FreeOwl

Today at the gym it occurred to me that, for me, there are five elements to recovery.

I mean beyond just 'not drinking'.

Even beyond 'the steps'.

Both of these are of course critical, but day to day when I look at what recovery is for me, I see an important balance of;

Physical
Emotional
Mental
Spiritual
Creative

When I am actively focused on having good balance in these things, it positively impacts my life, my relationships, my overall wellness and most of all; my recovery.

For me, it's not just about going to meetings and coming here and working the steps and not drinking. Those are definitely foundations. But I believe that in addition to those basic actions, my richness of life and my sobriety depend on the balance and nurturing of these elements.

Just thought I'd share.

Soberwolf

Good for you FO congrats

bunnezjp

Good thoughts.

Bunnez

Erratic

Ur right with what I posted thanks for reminding me xx

gracetuesday

FreeOwl, I really agree with this... I watched the little animation video someone had posted a link to today about addiction, and one of the things it said is that we are people who are "bored" easily. I was thinking about this --- how I have always been an overachiever, and I get bored easily, and how drinking was a way for me just to "check-out" for a bit... of course, it was never that simple...

But, I was thinking of all I had accomplished today - baking, cleaning, laundry, art projects, etc, and about how not being "bored" is so important for me.

I think this is something that is often overlooked - at least for me, in my attempts to get sober, it seems to have been.... I guess the physical and emotional parts are so critical - that is where the focus has been.

I plan to think more about this - and ways I can keep balanced in my creativity. I believe cooking is where I will start since it is now the Holiday season! Great thing to do, make lots of cute goodies to give away!

ChickChick

Thanks for posting FreeOwl. I think it's really imporant to remember recovery isn't about just not drinking. I know I won't be able to sustain sobriety if I'm not working on the rest of me.