My life Transformation through Relief Corner.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Relief Corner on its remarkable achievements in serving the community since its opening a year ago.

The unwavering dedication to uplifting lives, fostering hope, and creating opportunities for those in need is truly inspiring. The compassion and commitment of its members have not only transformed individual lives but also strengthened the bonds that hold our community together.

I wanted to take a moment to share an update on my personal development and the progress I’ve been making through the Relief Corner programs.

My husband of 37 years left this world in January 2024 due to complications related to alcoholism. In December 2022, he joined the AA meetings on Zoom coordinated by Mr. Thomas Iype Achayan, where he received invaluable support and guidance from Mr. Alexander Jacob Achayan, and Dr. Saji Mathai on his path to sobriety. He attended the weekly meetings regularly, worked on his spiritual and personal growth, and remained sober until the end of his life.

At the same time, I joined the Relief Corner program “Hope 4 Families” (a women’s Support Group for addicted families) on Zoom, which is like Al-Anon. There, I found a safe space to share my experiences and to listen to the stories of other families affected by alcoholism. This community became a source of strength and healing for me during one of the most difficult periods of my life. My husband and I had the opportunity to receive counseling from Dr. Saji Mathai, which proved invaluable in facilitating our journey of recovery and growth.

Over the past three years, I have noticed meaningful changes in my overall well-being. I joined several programs offered through Relief Corner, such as Carnatic Music, Drawing, Spoken English, Cartoon Kalari, Comedy Club, The Women’s Support group, and Life Coaching Class. Even though these services are offered free of cost, the value of the content and support they provide is truly immeasurable. Had I not been given the opportunity to take part in these complimentary programs, I might not have been able to experience them elsewhere because of the cost. 

Over time, I have grown to consistently practice music and drawing, which have become creative outlets that bring me joy and peace. These spaces have helped me rediscover parts of myself I had once overlooked and given me the confidence to express who I truly am. In the last year, I have been especially consistent with my self-care practices — mindfulness exercises, mindful walking, guided meditation, regular physical activity, and journaling — and these habits have become deeply grounding and restorative.

When I first started journaling, my thoughts felt tangled and heavy. I often wrote in short, scattered bursts, unsure of what I was even trying to say. Over time, my entries became more focused, my handwriting steadier, and my words more honest. I have learned to pause before reacting — to respond rather than react — to notice patterns in my mood and behavior, and to celebrate small wins I used to overlook. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, I am now able to focus on my breath without feeling restless. I feel more grounded, less reactive, and more aware of the small moments of joy throughout my day. 

Emotionally, I have become more aware of my triggers and have developed healthier coping strategies, such as pausing to breathe before reacting, reframing negative thoughts, or seeking support when needed. While challenges still arise, I feel better equipped to navigate them without becoming overwhelmed. I am also proud of the small but important milestones I’ve reached, such as reconnecting with old friends I had lost touch with, creating a daily timetable to improve my time management, and learning to set healthy boundaries. These steps have helped me feel more confident, balanced, and hopeful about the future. 

In conclusion, My Takeaways:

1. Growth is not a race — it is a journey, and I AM ALREADY ON THE RIGHT PATH. Every small step I take, even the ones that feel invisible, is shaping me into a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate version of myself.
2. There will be days when progress feels slow, when old habits try to pull me back, and when self-doubt whispers in my ear. On those days, I will remind myself that I have overcome challenges before — and I will again. My resilience is proof that I can adapt, learn, and rise above.
3. Keep feeding my mind with knowledge, my heart with kindness, and my body with care. Celebrate the little victories — they are the building blocks of lasting change. And when I stumble, do not see it as failure; see it as a lesson that is guiding me forward.
4. I am not defined by who I was yesterday, but by the choices I make today. Keep choosing growth, keep choosing courage, and keep choosing myself.

When I am in this world, my progress will always be a work in motion — never complete, always growing. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received along the way, and I remain committed to continuing this work toward sustained wellness.

May this noble mission continue to grow, touching more hearts and bringing light to those in darkness. We are here to celebrate the tireless efforts of every volunteer and supporter who makes this journey possible.

I wish Relief Corner continued success, greater impact, and boundless blessings in all its future endeavors.

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Alphoncy James