small changes...
small changes...
Several threads lately - and my own journey in sobriety - have led me to begin thinking that among the actions we can take to help ourselves is a focus on making consistent, small changes.
Addiction is all about 'habit'. We have conditioned ourselves to respond in certain ways to certain patterns. So, it stands to reason that if we 'stop drinking' but everything else remains the same, we will be constantly hit with context and situations which are likely tied to our habitual responses.
I'm not saying "change everything". That's pretty daunting. But maybe taking small steps to change it up as we go, will help us build new habits of response to the world around us.
Today, instead of getting out of bed and right into work or chores or checking in here on the forum or email - I had a hot, relaxed shower. I made tea instead of coffee, and I did about 5 minutes of stretching. Then I sat for just 20 deep breathing in-out breaths of brief meditation, said a few words of Gratitude and asked for help in my day from Spirit....
Then I read a chapter in my Big Book as I finished my tea.
Instead of letting the kids turn on the TV as soon as they woke, I had them read a little, talk a little, make their breakfast, get dressed and ready for school and make their beds instead of trying to wrestle with them to do that after the TV was on and I had to pry them away.
These were all small changes. Easy enough to do. But maybe it's these small things that add up to broader shifts in habit and response. Maybe it's little things like this, simple actions every day, that give us a rich set of tools to help shape our lives in a better direction.
Just thought I'd share it for those who might find it useful.
Addiction is all about 'habit'. We have conditioned ourselves to respond in certain ways to certain patterns. So, it stands to reason that if we 'stop drinking' but everything else remains the same, we will be constantly hit with context and situations which are likely tied to our habitual responses.
I'm not saying "change everything". That's pretty daunting. But maybe taking small steps to change it up as we go, will help us build new habits of response to the world around us.
Today, instead of getting out of bed and right into work or chores or checking in here on the forum or email - I had a hot, relaxed shower. I made tea instead of coffee, and I did about 5 minutes of stretching. Then I sat for just 20 deep breathing in-out breaths of brief meditation, said a few words of Gratitude and asked for help in my day from Spirit....
Then I read a chapter in my Big Book as I finished my tea.
Instead of letting the kids turn on the TV as soon as they woke, I had them read a little, talk a little, make their breakfast, get dressed and ready for school and make their beds instead of trying to wrestle with them to do that after the TV was on and I had to pry them away.
These were all small changes. Easy enough to do. But maybe it's these small things that add up to broader shifts in habit and response. Maybe it's little things like this, simple actions every day, that give us a rich set of tools to help shape our lives in a better direction.
Just thought I'd share it for those who might find it useful.
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 321
I can agree there. Change is a process, and it is made up of small milestones that make up the big picture over time. Sometimes it can be as small as remembering to pray before you go about your day, and sometimes it can be as big as taking that commitment you've been avoiding. OR coming back to post here again after being away for two months xD
Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Rural Colorado
Posts: 376
I was thinking about this yesterday. So much of my life is routine. I routinely go to work the same way, home the same way, do the same stuff with my daughter, do the same workout, even eat the same foods. I do think I need to make small changes and they will actually help be be sober.
Totally agree - It can be as small as the alarm that wakes you up. In the past week I changed mine to a song that makes me feel great - from a loud noise I hated. As a result, I've been waking up in a better mood and getting out of bed earlier, which has an impact on my whole day.
Great post! Thanks.
Great post! Thanks.
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