At Davis Community Meals and Housing, we’ve witnessed countless stories of transformation. Mitzi’s guiding philosophy—”you get what you give”—has not only changed her life but continues to inspire our community. Today, we explore the first pillar of this principle we have identified: Making a Positive Commitment to Self.
The Foundation of Giving Begins Within
Before we can effectively serve others, we must first establish a solid foundation within ourselves. This isn’t selfishness—it’s necessary preparation for meaningful service.
As Mitzi discovered during her recovery journey with DCMH, true giving begins with self-commitment. “I couldn’t help anyone else when I was struggling with addiction,” she shares. “I had to get right with myself first.”
Acknowledging Your Current Reality
Mitzi’s journey began with honest self assessment. She recognized her struggles with addiction and the impact they had on her life and family. This acknowledgment, though painful, was the essential first step toward change.
For many in our community, acknowledging reality means FACE-ing the situation:
- Facing difficult truths about personal challenges
- Accepting that there are patterns that no longer serve us
- Compassion for how our struggles affect those we love
- Embracing help when it’s offered
“The hardest part was realizing and getting the help I needed,” Mitzi reflects. “But once I did, it was like a weight lifted. I could finally start moving forward.”
Choosing Growth Even When It’s Difficult
Recovery isn’t a straight line. Mitzi experienced setbacks but consistently recommitted to her growth. Each day presented a choice: return to old patterns or continue building a new life.
In the same way that accepting current reality means FACE-ing it head on, GROWth also requires four key steps.:
- Grit through discomfort
- Relishing small victories
- Owning and learning from setbacks rather than being defined by them
- Welcoming support during challenging times
At DCMH, we create space for this growth through supportive services and community. We understand that choosing recovery and stability often means navigating difficult emotions and circumstances. Yet, as Mitzi demonstrates, this commitment to personal GROWth ultimately creates capacity for serving others.
Setting Achievable Goals
Mitzi’s transformation wasn’t instantaneous. She set incremental goals: maintaining sobriety, securing housing, rebuilding relationships with her children, and eventually, employment.
Effective goal-setting involves GOALs:
- Groundwork: Breaking large aspirations into manageable steps
- Roadmap: Creating both short-term and long-term objectives
- Optimize: Adjust expectations as you learn and grow
- Welcome: Recognizing progress, no matter how small
“I started with just getting through each day clean,” Mitzi shares.
Self-Commitment in Practice
For those inspired by Mitzi’s journey, self-commitment might look like:
For those struggling with housing insecurity or addiction:
- Reaching out for support from organizations like DCMH
- Attending recovery meetings or counseling sessions
- Practicing self compassion during setbacks
- Celebrating small steps toward stability
For community members seeking to support others:
- Tending to your own wellbeing so you can serve sustainably
- Setting boundaries that honor your capacity
- Developing skills that enhance your ability to contribute
- Recognizing when you need support or rest
The Ripple Effect of Self Commitment
When Mitzi committed to her recovery, she couldn’t have imagined how that decision would ripple outward. Today, she not only maintains her own stability but contributes to the stability of others through her work at DCMH.
“Now I clean the same facilities where I once received services,” she says with pride.
This is the beauty of making a positive commitment to self: it creates capacity for giving that extends far beyond what we can initially imagine.
Your Next Step
As you reflect on Mitzi’s journey, consider one small commitment you might make to your own well-being this week. Remember that self-commitment isn’t selfish—it’s the necessary foundation for sustainable service.
By following Mitzi’s example of self-commitment, we can all contribute to a community where everyone has the opportunity to both give and receive, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond what we can see. At DCMH, we believe in the power of FACE-ing and GROWing each day and it’s ingrained in how we serve clients and each other.
Next in our series: “How You Get What You Give” – Stay tuned to learn how Mitzi’s journey of giving created abundance rather than scarcity