling, parties, traditions and customs… These may be wonderful for lots of people, but if you’re recovering from addiction, they can also be stressful. Being away from your support network and routines could lead you away from your path of recovery. Holiday customs, memories, and events associated with alcohol and other drugs could lead to thoughts of using and maybe even a relapse. Avoiding Relapse During the Holidays Is Difficult During the holiday season, you’re likely to be invited to one or two holiday parties. These parties almost always include alcohol. When you are in recovery, being around alcohol can make it difficult to avoid relapse because seeing others drink might remind you of drinking or using drugs. Also, having alcohol available to you makes it very accessible for you to drink. Plus, others in your circle—friends, and even family—may not understand addiction and encourage you to drink or use drugs. The holidays are also a challenging time because being around family members can cause stress or strife. If using drugs or alcohol was your go-to for stress reduction, then feeling stressed may make you want to relapse. Besides family stress, the financial pressures of buying gifts or traveling may also arise. Feeling the burden of stretched finances can lead to thoughts of the substance that once brought you relief. 10 Tips to Help You Avoid Relapse During the Holiday Season 1. Plan Ahead Prepare how you will support your sobriety. Schedule time for attending 12-step or other support meetings before or after holiday events. If you meet with a therapist, set up a time to get together before your events or after them. And if you’re in formal addiction treatment, keep your sessions on your schedule, so they don’t slip your mind during this busy season. If you are traveling, look up 12-step or other recovery meetings near your destination. When it comes to attending seasonal events, prepare an “exit plan,” which can include an excuse that allows you to leave early if you start to feel uncomfortable or out of control. If you have a friend in recovery or a sponsor, invite them along with you to holiday events to be a source of support and fun and to help keep you from being tempted to drink or use. 2. Understand the Emotional Complexity of the Holidays The holidays are emotionally complex for most people, including people who don’t struggle with addiction. This is because there are usually many family engagements that bring together varied personality types and perhaps baggage from past disagreements and experiences. Navigating the family dynamics of who likes who, who is mad at who, etc. can be a headache and emotionally draining. For a person in recovery, this can be amplified, as your past behaviors when you were using could have caused strife within the family (on top of all the other potential family dynamic issues). To confront this and understand how it impacts your recovery journey, talk to people in your recovery support group (or a therapy professional) about what the holidays mean to you. What are the family dynamics and emotions that you attach to them? Prepare for holiday celebrations by working with your sponsor or therapist in advance to get a sense of how to process your feelings around the holidays. Also, put together strategies to prepare yourself emotionally and gather ideas for how to avoid family members who may be too triggering for you. 3. Be Transparent Those around you may not understand what it means to be an addict. It can be easy for some to think that “one drink won’t hurt.” Be transparent with friends and family about your sobriety and what it means to be an addict in recovery. This can help them better understand why you choose not to drink or use drugs, even during fun, upbeat times like the holidays. Plus, understanding your situation can help them become an ally to you in your sobriety. 4. Take Time to Check in with Yourself It may be overwhelming to be with your family or at holiday parties, even if you have a sober buddy or sponsor with you. This is especially true if it’s your first holiday being sober. You may start to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or angry. That’s natural, but those emotions can also lead to relapse. It’s okay to take time to yourself—away from the group— to check in with your feelings and assess what you need. 5. Reach Out for Support The holidays are stressful! If you’ve checked in on your feelings and found that you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out for it. “Help” may come in the form of a sponsor, a loved one, or a friend. Reach out to someone who understands your past and sympathizes with what you’re feeling. You may want to consider attending a group therapy session or support group meeting during the holiday. Attending one of these groups can help put you in a good frame of mind when spending time with others. Starting or going back to addiction treatment is also an option. An intensive outpatient or basic outpatient program can match your schedule, so you can receive support while keeping up with your plans and responsibilities. 6. Focus on Others Being in recovery, a basic tenet of 12-step work or increasing spirituality is to give back—to look outside of yourself and serve others. How can you do that? Try: When you give back, we switch from thinking about yourself and your issues and gain perspective on the bigger picture of what others are going through. Any time you shift your focus to others in a selfless way, you connect with others on a deeper level. This practice enhances your spiritual connection and your own spiritual condition. 7. Keep Track of What You Are Drinking This may seem silly, but it’s very easy in a party atmosphere to accidentally pick up someone
