In a month that is so heavily focused on love and the displaying of love with an abundance of flowers, candy and gifts, it is something that should be the focus or expression of every month and every day of every month. Love is not necessarily something that “Just happens” to us. It is something we can invite, something we can run from, something we can develop and something we can destroy.

Essentially, love is an action and also a choice we make every day. Think outside of romantic love. This also applies to our family, friends, the cashier at the grocery store, fellow employee, stranger in need and all others we encounter day in and day out.

If you focus on love, you can begin to focus on what you are putting into each of those relationships or lack thereof. If we all make an effort to ask ourselves what we are putting in, then we may be able to more readily see our shortcomings. If you love something, do something that is congruent with that feeling. When you love others, you also love yourself. Make love an action. Remember, the grass is greener where you water it.

Written by Heather R. Necaise, MS, LPC-S
Program Director of Admissions, Assessments and Outreach Centers

About Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services:

Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services is one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. Pine Grove’s world renowned programs treat gender specific substance abuse including specialized tracks for co-occurring eating disorders and trauma. Additionally, Pine Grove offers an Intensive Outpatient substance abuse healing program for adults and a separate treatment program specifically for those who are age 55 plus. Other Pine Grove specialty programs include a dedicated professional’s treatment curriculum and a comprehensive evaluation center. Pine Grove also features a program for patients with sexual addiction. Inpatient Services including an Adult Psychiatric Unit, along with a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, and Outpatient Services are other components. Pine Grove is a division of Forrest Health, a partnership of healthcare organizations across South Mississippi, and the behavioral healthcare extension of Forrest General Hospital, a 547 bed, level II Regional Trauma Center. Established in 1984, Pine Grove has provided nationally and internationally recognized health care for 38 years. For more information, please visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com and call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673).