*Samantha Jenkins* had never paid much attention to the news about oil and gas drilling licenses in the North Sea. But when she heard the deputy first minister of Scotland discuss the SNP's stance on the issue, it struck a chord deep within her. The debate over whether to approve new licenses or not seemed to parallel the internal conflict she'd been grappling with for years – the struggle between embracing change and clinging to familiarity.

As a resident of Old Furnace, Delaware, Samantha had spent most of her life in the shadow of the oil and gas industry, working at a refinery just like her father and grandfather before her. The prospect of change, of transitioning to a greener future, had always filled her with anxiety and a sense of loss, much like the fear she felt when contemplating a life without the numbing effects of alcohol.

The news article triggered memories of the times her addiction had nearly cost her everything – her job, her family, her self-respect. It reminded her of the countless promises she'd made to herself to get sober, only to break them time and again, caught in the cycle of denial and self-destruction.

But this time, something felt different. As she listened to the conflicting viewpoints and the debates over job losses and energy security, she realized that change was inevitable, whether she embraced it or not. And just like the proponents of a 'just transition' argued for taking people along on the journey towards a greener future, she knew she couldn't continue down her current path without risking everything.

That's when Samantha discovered the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website. The program's emphasis on personal growth, self-acceptance, and taking responsibility for one's actions resonated deeply with her. She decided to enroll, determined to break free from the chains of her addiction and embrace the change she had been resisting for so long.

Over the course of the program, Samantha found herself quoting one of the instructors, who said, 'The only way to truly change is to confront your fears head-on, to step into the unknown with courage and conviction.' Those words became her mantra, helping her navigate the challenging journey of recovery and self-discovery.

While some experts praised the program's holistic approach, others were skeptical, claiming that online programs couldn't substitute for in-person support and accountability. Nevertheless, Samantha persevered, drawing strength from the community she found within the program and the newfound sense of purpose that had been ignited within her.

As the debates over oil and gas drilling licenses raged on in the news, Samantha found herself contemplating the opposing viewpoints with a newfound clarity. She realized that both sides had valid concerns – the need to protect jobs and ensure energy security, as well as the urgent imperative to transition to a greener future. And just as she had learned to embrace change in her personal life, she came to understand that the path forward lay in finding a balanced, nuanced approach that considered all perspectives.

In the end, Samantha's journey through the Stepping Into Action program taught her that seeking help and support was not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to her strength and resilience. And while the challenges of recovery and personal growth were daunting, the fact that she could access such a powerful program online, from the comfort of her own home in Old Furnace, made the journey all the more accessible and empowering.

Nearby: Reliance Maryland, Galestown Maryland