Tools & Strategies
One alcoholic or addict talking to another. Tenet #3. I am NOT Alone!!
What is "Fellowship and Community"!
Fresh air, tossing the pig-skin around with friends and Frisbee!
What is Exercise and Play! Addiction is a disease of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Exercise and play addresses at least one, if not more of those considerations.
My Higher Power!
(Starts with an "S")
What is my Spiritual Connection!
Give it Up!
What is Tenet #1 - Spiritual Connection! My Higher Power!
Deciding what I want to keep, and what I need to let go. (Hint: Step #4)
What is a "Fearless Moral Inventory", or an ongoing Personal Inventory. Being Emotionally detached, but fully invested. Absolutely essential for an effective Program of Recovery.
Positive and calming thoughts that help us find serenity/peace.
What is MEDITATION!
Giving back. Community Involvement.
What is "Being of Service". Step 12. It gets me out of my head, and brings me joy :) Helping another makes my heart soar!
"___" Day at a Time!
What is ONE!
One day at a time! All I have is TODAY! I can manage TODAY! Tomorrow will take care of itself. I just need to do TODAY! POWERFUL!
Telling the truth when it's easier to lie, and sharing thoughts and feelings even when there may be consequences.
What is "Rigorous Honesty"! Tenet #2
Self Respect = I _ T _ G _ I _ Y (Hint: three letters, 1 vowel and 2 consonants)
What is INTEGRITY! One by-product of Rigorous Honesty!
When we take ownership of our actions and behaviors. Opposite of blaming others. (It's kinda' the opposite of Denial too I think:)
What is Accountability. A form of Rigorous Honesty! How I protect Step #1, and avoid a potential relapse.
Things I enjoy - Activities that I am passionate about.
What are "Hobbies". In my disease, I lost touch in simple activities that brought me pleasure. It took intention and purpose in my early recovery to re-engage in those pursuits that brought me joy.
Work is important, but so is PLAY! (Hint: A Teeter Totter is based on This Physics principle)
What is BALANCE! Essential for a Happy and Joyous Life!!
AA. All of us, right now! Our Tribe!
What is Tenet #3 - The Power of Fellowship and Community! May the Oxytocin flow! It tastes like courage and Love!
The first three stages of Grief - I'm still in my disease, under the ILLUSION I can manage a relationship with my drink/drug.
What is DENIAL, ANGER and BARGAINING
H.A.L.T.
What is "Hungry, Angry, Lonely & Tired". I can handle about two of these. Any more, and I risk a relapse. If I am mindful, I can Prevail!
"_________" is the answer to ALL of my problems today! (Hint: From page 417 of the Big Book)
What is ACCEPTANCE!
Edge. God. Out. = "_ _ _"
What is EGO!! "I got this" That cocky attitude will take me out every time! This disease is Cunning, Baffling and Powerful, but when I let His will be done, I will prevail!!
A Mask or False Front (Hint: Let go of my "_ _ _" - the toaster treat :)
What is Ego, or false pride. Arrogance! The opposite of Rigorous Honesty! (Am I right?)
We must always let THESE go in order to achieve serenity and peace. (Hint: These will take me out every time if I am not careful!!)
What are RESENTMENTS! But how? Give it up to my Higher Power - prayer
When guilt becomes "who I am" not "what I did"
What is "SHAME"! I must practice self-compassion - forgive myself. My past does not define who I am today! I am Valuable! I am Courageous! I am Enough!
A willingness to take "_________" (Hint:It may be humbling, but necessary. I must remember that my best thinking got me HERE!!)
What is Direction!
"Drinking poison, and expecting the other person to get sick" is a perfect analogy for this/these! (Remember, it starts with a "R")
What are RESENTMENTS! I must avoid these at ALL Costs. Resentments will take me out EVERY TIME!!!
When what I think about myself is in direct alignment with who I really am. (Hint: A valuable quality I will possess when I am Rigorously Honest...especially with myself!) The opposite of Arrogance!
What is Humility. True Humility. The best kind of honesty - being honest with myself!
Deep breathing, meditation, mindful walks, exercise, journaling, exercise, laughter, hobbys, gardening. (Hint: These are just a FEW examples for reducing...WHAT?)
What are a FEW techniques for reducing stress :)