an acceptance list [???]

[whispering_owl]

i recently heard mention of creating an acceptance list. i have heard of gratitude lists and have written many. the acceptance list was presented as a list of things that a person needs to accept. like most other things in recovery, it seems like such a simple thing to create or 'come up with', yet its been very hard for me to begin. has anyone else heard of this concept, and how might it be approached?

[BigSis]

I've never done one - but it sounds intriguing.

I have gotten around that "accept the things I cannot change" thing by mentally telling myself, oh yeah, but THIS thing I CAN change...

For me, it might start with acceptance -

That I am an alcoholic
That I am a compulsive overeater
That my children are addicts


I can tell you what that does for me, is highlights a couple things I have NOT quite, totally accepted -

I am an addict
I am a compulsive gambler

In my head, I still believe that I can take narcotics after surgery and can go to the casino for a quick night of slot machines.

My BRAIN knows better, but I believe my HEART has not accepted the news.

Thank you for allowing me to "think out loud". I like the idea of an "acceptance" list.

[citychick]

Mine could start with accepting that I'm commited to my recovery and my life is changing.....I could try accepting that my husband isn't in recovery and not likely to be anytime soon.

I could accept that I don't fit in with the old crowd anymore....he still does...

I could accept the future a day at a time