Day: June 8, 2017

Daily Homework: During the day edition

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When you get agitated or doubtful, ask God for the right thought or action.

Dr Bob used the following “yardsticks” to help him in recovery on a day to day basis.

Is thing thing I’m about to say or do….

  1. Absolutely Honest?
  2. Absolutely Unselfish?
  3. Absolutely Pure?
  4. Done with Absolute Love?

If yes, you are fine….

Remind yourself Constantly –> You are no longer running the show, that you have a new Employer, and that Employer is God, Pray “Thy will be done.”
Take time to study the literature:

  • Study for at least 15 minutes per day.
  • Highlight in your book, the things that stand out to you.
  • Take notes.
  • Look up the definitions to the words you do not understand. Write the definitions in the margins of your book.
  • Start with the inside of the front cover, and don’t stop until you get to the back cover.

Huggage! You can absolutely do this. I have faith in you! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at justanotheralcoholic@yahoo.com

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Daily Cares

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For years, we’ve done anything we could to punish ourselves. In many cases, it is a symptom of a pending relapse. It is finally time to start ting care of ourselves. Our minds will follow.

Every day:

  1. Get up and go to bed at the same time. Meaning if you get up at 7AM, get up at 7AM every day. If you go to bed at 10 PM, go to bed at 10 PM every day.
  2. Make your bed.
  3. Take a shower.
  4. Brush your teeth
  5. Put on deodorant.
  6. Get dressed in clean clothes.
  7. Put on your shoes.
  8. Eat a minimum of 3 meals per day.
  9. Get moving, do some physical activity, (other than jumping to conclusions) for a few minutes.
  10. If you take medications, take them exactly as prescribed, and on time. Keep track of whether or not you have taken your medication today.
  11. If your Dr. suggests this, keep track of what you are eating. Especially if you have issues with food.

Huggage, you can do this. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at justanotheralcoholic@yahoo.com

Going to meetings

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At least 3 meetings a week are required of every person I sponsor. I have my sponsees get a sheet signed, simply because it goes towards accountability. I myself keep careful track of the meetings I attend. 

Here are a few simple guidelines for attending meetings:

  1. Shut your cell phone off or put it on silent. Texting or answering calls during a meeting proves to the group that you are not giving your recovery the highest priority. The few times I have answered a call during a meeting, was due to a family member’s delicate health. If you must answer, discretely get up, walk out of the room, and answer your call. Return as quietly as possible, so as to not disturb others. If you need to leave, apologize gently and quietly, and inform your sponsor as soon as you leave.
  2. Bring your notebook. Write down the topic, and summarize the things that were said that make sense to you. “One liners”, quips and quotes that hit home, can save a life. In study meetings, take notes, write down page numbers that were referenced in the meeting. 
  3. Bring your books and highlighters. Most of the things I have learned in recovery has come from the wisdom of the other members. Take notes.
  4. Show up early. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the meeting starts. If you arrive even earlier, volunteer to help set up the meeting, make coffee, or talk to other members. You can also use this time to find a good chair, get a cup of coffee, get your books and notes in order, and prepare mentally to give 100% of your attention to the meeting.
  5. When I am more than 8 minutes late, I have to make up a meeting. Early in meetings, important information, including announcements are missed. If I am going to be more than 15 minutes late, I go to the next available meeting instead. Showing up more than 15 minutes late is a sign of disrespect to the fellowship and to those who are speaking during the meeting.
  6. Listen to the people sharing. Even when I disagree or do not like a person, I have learned from the members.  Give the person speaking respect and 100% attention.
  7. If I need to leave a meeting early, due to a family member’s medical issue, or one of my own, I always make up the meeting. I ask you to do the same. I also let my sponsor know as soon as possible.
  8. Stay after the meeting for a few minutes. Clean up the area you sat in. Offer to help clean up the room, and talk to the other members whether outside or inside of the building. If one of the members said something that struck you, Thank them for their insight.
  9. If you must miss a meeting, let your sponsor know what is going on.

Keep coming back, it works. If you have any questions, feel free to email me with your questions. Justanotheralcoholic@yahoo.com

Daily Homework: Prayer Edition

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Oh boy, more daily homework?

I learned quite some time ago, that the effort I put into alcohol and other issues is the same effort I need to put into my recovery. So, yes, for every “Dear God don’t let me do that again” Prayed over the porcelain god, needs to be met with an equal effort into my recovery.

Prayer List:

  1. The names of people you need to pray for. For example: If you hurt someone, were hurt by someone, or were angry with someone, their name goes at the top of the list. Pray for them to have peace, serenity, joy and love. Their name goes on the list until you have forgiven them.
  2. Your family. The members of our families have suffered long and hard by our disease. They are permanently on our prayer list, whether or not we still have contact with them. Also include the parents of your offspring, whether or not you are still with them.
  3. Willingness and strength. Ask God for the willingness and strength to work the program so that you can be a useful member of society. 
  4. Forgiveness: Ask God to forgive you for anything you have done, and ask God for the help to forgive those who you were angry with each and every day.
  5. Personal Religious Prayers: I also use the prayers affiliated with my religion.
  6. Direction and guidance: Ask God for direction and guidance to get through the next 24 hours.

Okay, it seems like so much, but think about the boozing and using we have done. How much effort have we put into destroying our relationship with God and others? Weighed against that, a little bit of prayer never causes harm.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at just anotheralcoholic@yahoo.com

Daily Homework: Journaling

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This is very important. Sometimes, things show up in a journal that just don’t fit into some of the “formal” questions posted earlier. Write, and keep writing, until you feel comfortable again. Then keep writing. 

When to journal:

  • Anytime day or night.
  • When you are upset and cannot call your sponsor.
  • When you are angry.
  • When you are hurt.
  • When you are happy
  • When you are sad.

You can also write “Letters to God”. Sometimes this form of journaling, direct from the heart via pen and paper gives the best insights into who and what we really are.

Another Asset to my recovery is answering the questions listed in Paths to Recovery on Page 107 to 109.
Huge Huggage, I have learned much more about myself via my journal. I hope you can as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at justanotheralcoholic@yahoo.com