The reality is that change is going to feel painful, unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and uncertain. Too often people focus only on their pain, what they will have to go through to change, without reflecting on the pain that their actions have caused loved ones and friends.
When people are hopeful, trusting, and confident, it is easy to be optimistic about successes in recovery and those are positive attitudes to adopt. When we intentionally act as if, and become an actor, we often experience different results.
I do not take lightly when the Universe demonstrates a lesson for me, and at that moment, I saw how tenacious that tulip sprout was. That longing, if you will, to grow, to fight for survival and thrive. To blossom and show itself in all its splendor and beauty.
By: Marilyn L. Davis “What really bugs Henry about Barry, he supposes, is Barry’s complacency. His inner assurance that there is no need to change his self-destructive behavior – let alone search for its roots. ~Stephen King, Dreamcatcher What are Self-destructive Behaviors? Self-destructive or self-defeating behaviors are any behaviors that […]
Am I fearless? No. I have merely decided that I’ll be brave while still feeling scared. I know that 23 million other people are in recovery and will stand by me and encourage me; that helps me be brave and take the next leap of faith.
We’re all rather like the nesting dolls; we’re layered and complex. But if we look within, we will find all the qualities and answers necessary to overcome adversity, problems, and difficulties. We just have to keep looking for them.
For many addicts and alcoholics coming to terms with the puzzle of addiction – knowing they need to change and doing the complete opposite is frustrating and scary. However, the good news is that the barriers and objections are within you and that means you have the ability to change them. It’s just a matter of isolating them, examining them and then changing what doesn’t work or fit anymore.
An easy way to get acquainted with people in any recovery support meeting is to ask questions. You might be surprised at the answers. However, don’t just ask questions just to appear interested. Instead, use the suggestions and directions.
When you learn to separate the various pieces of the puzzle, they become manageable pieces – to change, keep, or modify. This makes any overwhelming problem puzzle easier to solve.
In one of my first lectures in treatment, I kept hearing about the spiritual principles that I needed to incorporate into my recovery. For the principles listing on the sign-up sheet, I falsely assumed that I’d go to a dimly lit room, with incense wafting and cloistered monks reading from musty, dusty tomes. I hoped that they would enlighten me and give me ancient wisdom on how to change.
Instead, I learned from recovering people like myself in recovery support meetings.
While those are only five ways to keep an addiction dormant, the most important one for me, is don’t pick up the substance that made the addiction burst into bloom in the first place. I’d like you to add to the fives ways to keep an addiction dormant. Just leave a comment, thanks.
When we’re challenged with a lesson in our recovery, if we approach them from the perspective of “here’s a problem area or issue, and I’ve got an opportunity to learn from others”, it seems less harsh or traumatic.
I should logically be able to state, without reservation, which of those five feelings was hurt. However, the reality is that no one can define which of the five feeling categories was hurt, because feelings by themselves cannot be hurt. It’s our egos that get bruised.
We had a new member in our group tonight. Most of the women have over six months in recovery and facilitating this group, I’ve gotten to know them. I never expect the newest to speak first, but always acknowledge them and let them know that they may either speak first or let us know when they are ready to introduce themselves; but to always feel free to contribute to the conversation at any time.
