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The Season of Expectations

Dominique Simon June 7, 2024
Graphic Design by Lizabeth Laroche

Having expectations for others can be a difficult trap. When we have ideas about how things should go, we often try to manifest those expectations and have other people do what we want them to do. Instead, learn to manage your nervous system, to calm yourself and have tools to make requests of others. Be careful not to superimpose your expectations on others — it might not be what they want, need, or are able to do. That needs to be okay. Learn to give people room to create their own expectations for themselves.

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Dominique Simon
Dominique launched Allies in Recovery in 2003. Her work has been featured on HBO and NPR. She is a facilitator and a trained speaker on issues of addiction and the family. She has worked extensively developing and evaluating federally-funded substance abuse programs for organizations and clinics throughout Massachusetts and New York. With an interest in recovery and substance abuse that spans 20 years, she sees a huge need to help families develop the skills to help a loved one recover fully in a supportive, whole, and lasting way in their families and in their communities. Her mission is to have Allies in Recovery fill that gap.

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After any treatment, when someone is in early recovery, check your expectations. Your loved one is likely in a fragile state, uncomfortable, edgy, body wrecked after dependency, and dis-regulated physically and emotionally. On this episode of our podcast “Coming Up for Air”,  hosts Laurie MacDougall, Dominique Simon-Levine and Kayla Solomon talk about how your loved one coming home is a time of transition and encourage listeners to have realistic expectations. Be gentle, caring, and connected, not an inquisitor. Connection is key.

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Unsolicited Advice: Helpful or Hurtful?

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The Antidote to Shame: Part 2

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When Do You Work on Use of Less-Dangerous Substances?

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Conditional Love, Unconditional Love, and What Leads to Shame: Part 1

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jamesheflin June 20, 2022
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