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.
I'm often reading something on my phone before bed or pulling it out if I've been tossing and turning. Once that light hits my eyes it's all over. Very difficult to get back to sleep. And even with the screen dimmed completely it's too bright.
A couple months ago I downloaded a blue-light filter app. I fall asleep much much faster now. If I'm waking up with insomnia I can get back to sleep about 50% of the time. I never would have guessed that it would work so well. If you use your phone at night and have trouble sleeping I suggest giving one of these apps a try.
Thanks Westman - I often wondered if these worked or not. I am one who really struggles with sleep so actually plug my phone in across the room with the vibrate on only. With an average of 5 hours per night, I've not missed any crisis yet...
__________________
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
I think sleep is an issue for many people. My problem has nothing to do with my phone. My issue is awakening almost every morning from 4am to 5 or 6am. Sometimes I can't even fall back to sleep. I try to pray or meditate and I can't even do that. Maybe I should get up and journal about my stress. I think that's a good idea so thank you Westman for this topic! Lyne
I so appreciate this important topic and love Lynns post because it resonates with me so well. Restlessness is a symptom of being "affected" by alcoholism, and just KNOWING that is a "success" in Al-anon because its what we aim to recognize --- how our lives had become "unmanageable" through our trials. And yet the steps go on to show how we can overcome. Are we not blessed ?!!!
The solution is written in the steps which is spiritual in nature.
The "turning point" and the "asking". and the "conscious contact" through prayer and meditation... done with perseverance ESPECIALLY when it seems like it's not working. The goal is to never give up (because we made the decision in step three) and then we take it deeper and deeper, that is how to know serenity and enjoy a peaceful sleep.
Higher Power "is" peace and harmony and love and joy and wisdom....
My goal is to stop letting my mind control my life, which is what keeps me from experiencing all of that. That is why they told me the problem is "always" me or self... not the alcoholic or any other trigger.... The Solution is in the only thing I can change, always in self-control. My only "savior" is my progressive willingness.
Naturally, the ego revolts.
Long ago, I stopped journaling before bedtime because they are "my" thoughts that often trigger worry and fear. It is very good indeed to journal however before my bedtime, I much prefer thoughts on God. One hour before my bedtime is always spent with God through reading and a deep meditation -- that is what works and that is what Al-anon told me would work. And when I got into a new relationship, I let him know that NOTHING would change that, and nothing has.
When I struggled in the beginning, ego telling me "this sh*t isnt working," or I'm personally not built to meditate," ....this was another form of being special and unique. Restless mind, dis-ease, ego, the little self.... that's who delivers that message, intended to kill my efforts and keep me from God. they attached the principle of perseverance for a perfect reason, to encourage me to keep going, to never give up going to any length to get "it."
Ego hates discipline and I can only guess that is why they told me, "Recovery ain't for sissies. "
lol
All is well, all is well, how quickly we forget. Thank you God for the guidance of the 12 steps, which brings us to Higher Power and a perfect peaceful sleep.
We are so very blessed (((Hugs))) to all
-- Edited by 2HP on Sunday 19th of November 2017 01:02:12 PM