5 Sober Gifts to Give Yourself
Recovery is all about transforming the feeling that you’re just existing in the world to actively living and engaging in it. Giving yourself sobriety gifts can be an excellent way to celebrate your milestones. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines recovery as a “process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” In addiction recovery, we offer strength to ourselves in the form of self-compassion. We learn in active addiction that a “tough love approach “or being hypercritical of our faults and shortcomings does not bring about the rapid resolution we’re seeking. The biggest recovery gift is opportunity. The opportunity to show up like we want and make time for what brings us purpose and fulfillment. In recovery, we treat ourselves as a priority, not an option in our own life. #1 The Gift of Gratitude Focusing on what we think isn’t good enough or our qualities we don’t appreciate almost comes naturally. This pattern of highlighting our perceived faults doesn’t generate change and is often full of shame. Learning to appreciate what we have and focus on our strengths is a powerful sobriety gift we can give to ourselves. One message of 12-step programs is to clean up our side of the street so we can bring focus back to ourselves. This practice of gratitude can fuel the belief that today we have the gift of another opportunity to show up for ourselves and others in a way we can appreciate in our sober life. #2 Sobriety Gift of Physical Health Physical health is often not at the forefront of our minds during active use. There is a significant toll on the body from the lack of nutrient dense food, consistent sleep schedule, and exercise. Meal planning and regular exercise are sobriety gifts we can give ourselves each day to repair the damage done from neglecting our physical health. Developing a consistent routine, eating enough nutrient-rich meals, and getting the appropriate hours of sleep and physical activity are critical for recovery. Identifying classes or gyms to attend can be a great gift to yourself on your sobriety birthday / anniversary. #3 Sobriety Gift of Healthy Relationships As Alcoholics Anonymous states, “We don’t have relationships, we take hostages.” In active addiction, it’s impossible to have a healthy relationship with another person while sustaining the relationship to our addiction. Removing the substance and achieving recovery creates space for emotional intimacy where there was a lack of previously. Intimacy comes from emotional connection with another person where healthy relationship boundaries are formed and enforced. The boundaries that became blurred during active use are reestablished in recovery with more defined expectations surrounding them. Having a relationship with another person that is consistent, predictable, and reciprocated is an incredible gift that is powerful enough to fuel your recovery. #4 Sobriety Gift of Identity People often lose themselves in drug or alcohol addiction, pulling away from their values and what defines their identity. When they enter recovery, they struggle with the idea of, “who am I now?” A gift of recovery is having the ability to define who you’re becoming. Many people find a recovery identity through 12-step support groups such Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Identity is critical because it provides a sense of direction and intentionality in our actions. Each moment is now purposeful and intentional, making the gift of recovery all encompassing. #5 Sobriety Gift of Honesty The stress and worry of keeping track of who you told what can be exhausting. The double life we lead to fulfill the desires of our addiction comes at a cost to ourselves and others. Lying is a hallmark symptom of addiction, and we become so skillful at it that we often don’t see we’re lying to ourselves. When you adopt an attitude of rigorous honesty, it allows you to offer yourself compassion, understanding your behaviors and actions were symptoms of the disease, not your character. Through honesty, we reestablish trust with those close to us and begin repairing the relationships we hold closely. We learn to trust our own assessments and perceptions of ourselves and others. Honesty means we don’t worry about keeping our stories straight because there are no more stories we need to track. Rigorous honesty can remove what feels like the weight of the world from your shoulders. Celebrating recovery is giving yourself the gift of self-appreciation and treating yourself with the same love and energy you’d give another. It’s the gift that’s renewed each day and can be reinforced through consistent attendance and participation in the 12-step community.
How Do You Know If You Have a Drug Problem? The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) Can Help.
