You Don't Want to Miss "New Year's Eve with Steven!" TONIGHT with Warriors for Life! (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Dec 30, 2025
3 min read

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "New Year's Eve with Steven!"

"It's time for the year to end, and a new year to begin. It's time to look back at what we have accomplished, what mistakes we have made, and what objectives we may have missed.

It's time to plan new goals, make new resolutions, and make new budgets for the upcoming year. It's also a time to spend with friends and family, celebrating the accomplishments you've achieved, reminiscing about the adventures you've had or shared, and planning new experiences with each other."

To support people with mental health issues on New Year's Eve, offer connection without pressure (invitations, calls), create inclusive sober activities (games, movies, mocktails), encourage self-care, respect their boundaries, and help them access resources like the 988 Lifeline if needed, focusing on empathy, patience, and non-judgmental presence.

Be a Supportive Presence

Reach Out Regularly: Send texts or call to let them know they're not forgotten, even if they decline plans.
Offer, Don't Push: Invite them to gatherings but respect if they're not up for it; the invitation itself shows they're wanted.
Listen Actively: Offer your time to just sit with them and listen without judgment.
Be Patient: Understand their struggles aren't their fault and won't disappear with the new year; your patience helps.

Create Inclusive & Sober Options

Host a Low-Key Event: Organize a movie marathon, board game night, or potluck with comforting food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Offer Mocktails: Make fancy non-alcoholic drinks (mocktails) so they feel included in the celebratory atmosphere.
Suggest Activities: Try a virtual escape room, cooking a new dish, or doing a DIY project together.
Find Sober Events: Look for AA/NA meetings or community sober parties.

Encourage Healthy Habits & Boundaries

Promote Self-Care: Suggest gentle activities like a quiet walk, cozying up with candles, or a home spa day.
Help Manage Expectations: Don't add pressure for them to "be happy" or "have fun"; validate their feelings.
Limit Social Media: Encourage stepping away from feeds that might trigger anxiety or comparison.

Connect to Resources

Offer Practical Help: Offer to help find a therapist or support group like Warriors for Life (WFL) if they're struggling to seek help on their own.
Know the Crisis Line: Remind them (and yourself) that 988 is available 24/7 for mental health crises.

10 Mental Health Habits Worth Carrying into 2026

Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates as we do all of that tonight with the Victory for Veterans Warriors for Life Peer Support Group on this last day of the year 2025. Come celebrate a New Year beginning the right way, with friends who are here for you, because we have been there as well!

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), December 31, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.