brokenhalo

some interesting words on addiction. it was written regarding relationships, but i believe it is impactful for us as recovering alcoholics:

"an addiction is an obsession in our minds and a compulsion in our behavior. we feed the addiction when we let the obsessive thoughts spill over into compulsive actions. to allow the thoughts and not act on them is a crucial part of letting go. thus i can think about you [alcohol] every minute while driving on the freeway, but i do not have to swerve off at the next exit just to hear your voice [have a drink]. to free ourselves from addiction is to pass up the chance for a fix."

"approach addictions not with shame but with a spirit of inquiry, wanting to know how your mind got caught in desire. this means finding a way to accept yourself without the mindsets of judgement, fear, blame, biases, or defenses--that is mindfully. see the other as...here to show you where your work is, just how far astray you can go from the path, and how you can return to it."

-david richo

the second quote helped me more fully understand the phrase "grateful/thankful alcoholic". thought this would be encouraging and interesting to some of you. just wanted to share.

bh

Dee74

I'm glad you're finding stuff that's beneficial, BH.
Thanks for the share

D

NewBeginning010

Very nice, I am slowly getting better at "sitting" with my feelings & cravings. Taking the time to notice them & try to understand them without giving in or being drawn to the action they want me to take.

Thanks again BH, I just finished thanking you for your last share too

Taking5

In AA there is a saying "you can't think you way into proper acting, but you can act your way into proper thinking". To me this means no matter what cravings you have, no matter what insane thoughts of drinking go through your head, you ACT on them by not drinking.

After doing this long and/or often enough, it becomes your habit and thoughts of drinking are more easily dismissed. Eventually you'll almost never have thoughts of drinking (this has been my experience at least).

Mark75

Hey BH

That is a really good quote... thanx... During the first few months that was my total mindset, all the time... spirit of inquiry... that's it!

Mark

readyforhelp

Thanks, BH.