Your friends and family have started to show concern. They tell you your drug use is out of control. They are worried about you. Your boss is threatening to fire you because you are often late and your work has become sloppy. For you, using your drug of choice is like an itch that you constantly need to scratch. It is never out of your thoughts. You might be wondering if you have a problem with drug abuse. How can you find out if you need professional help? Or maybe you have a friend, a co-worker, or a family member who is using. You see the signs, but how can you tell if someone you love is at risk for drug addiction? Drugs can cause havoc in a person’s life, and someone who uses recreationally can become addicted and in trouble very quickly. A situation that seemed like a minor concern can spiral out of control in a heartbeat. How the DAST Can Help If you are concerned that you or someone you love might have a drug problem, you can start by taking the DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test). The DAST is a self-diagnostic screening tool to help you assess whether or not there is something to explore more seriously. The DAST-10 is a 10-question yes/no questionnaire that you can either take yourself or with a loved one. The DAST-20 is a longer version (as below). Both tests only take a few minutes to complete. Note: This tool assesses drug use, not alcohol or tobacco. In this assessment, drug use is defined as: The use of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs in excess of the directions and Any non-medical use of drugs, including: Cannabis (marijuana, hash) Solvents or glue Tranquilizers (like Valium) Cocaine Stimulants (like Ritalin) Hallucinogens (like LSD) Opiates (like heroin, codeine, oxycodone) Answer “yes” or “no” to the questions below: 1. Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons? 2. Have you abused prescription drugs? 3. Do you abuse more than one drug at a time? 4. Can you get through the week without using drugs (other than those required for medical reasons)? 5. Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to? 6. Do you abuse drugs on a continuous basis? 7. Do you try to limit your drug use to certain situations? 8. Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of drug use? 9. Do you ever feel bad about your drug abuse? 10. Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs? 11. Do your friends or relatives know or suspect you abuse drugs? 12. Has drug abuse ever created problems between you and your spouse? 13. Has any family member ever sought help for problems related to your drug use? 14. Have you ever lost friends because of your use of drugs? 15. Have you ever neglected your family or missed work because of your use of drugs? 16. Have you ever been in trouble at work because of drug abuse? 17. Have you ever lost a job because of drug abuse? 18. Have you gotten into fights when under the influence of drugs? 19. Have you ever been arrested because of unusual behavior while under the influence of drugs? 20. Have you ever been arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs? 21. Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drug? 22. Have you ever been arrested for possession of illegal drugs? 23. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms as a result of heavy drug intake? 24. Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)? 25. Have you ever gone to anyone for help for a drug problem? 26. Have you ever been in a hospital for medical problems related to your drug use? 27. Have you ever been involved in a treatment program specifically related to drug use? 28. Have you been treated as an outpatient for problems related to drug abuse? Scoring and Interpretation A score of ‘1’ is given for each YES response, except for items 4, 5, and 7, for which a NO response is given a score of ‘1’. Research has found that when scoring using the DAST-10, a score of 12 and greater could indicate a substance abuse problem. What If Alcohol Is the Problem? If the substance you are concerned about is alcohol and not drugs, consider using the MAST (Michigan Alcohol Screening Test). It’s a similar diagnostic screening tool to the DAST, but it’s used for alcohol abuse. It was invented in 1971 and is still in use today. The MAST helps you determine if your family, work, or relationships are being affected by excessive alcohol use. There is a longer version that can be administered by a doctor or therapist, and there is a shorter version that you can take yourself. Answer “yes” or “no” to the questions below: 1. Do you feel you are a normal drinker? (“Normal” is defined as drinking as much or less than most other people.)2. Have you ever awakened the morning after drinking the night before and found that you could not remember a part of the evening?3. Does any near relative or close friend ever worry or complain about your drinking?4. Can you stop drinking without difficulty after one or two drinks?5. Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking?6. Have you ever attended a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?7. Have you ever gotten into physical fights when drinking?8. Has drinking ever created problems between you and a near relative or close friend?9. Has any family member or close friend gone to anyone for help about your drinking?10. Have you ever lost friends because of your drinking?11. Have you ever gotten into trouble at work because of drinking?12. Have you ever lost a job because of drinking?13. Have you ever neglected your obligations, family, or work for two or more days in
Tips for Staying Sober on the Fourth!
Independence Day, also referred to as The Fourth of July or July Fourth – An American Holiday primarily celebrated with barbecues, fireworks, flags, and … alcohol. It’s a fun and patriotic holiday, a time to gather with family and friends; however, for those in recovery, it is yet another holiday that challenges their sobriety. No matter where you are in your sobriety, these tips may help you stay sober on the fourth! 1. Celebrate your Freedom from Substance Abuse – Addiction threatens freedom in one of the most basic senses, freedom to pursue health and independent living. While America celebrates its freedom, use this holiday as a reminder of yours. Remember your freedom, sobriety, and the fight you fought to get here. 2. Pick your Parties – Don’t let the fear of missing out (FOMO) lead you somewhere that you do not feel safe and supported. You don’t have to attend every party you’re invited to. Surround yourself with friends and family members who are supportive of your sobriety and recovery. 3. Have an Exit Plan – Set guidelines for yourself, identify what are high-risk situations ahead of time. Be prepared to exit if you need. Drive your own car or attend events with someone who is willing to leave if needed. 4. Utilize your Support System – Attend events with other people in recovery, whether it be a sober event or just bringing a friend along to a party. Call your sponsor or other support systems beforehand, a few words of wisdom can go a long way. If you attend meetings, perhaps plan on going to a few more days leading to, day of, or after the holiday. 5. Practice Saying No – This may sound a bit corny, but – just say no. You’re not obligated to explain your situation to anyone, all you have to do is say no. If an individual is persistent or you’re feeling triggered, it might be time for tip number 3. Remember, recovery happens one day at a time. Prepare & take it easy.
