“Each day you remain sober should be something to feel good about. That feeling of success, making it through each day, will be what enables you to set the next goal.” —Diana Fletcher, life coach and author of Happy on Purpose: Daily Messages of Empowerment and Joy for Women Read more in "You're Sober. Now What?" Had enough holly to last a lifetime? Looking forward to a new year and a brand new start? You are not alone. But New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep. This year, make realistic resolutions. When giving up anything on the addiction spectrum, do not just take things away from yourself without giving yourself something in exchange — especially during the time of year that is cold and dark and you crave comfort. Work out what you get from your addiction, and give yourself a healthier alternative. For example, if you smoke cigarettes when stressed, what can you do next time? With no alternative coping strategy, your default strategy – smoke – will kick in, and you will have a harder time with cravings. You really can do it, and your realistic resolution is the first positive step to a great addiction-free new year. RENEW EVERY DAY How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Sober Celebrating any holiday without alcohol can be difficult for some. With these ideas and many others out there, you should have no trouble celebrating in a way that’s right for you.  With Every Beat of Her Heart An interview with Nina Diaz, lead vocalist and primary songwriter for Girl in a Coma, about her recovery and her solo debut, The Beat Is Dead East Village Voice An interview with gay writer Tim Murphy, whose epic third novel, Christodora, is the queer book of the summer, perhaps the year Renew provides relevant and engaging information and resources to help individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and their loved ones create and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Share Tweet Forward