New Year Goals

By Ashley Mitchell

As the new year begins, many people feel pressure to set big resolutions — quit this, start that, change everything all at once.

  While goals can be motivating, they can also feel overwhelming. The truth is, meaningful change rarely happens overnight. Real growth comes from small steps, patience, and learning to be kind to yourself along the way.

This year, consider choosing realistic goals that focus on progress, not perfection. Make sure to be gentle with yourself! 

Life happens!  Some days will feel productive and empowering, while others may feel heavy or discouraging. Making a mistake or missing a goal does not mean you have failed. It means you’re human.

Instead of being hard on yourself notice what did go well.  If you feel overwhelmed adjust your goal-it may no longer fit your life. Most importantly,  give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.

Change is not linear. Every step forward, no matter how small. matters. Make sure to celebrate all your wins. Too often, we only focus on what we haven’t done yet. Taking time to reward yourself for your efforts helps build confidence and motivation. Whether it’s sticking to a routine for a week, attending a meeting, job searching, or simply showing up, those moments deserve recognition. All progress deserves celebration.

Save A Life can support your goals. Here at Save A Life Recovery Resource Center, we believe everyone deserves support. Whether you’re setting New Year’s resolutions or simply trying to get through the day.

Many programs and support groups are here at the center. All our resources and services are barrier free and available to everyone. 

We offer recovery coaching for those in recovery,  looking for recovery,  and affected others. A recovery coach is a great way to start the recovery journey on the right foot.

A recovery coach walks alongside you on your journey. A coach listens without judgment, helps you identify goals that work for your life, offers encouragement and accountability, connects you with resources and supports in the community. 

Recovery coaching is about meeting you where you are and helping you move forward at your own pace.

Whether you love making New Year’s resolutions or avoid them altogether, Save A Life Recovery Resource Center is here for you. Whatever your need may be  support, creativity, guidance, or connection you are welcome here.

This year, let’s focus on progress over perfection, kindness over criticism, and community over isolation.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Open Hours:

The center will be closed January 1st 2026

Mondays: 2pm - 6:00pm

Tuesdays: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Wednesdays: 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Thursdays: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Fridays: 2:00pm - 6:00pm

SAVE A LIFE LOCATION: 19 VFW Road, Lincoln, Maine. Phone: 207-403-9100

Please check our Facebook page at Save a Life Recovery Resource Center frequently for changes to the schedule. Occasional cancellations are unavoidable, and that is the quickest way to see if your activity is being affected: facebook.com/SaveALifeRecoveryNetwork

      If you would like to donate there are several ways to do so: 

Venmo: @salrecovery: Paypal: director@salrecovery.org 

Checks can be mailed to: Save A Life Recovery Resource Center, P.O. Box 12, Lincoln, ME 04457. 

Current Programs at Save A Life:

· Monday: Poetry Afternoons, NA* 6:00pm

· Tuesday: AA* 12:00pm, Afternoon Tea Time 3:00pm

· Wednesday: Beyond the Screen-Technology Support Group 4:00pm, Creative Writing^ 5:30pm

· Thursday: NEW Teen Recovery Coach is IN 3-6pm Guitar and ukulele lessons, crafts, activities, and more. NA* 6:00pm

· Friday: The Balance Circle-Mental Health Peer Support Group 2:30pm, Board Games and Retro TV Hour 4:00pm, AA* 7:00pm

· Saturday: Music Club^ at 5:00pm until finish. Guitars, microphones, drums, and keyboard available for use, or bring your own! 5-5:30pm Acoustic time. All genres after.

· Sunday AA* 1:00pm

^Free Childcare Available

* NA and AA are not affiliated with any other organization or institution. 

Special Programs and Events:

     We provide Secondary Prevention! – Free Narcan™, wound care and hygiene kits, locked medication storage containers, medication disposal kits, etc. Quick and easy free training! All are welcome during any of our drop-in times.

      RECOVERY COACH SERVICES- If you are seeking recovery from any substance or unhealthy lifestyle or need guidance as an affected other, and would like a Peer Recovery Coach to help you on your journey, we offer one-on-one recovery coaching FREE OF CHARGE. Save A Life now has a new volunteer Teen Recovery Coach.

     RECOVERY COACH TRAINING: Free virtual training to become a Recovery Coach is available. To learn more, please contact Save A Life at (207) 403-9100.

      For additional information, please visit the Save A Life Recovery Resource Center’s Facebook Page facebook.com/SaveALifeRecoveryNetwork, visit the Save A Life website at thecenter207.org, or find us on Instagram: @TheCenter207