The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading in Courage to Change discusses how we can and should use creativity to celebrate who we are and what we feel. One of the effects of the disease is many of us have denied or devalued our talents, feelings, achievements and desires. We learn in recovery to know, appreciate and express our true selves. Who we are is a spiritual energy that nourishes our vitality. Using creativity is a great way to replace negative thinking with positive action.
Our program encourages us to acknowledge our achievements and to live each day fully. When we create, we plant ourselves firmly in the moment and teach ourselves that what we do matters. We all have imagination - we just have to practice to find it and put it to use. We need not get crazy - simple things like using a new spice or wearing a different color or trying a new exercise works. Using the gifts we have to discover more about us and our strengths aids us in self-care as well as recovery.
Today's Reminder - Today I will make use of the precious gift of imagination. Thus I will turn away from negativity, self-doubt, and fear and celebrate life instead.
Today's Quote - "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt
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I was defeated when I came to recovery and certainly stuck in a rut. I had dread when I woke up, spent the better part of my day sad, worried, anxious and thinking of others beyond myself. I went to bed sad, tired, and dreading the next day. It was suggested that I focus on me, be gentle with me and practice self-care.
It took me a little while to understand how this contributes to changed thinking. The simple acts of shifting my habits helped my thinking and vice versa. Changing my thinking helped me shift my habits. Thus began a small new pattern for my recovery.
As I began to work the program and practice these principles, I understood that I was so numb, I had no idea what I valued or what I wanted. I have since learned to golf, changed up my eating and exercise, and added a few other habits that I consider way better.
I honestly had not thought about 'creativity' as the 'push' for my growth and changes. I will accept it and am hopeful that my HP continues to show me ways to grow, learn and change.
Happy Thursday to one and all - better late than never for the daily - make it a great evening!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on today's reading IAH. I love how the reading identifies "creativity' as choosing a new spice , recipe, new way to look at the world. Changed attitudes do aid recovery.
Thanks for your service. I survived the snow storm. :)
Thank you for sharing that page and your thoughts on it. I don't always read the daily readers, but that is one of my favorite pages. I buried my creativity for so many years, and now I see it as one of the main tools in my recovery toolbox. But although it can be a very powerful tool, it is also one of the heaviest, and sometimes takes more energy to be able to use than I have available to me. I've never said that before, thank you for giving me the opportunity to reason it out.
Thanks all - glad that you survived the weather Betty! We've got a lovely spring day here today!!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
