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.
In today's reading, the author reflects on what they used to think "being good to myself" meant, and what they have come to understand it to mean with the help of the program. In the past, the author thought that being good to themselves meant buying whatever they wanted, eating whatever they wanted, and avoiding any activity that wasn't fun or exciting.
Today, the author understands being good to themselves to mean prioritizing their program work, taking time to connect with their Higher Power, enjoying wholesome food, exercising in a way they enjoy, and handling money with more responsibility.
The author still enjoys a flexible lifestyle with spontaneous moments, but now the author has those moments by choice.
Today's reminder: I deserve to make choices that let me feel good about myself. It may take a while to see results, but I am building a life that promotes my health and self-esteem. It's worth the wait.
Today's Quote: "The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." George Eliot
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As I spend more time in the program, my understanding of what "being good to myself" means has changed a lot. Early in my program, I understood it as safeguarding money from my AW so that I could afford gas and pay the bills, or setting boundaries around what I would tolerate or would not tolerate. Today, thanks to more time in the program, I am understanding taking care of myself to extend to being gentle with myself, focusing on healthy food, exercise, and allowing myself to take time to take care of myself. Being ok with taking breaks, and listening to what my spirit needs used to be a challenge for me. I felt that any time I spent that was not productive was wasted. Now, I'm starting to see that refilling my own cup means more than just taking care of the space around me, and it can mean that even when things are busy, I take small breaks to enjoy reading or another RESTFUL hobby. (I have many active, stimulating, challenging, productive hobbies. Being willing to engage in a hobby that is restful or rejuvenating is something I've recently started working toward.)
I hope you make today a great day!
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the insightful shares. Taking time to connect with my HP and meditate before getting on with my day has enabled me to use my energy efficiently. I like the idea of seeking restful hobbies...definitely something to pursue. I also need to embrace that doing nothing is not being lazy, it's a chance to refill my cup. It's a good reminder that I have to go slow in order to move fast. Lastly, my stress level and inner turmoil has gone down considerably since Al-Anon - and I notice my eczema rash hasn't bothered me in ages! :) Thank you MIP
Thanks Skorpi for your service and all above great ESH. For many years, I didn't have a clue about taking care of myself. I was good at self, verbal abuse, and I never let myself take a rest or break even when sick. All of that has changed for the better, and largely due to program. I try to choose behaviors that bring me self-respect and self-esteem. I give myself a rest each day to recharge. I pray every morning and walk my dog for 30-40 minutes 3-5xweek. We both love that! I guess I've traded in a lot of very poor habits for much better ones, helping me arrive at serenity and sanity whenever possible. ODAT, progress not perfection.