How Will I Spend my Summer Now That I am Newly Sober?
It’s the season we’ve all been waiting for, SUMMERTIME! With the welcoming of warm weather, longer days, and sunshine people often ask the question – How will I spend my summer now that I am sober? Here are some ways to make the most of the season. 1. A Day at the Beach Grab the sunscreen and let the fun begin! New Jersey, Chicago, or a tropical island, having the sun on your face and the sand between your toes is the epitome of a true summer day. Rent a boogie or surf board, build a sandcastle, or just kick back and enjoy soaking in some vitamin D. Unsure of where the nearest beach is? Click on the link below to find the closest beach no matter where in the world you are! Beaches Worldwide 2. Grillin and Chillin Nothing tastes better than food on the grill. Whether you are biting into a juicy flame grilled burger or watermelon and pineapple (yes, grilled fruit is amazing), gathering friends together for a barbecue is a great way to enjoy the summer. Don’t have a grill… no worries! Many parks, forest preserves, and picnic grounds all have grills you can use for free. Not sure what to make? See a few links below for some great summer grilling recipes. Grilled Pineapple The Perfect Cheeseburger The Best BBQ Chicken 3. Have a Thrilling Time Looking to add a little adrenaline rush to those hot summer days and nights? Head to your local amusement park and take a ride on a heart-pounding roller coaster. If the long lines and heat start to get to you, jump on a water ride and cool off while keeping the excitement going. Amusement park not in your summer budget? Local carnivals can be a great way to get your adrenaline rush on a smaller budget. Plus, you can enjoy corndogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes but, make sure you eat those after the rides! Click on the link below to find amusement parks and carnivals in your area. Fairs & Festivals Ultimate Rollercoaster Guide 4. Get Soaked! If you are a thrill seeker but beating the heat is your top priority, head over to waterpark in your area. Twist, turn, spin and splash down a slide or, kick back on a tube and float down a lazy river. Check out some of the best water parks in the country: Waterparks USA 5. Work it Out A workout is a great way to reduce stress and stay in shape both physically and mentally. Instead of running on the treadmill like a hamster on a wheel, take your workout outside and boost those endorphins while getting a healthy dose of vitamin D. Plenty of park districts hold outdoor fitness classes and different athletic stores play host to running clubs in the area. Feel like flying solo? Check out the link below to get a great outdoor total body workout: Outdoor Workout 6. Be a Team Player Have a little competitive edge inside of you? Join an intramural summer sports league! Depending on where you live or your athletic ability, a few options are: Have a team or need to join one? The link below will help you get the ball in motion. Team Sports Near You 7. Get Green We can all go to our local grocery store or farmer\’s market to get our favorite fruits and veggies but, why not test out your green thumb and try to grow some of your own. If you feel hindered by not having a yard of your own, not to worry! See the link below for the best indoor fruit and veggies to grow: The Best Plants to Grow 8. A Cinematic Summer The box office will have lines down the block to catch the new summer blockbuster but, who wants to sit inside on a warm summer night? Catch an old classic love story or a scary slasher pic at a local park or beach! We found some great ones in a city near you – Seaside Beach Movies Chicago Movies in the Park 9. Give Back Having fun in the sun can be twice as fun if it involves doing a little volunteer work. Here are a few organizations that are always looking for a helping hand: Looking to make a difference in your community? Click the link below to find an opportunity near you: I Want to Give Back 10. See the Sites No wind, no snow, no ice to get in your way! Grab some friends, pack some food, and take a road trip to a place you’ve always wanted to see. This summer, gas prices are lower than they have been in the past so, this is the perfect opportunity. Looking for a car or some new travel pals? The links below will have you on your journey! Road-Trip Meetups Roadtrips USA LET’S ALL HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! You Might Be Interested In
