Notices

What helps you to get centered?

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-30-2013, 03:21 PM
  # 1 (permalink)  
Member
Thread Starter
 
janiebluebird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Northeast
Posts: 441
What helps you to get centered?

Yet another case of the anxious Saturday nights...

All of my friends are doing something in which alcohol is involved so its just me with myself tonight. I went hiking today, but might go for an evening run still to release energy. Other than that, I'm planning to read, maybe rent a movie, and clean up a bit. I'm feeling a bit envious tonight of everyone with their plans, even though I know I shouldn't. I know what alcohol has brought me in the past, and that things aren't always what they seem with all the "fun" everyone has out. Just trying to get centered and find a place of inner peace.

Does anyone else have any good suggestions for getting centered when feeling off?
janiebluebird is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:25 PM
  # 2 (permalink)  
Administrator
 
Dee74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,369
I think thats a different thing for all of us Janie.
For me it's probably music - listening or playing.

I know it's not fun being at home when you don;t necessarily want to be tho - do you have any friends who don't drink, or wouldn't if you did something non alcohol-related?

I think it's important to realise that sobriety is not about becoming a monk or a hermit - unless that's what you want, it's likely to wear on you a little...

D
Dee74 is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:26 PM
  # 3 (permalink)  
Hears The Voice
 
Nonsensical's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Unshackled
Posts: 7,901
Lots of people meditate. I never have, but some folks on here whose opinion I respect have recommended it. I might give it a try one of these off nights.

Good Luck tonight!
Nonsensical is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:29 PM
  # 4 (permalink)  
Administrator
 
Anna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,469
Reading, definitely - Walking and Music, always.

Spending time with my grandchildren, of course.
Anna is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:33 PM
  # 5 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: pa
Posts: 297
I like to think of some food I like that I've never made myself and then make it. Between the trip to the store to buy everything, preparing and eating the meal, it's a lot of time killed which I've spent focusing on something other than everything that's going on in my head.
avocado is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:40 PM
  # 6 (permalink)  
bona fido dog-lover
 
least's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,759
I focus on my dogs and cat. I give them lots of attention and enjoy being with them and marvelling at the wonders they are. I put my energy into being a good mom to my furkids. It pays off too, I have happy pets and I'm happy.
least is online now  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:40 PM
  # 7 (permalink)  
Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,452
Originally Posted by janiebluebird View Post
Yet another case of the anxious Saturday nights...

All of my friends are doing something in which alcohol is involved so its just me with myself tonight. I went hiking today, but might go for an evening run still to release energy. Other than that, I'm planning to read, maybe rent a movie, and clean up a bit. I'm feeling a bit envious tonight of everyone with their plans, even though I know I shouldn't. I know what alcohol has brought me in the past, and that things aren't always what they seem with all the "fun" everyone has out. Just trying to get centered and find a place of inner peace.

Does anyone else have any good suggestions for getting centered when feeling off?
Prayer and Meditation helps me. I follow the AA program. Writing inventory helps me. I see the truth. I face and am rid of what's blocking me, and I get back on track. I can start my day over at any time.

I can ask forgiveness and go forward.
Veritas1 is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:47 PM
  # 8 (permalink)  
Member
 
Saliena's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 521
Exercise helps me alot... And then movies... I love watching a good movie...

AA meetings and focusing on other people help alot.
Saliena is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:52 PM
  # 9 (permalink)  
Re-Tread
 
Fallow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Meditation
Posts: 1,300
A book and a movie sound nice. Music helps me a ton. Prayer and meditation. Sober dialing a bunch of people in my phone. A nice meal plus some coffee or tea. Taking a long hot shower or bath. I like going on a long drive in the country too.
Fallow is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:54 PM
  # 10 (permalink)  
Member
Thread Starter
 
janiebluebird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Northeast
Posts: 441
Originally Posted by Dee74 View Post
I know it's not fun being at home when you don;t necessarily want to be tho - do you have any friends who don't drink, or wouldn't if you did something non alcohol-related?

I think it's important to realise that sobriety is not about becoming a monk or a hermit - unless that's what you want, it's likely to wear on you a little...

D
I did go to a get together at a friend's place last night where none of my friends were drinking. That was nice and relaxed but tonight all of my friends seem to be going to events that are at bars (band, birthday party). It crossed my mind to go and not drink, but I know better by now...I'm unpredictable even to myself when it comes to being in a bar.

I would prefer to get out.
janiebluebird is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:00 PM
  # 11 (permalink)  
Member
 
FeenixxRising's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic USA
Posts: 2,441
A nice long brisk walk. So simple, but very effective.
FeenixxRising is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:02 PM
  # 12 (permalink)  
Sobriety is Traditional
 
Coldfusion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,064
Find somewhere fantastic to watch the moon come up!
Coldfusion is online now  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:07 PM
  # 13 (permalink)  
Member
 
Pondlady's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Midwest
Posts: 8,334
If you prefer to get out, how about a movie, or a little shopping?
Pondlady is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:12 PM
  # 14 (permalink)  
instant
 
instant's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 5,711
The daily practice of gratitude really helps me. Your post implies you do value things other than "fun" with alcohol. Gratitude helps me to reinforce that.

Those saturday nights commonly got ugly for me. Alcohol made me more isolated, not more social. Sundays were a disaster zone. I now value my weekend morning time- they are the best part of the week in many respects.

Funnily enough I now like monday mornings(LOL)
instant is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:21 PM
  # 15 (permalink)  
Member
 
Acheleus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,920
Last night I went to a coffee bar that serves alcohol and everyone around me was drinking. I ordered a few coffees and hot chocolates and sat out front smoking and people watching. I know it can be tempting to be in a bar around drinkers but I find it a good experiment. I didn't have "fun" but I still talked to some people and satisfied the part of my brain that wants to get out and mingle. I am on my 8th day of sobriety. Hope all stays well.
Acheleus is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:29 PM
  # 16 (permalink)  
LDT
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 8,642
Yoga never fails me.
LDT is offline  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:34 PM
  # 17 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 167
Well, my dog keeps me centered but if you don't have one... I would suggest: Exercising: Can't go wrong with it: From Yoga to Kickboxing... Doesn't matter... A good conversation with a good friend... Maybe write in a diary, watch a good movie... A meeting with other recovering addicts (NA or other types of meetings...) But it sounds like you already have some good ideas and most importantly staying open and in a good space... Congratulations on staying strong!!!

deadlydame is offline  

Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off





All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:47 PM.