[Guest post by SMART Facilitator Kelly Scullin]
I love to backpack and try to go on at least one long trek each year. I usually aim for July—when the mountain snow has mostly melted, and the trails open up safely again. It's not just a good time to hike for miles and miles; it’s a good time to make those miles meaningful.
Midyear, like a rest stop after a steady climb, invites us to pause—take in the view, look back at where we’ve been, and look ahead to where we’re going. It’s tempting to rush past the moment. But what if we didn’t? You might be feeling that same urge to keep moving now—even after clicking this article. But this worksheet is your invitation to pause, take a breath, and really look. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to write a novel (though please do if that’s your jam). This is a space to get honest with yourself: notice what’s working, name what’s not, and reconnect with why this journey matters to you.
In SMART Recovery, we’re not chasing perfection—we’re building awareness, exercising choice, and practicing self-management one moment at a time. This midyear reflection walks you through the four points of SMART with a little structure and a lot of self-compassion. Consider it a values-based tune-up to honor your progress and re-center your path. You already have everything within you to take the next step. And remember: you are always in the process of becoming. This (!) is a moment to seize your agency in that process.
So! Grab a pen, a quiet(ish) spot, and maybe a refreshing glass of water or iced tea (it is summer, after all). Let’s see what’s here for you.
Midyear Reflection Worksheet
This Midyear Reflection Worksheet is designed to gently guide SMART Recovery participants through meaningful self-assessment, encourage personal insight, and reaffirm commitment to the four points of SMART Recovery—all with warmth and curiosity.
Name: _________________________________
Date: __________________________________
1. Build and Maintain Motivation
Reflection: When motivation flickers, it doesn’t mean it’s gone. It just means it’s time to tend the flame. What lights your fire? And how’s that spark doing lately?
What originally motivated you to begin your recovery journey? Has that shifted?
What accomplishments—big or small—are you proud of from the past six months?
When you picture the version of yourself you’re becoming, what stands out most?
Measure: How connected do you feel to your motivation right now? (1 = meh / 10 = laser-focused) _____
→ What might help you strengthen that connection in the months ahead?
2. Cope with Urges
Reflection: Urges are like waves—we can learn to ride them instead of being swept away. Urges happen. So does growth.
What situations, feelings, or people have been “urge magnets” this year?
What helped you move through those urges without acting on them?
Have you discovered any new ways to surf urges or pause before acting? If you could design your dream urge-coping toolkit, what would be in it?
Measure: How confident do you feel coping with urges right now? (1 = “yikes” / 10 = “bring it on”) _____
→ What support or practice could boost your confidence?
3. Manage Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
Reflection: Your brain: still your most powerful tool. Occasionally a drama queen. But, for real… Awareness is the first step toward choice. You’ve likely had more choices than you realized.
Are there thought patterns you’ve noticed more clearly lately?
What emotions have been the hardest to sit with?
Describe a time when you paused, re-evaluated, or made a different choice. (That's a big deal, by the way.) What helped?
Measure: How would you rate your current self-management superpowers? (1 = a browser with 47 tabs open / 10 = mindfulness ninja) _____
→ What mindset shift or coping skill would you like to strengthen next?
4. Live a Balanced Life
Reflection Prompt: Recovery is not just about what we stop—it’s about what we start and grow.
What’s feeling most solid or fulfilling in your life right now?
What areas could use a little more love, time, or attention (e.g., relationships, health, rest, joy)?
What’s one thing you want more of in the second half of the year?
Measure: How balanced does your lifestyle feel right now? (1 = juggling flaming swords on a unicycle / 10 = calendar and nervous system in full alignment) _____
→ If you had a slogan for your vision of balance, what would it be? What's one little step toward living those words?
Looking Ahead
No need to map the whole year. Just pick a direction you want to face.
What’s one value, word, or intention you want to carry forward?
What kind of support—practical, emotional, or otherwise—would feel helpful from your SMART community?
How might you want to show up for the SMART community in the months ahead? (Maybe it’s your presence. Maybe it’s your shares, your empathy, your cheer. Maybe it’s your time, your donations, or simply telling someone SMART exists. Every ripple counts.)
Final Thought
There’s no one “right” way to do recovery. There’s just your way, shaped by reflection, intention, and choice. That’s what this check-in is about. You’re already doing something powerful by noticing.
Now, take a deep breath, give yourself credit, and maybe—just maybe—celebrate with a silly dance break. You’ve earned it.
SMART Recovery is a science- and evidence-informed program that provides educational and peer support to those who want to abstain and gain independence from all addictive behaviors, whether or not they involve alcohol or drugs. The program emphasizes building motivation and self-empowerment skills, employing strategies to control urges, managing thoughts at the root of addictive behaviors and living a healthy, balanced life. Go to the “Meetings” tab at www.smartrecovery.org to find an in-person or online meeting to attend.