*Jane Doe* sighed as she read the news article about Hong Kong's efforts to have residents smile more to boost tourism. It struck a chord, reminding her of how her own gloomy disposition during her darkest days of alcohol abuse had alienated her from her loved ones in Smithboro, South Carolina.

The report triggered difficult memories from five years ago when Jane's drinking had spiraled out of control. Her once-warm smiles turned to scowls, pushing away her husband *John* and their two kids. 'If only I could go back and be that happy person again,' she thought wistfully.

Determined to make a change, Jane searched online for resources to help her rediscover her inner joy. She came across the Hofman Hollis Center's 'Stepping Into Action' program and was drawn to its focus on self-empowerment and positivity. Following the program's guidance, Jane began practicing mindfulness exercises and gratitude journaling daily.

'The old me is still in there somewhere,' *John* reassured her one evening as they discussed her efforts. 'Keep at it, and that beautiful smile will shine through again.'

While experts lauded programs like 'Stepping Into Action' for their holistic approach to recovery, some skeptics argued that smiling alone wouldn't solve deep-rooted personal issues. 'Positivity is a great first step, but it can't be a band-aid over underlying trauma,' cautioned psychologist Dr. *Emily Wilson*. 'True healing requires confronting one's demons through therapy and building a solid support system.'

Yet Jane found the self-directed curriculum empowering, allowing her to heal at her own pace while reconnecting with the hopeful spirit she had lost. 'Getting help online was ideal since there weren't many local options for me,' she mused. 'It was the fresh start I desperately needed.'

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