Reflecting on July's NJPN Peer Confab
- Jenna Reidy
- Aug 21, 2023
- 2 min read
Since 2020, NJPN has hosted support sessions – or Confabs – with NJ peers working or volunteering in recovery settings. These informal chats feature guest speakers and cover universal recovery topics that guide solution-based discussions and assist in the promotion of self-care, health, and wellness.
July's Confab topic was Summertime Selfcare with guest speaker Jaime Angelini, Statewide Director of Suicide Prevention, Crisis Response and Special Projects at Mental Health Association in NJ, discussing the introduction of tools to build personal resilience to thrive during the summer. Jaime reviewed the stress continuum and introduced strategies to promote enhanced overall emotional well-being.
July Confab Speaker Jamie Angelini
During Confab, we had the opportunity to evaluate our resiliency using the eight dimensions of wellness and to identify areas for cultivation and nourishment of personal growth. This provided a safe space for reflection, with Jaime posing a question to the group: "If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do?"
The answers varied from spending more time reading to going outdoors, with the collective variation in answers assisting in new ways to think about the eight dimensions of wellness and daily self-care practices.
As I began to process what I would do with an extra hour each day, I found myself moving between scenarios and into a place of deep introspection. After time spent reflecting, my extra hour each day focused on family and loved ones, creative endeavors, or simply for a bit of extra rest.
The outcome and personal takeaways from the Confab prompted ideas for balance and prioritizing self-care. I asked myself: based within the social, environmental, and physical dimensions of wellness, what does it look like to spend time within my day visiting loved ones, beginning a creative project, or simply the time to rest and recharge?
This question carried me into the upcoming days and weeks as I began actionable steps within my day to prioritize and achieve the vision I had created during the Confab.
I’m curious to know your thoughts; if you had an extra hour each day, what would you do?
Jenna Reidy is a person in sustained recovery from a substance use disorder since 2008 and is a Peer Recovery Workforce Development Trainer at NJPN. She is a nationally certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) and has earned the National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional designation (NDCCDP). Jenna believes in being of service and values her multiple volunteer roles within her local community. She enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her dog, supporting the peer workforce through her role at NJPN, and prioritizes self-care through work life balance including taking breaks to recharge by spending time with her family and friends.
Really enjoyed this — your reflections on self-care and personal wellness during the Confab are so candid and meaningful. The way you describe the “extra hour” thought exercise really made me stop and think about how I’d use that time too. I recently read a post on https://www.goprogaragedoorrepair.com/ that also touched on balance in daily life — it wasn’t the same topic, but it gave me another interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful and uplifting post — I’m looking forward to more from you.
Really enjoyed reading this post — the way you described the summer self‑care reflections after the confab made things feel personal and thoughtful. It was especially moving how you framed that simple question — “If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do?” — and showed how small changes can make a big impact. I’ve been exploring similar ideas around wellness and balance, and I recently came across a https://www.masterstorage365.com/ review blog that shared insights about decluttering mind and space — it gave me another interesting perspective on self‑care. Thanks for sharing this.
The reflections on self‑care, wellness and balance during the Peer Confab were thoughtful and encouraging. I recently came across a blog on gourmetgiftbasketstore that shared uplifting stories too, and it made me think about the many ways supportive communities and meaningful content can inspire hope and reflection.
What a valuable reflection — the Confab seems to give peers a genuine safe‑space for support and growth. I’m glad to see this kind of community‑centered work, and within thesagelawgroup I applaud the effort to foster wellness and peer support through moments like these.
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