One man’s story of healing, rhythm, and hope that carries us into the year ahead.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Kimberly!

This week is something very special. December has given us an extra Week 5, and with it, the gift of another guest voice.

Earlier this month, I briefly shared about the battle my uncle faced. Today’s guest writer came to know my uncle who was one of the leaders with Celebrate Recovery. I am deeply grateful for his willingness to share his own story of hope and healing with us. 

Chip’s story beautifully illustrates something I talk about often—that the pillars of lifestyle medicine are deeply interconnected. Rarely is healing isolated to just one area. Sometimes one pillar speaks the loudest first, and over time the others begin to blend in, strengthening and supporting the whole person.

Through his journey of recovery, Chip shows us how healing from addiction is supported by meaningful community, strengthened through time in nature, anchored in spiritual practices, and sustained through movement and daily rhythms. More than anything, his story reminds us of this truth: there is always hope, and healing happens one step at a time.

It is an honor to share his words with you as we close out this year.

Hope in the Holidays and the Year Ahead

By Chip Davies

Man, the holidays can be tough. Commitments pile up, routines get disrupted, calendars overflow with gatherings, and even good things like decorating and gift-giving can leave us drained. For many, this season doesn’t always feel merry — sometimes it feels like pressure. But here’s the good news: we made it, and we don’t walk into this new year alone.

My name is Chip. I am a grateful recovering addict and alcoholic, rescued by the grace of Jesus. He saved me from the path I was on — and from myself.

Even now, years into sobriety, this season still stirs up old memories. New Year’s Eve used to be my excuse to escape. I’d try to bury shame over the damage I caused and guilt over the things I ignored. But today, because of Jesus, I don’t look at this season with dread — I look at it with hope. A real hope. Not a fragile one rooted in circumstances or self-effort, but a hope anchored in the God who restores. I have gratitude now — gratitude that my story might help someone else find their way toward healing.

There was a time when addiction was my mask. I lost my mother at 20. My father battled addiction too. After countless failed attempts to “fix” him, our relationship fractured. I felt like a failure — as a son, a husband, a father. So I hid behind alcohol. The holidays only magnified it. Smiling in pictures while hurting inside. Performing. Pretending. But God saw past the mask.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

And He was close to me — even when I didn’t know it.

When I found the healing power of God’s grace, everything began to change. He didn’t just set me free — He started restoring what was broken. And He’s still doing it. Scripture reminds me that I am unfinished, but not forgotten:

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

That verse gives me hope because it means God’s work in me is ongoing. Every sober day, every healed relationship, every moment of grace — it’s Him, completing what He began.

After rehab, I built structure into my days to protect my mind and my sobriety. The holidays can disrupt those rhythms, and when my routine slips, old thoughts try to creep back in. The shame voice returns: You’re not doing enough. You’re falling behind.

So I hold onto the routines I can. I limit commitments. I guard my prayer time. I ask God to guide my steps. Small practices like these help quiet the noise.

Another gift God has given me is movement — even just a 30-minute walk. Physical activity gives me space to breathe, pray, and think. It helps me untangle emotions the holidays stir up. Sometimes I walk to plan. Sometimes I walk to reset. Sometimes I walk just to be still before God. Overstimulation fades in the presence of His peace.

As we stand at the edge of a new year, hope rises in me — not just in goals or plans, but in the God who holds the future. I have dreams, things I want to build and places I’d love to go, but I am learning to bring God into every decision. Because when I follow His lead, His plans are better than anything I could chase on my own.

Maybe this year hasn’t looked the way you hoped. Maybe you are struggling yourself, or you love someone who is. Maybe you are exhausted from carrying a burden silently. I’ve been there. You are not alone, and you are not beyond healing.

Hope isn’t wishful thinking; hope is a person — Jesus Christ.

He meets us in brokenness. He walks with us in recovery. He steadies us when life is loud. And He offers a new beginning — not only at New Year’s, but every single day.

If you hear nothing else today, hear this:

There is hope for you. There is healing for you. You do not have to walk this road alone.

One step. One prayer. One day at a time — God is already in the year ahead. 

Upcoming

And just like that… it’s 2026.

To begin the new year, we’re going to try something a little different. Rather than jumping straight into resolutions or pressure-filled goals, we’ll take a thoughtful look at what it means to set intentions that align with hope, healing, and God’s ongoing work in us.

We’ll explore how to approach the new year in a way that supports sustainable change—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—without shame or striving.

Connect

As always, I’d love to hear from you.

If there are topics you’re curious about or questions you’d like addressed in the coming year, simply reply to this email and let me know. You can also schedule a virtual coffee chat if you’re at a distance—or, if you’re local, let’s meet for a real cup of coffee  by scheduling a local coffee chat (because winter has officially arrived, and I’m still convinced someone misled me about South Carolina being warm all year round).

And if you’re entering this new year longing for renewed energy, clarity, or healing, I invite you to schedule a Find Your Energy Discovery Session. Together, we can explore what God may be inviting you into next—and what supportive path forward could look like for you.

Quote of the Week

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— Unknown, Primrose Lodge

Blessings to you all and thank you so much for your support and words of affirmation you have shared with me over these last 6 months!

With love and warmth,

Kim

Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach

Email: kim@hopeandhealinglifestyle.com

Website: hopeandhealinglifestyle.com