Imnotalonjusblu - Great job on two weeks. I don't mean to sound old or wise, but I remember when I was two weeks sober. I made it there twice - third try was a charm for me. In any event what helped me make it past the first couple weeks was keeping accountable one day at a time. Keep up the good work!
Saskia - I think it's amazing that the culture of your community is so positive. It sounds like an amazing place to live. Is it designed that way by staff & directors, or is it just the mindset of the people who live there? I bet it plays a role in sustaining sobriety.
I've noticed that even on your "down" days, when you share that you're dealing with SAD or PTSD, you're "up". You're contributing here, sharing your perspective - and honestly everything you share helps so much. Truly, what you share sticks with me and becomes a part of whatever I'm working through. Thank you!!
WWS - I tell you, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. My wise friend is a 25 year old coworker!
Toots - I think you bring up a really good point about the sense of accomplishment that can come from riding out a craving til it goes away.
Amp - I hope all is well!
Babs - It's so good to see you!
This afternoon at work I decided to take a firm stance with one of the new hires I coach and he mouthed off to me!! The material that they have to learn is vast, but I needed to reinforce that he needs to know the basics.
Fortunately I have experience dealing with customers who escalate - and even more fortunately, that experience has been informed by my recovery principles and tactics.
While I'm sure it'll be few and far between that anyone tells me off, it's bound to happen. I sought some on the spot advice from my supervisor for next time.
Since it happened at the end of the day, on the way home I worked through it in my head. I realized I was internalizing what he said about me. I put an end to that quick, thanks to my ongoing recovery and step work.
[*] Regardless of whether his opinions held merit, it was trumped by his behavior being aggressive and rude, and completely inappropriate for a professional environment. (Upholding appropriate boundaries).
[*] I am cheerful and helpful. (Believing my value and worth.)
[*] The job is demanding and if he's struggling with the basics he may feel distressed. (Empathy & willingness to extend beyond my own self centered point of view.
Before recovery I'd have leveled him on the spot like a freight train, and told everyone who would listen what a jerk he is. I'm learning to modulate my response.
Recovery isn't just saving me from circling the drain with booze, it's saving me from wrecking my career prospects too. If I'd leveled him like a freight train, my poor boss would have had to do major HR damage control. By behaving maturely, and humbly seeking feedback, I'm impressing my supervisors and managers.
It's far from perfection over here, but I find in recovery I'm making incremental progress. Keep it up ODAAT, Undies!!