Importance of non-busy time: The reading today discusses how many people stay so busy as to avoid and deny their feelings. A constant frenzy of activity keeps us focused outward. Abusing activities is different than just plain hard work. And sometimes it becomes difficult to relax at all. In Alanon the writer learned she needed rest and having fun. Relaxation became a part of her daily routine.
Today's Reminder: Hard work can be terrific, and my activities can be highly rewarding. But I am striving for some balance. Today I will look at how I spend my time, and set some of that time aside to relax.
Quote from Bertrand Russell: The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
I used to stay as busy as I could to avoid my feelings and pain. And I made lists to ensure that I would not run out of things to do. The healthier I become with the help of program, has taught me that taking time to sit down and put my feet up, or play fetch with my dog, are things I no longer have to feel guilty about. Feeling guilty about rest time is purely a waste of time and energy. Happily I have moved past that. At times of multiple stressors, which I face at the present time, makes it even more important to stop what I am doing, breathe, and take a break. I am worth it! Lyne
Freetime said
Jul 15, 2018
Lyne, thank you for posting this important reminder. I definitely relate to this. When I was living with alcoholism and its effects, I also was involved with many activities, from my full-time job, to yoga classes, to graduate school classes, to volunteer work. I was quite surprised when my adult son commented that he thought I was "too busy." I denied it, but he had picked up on the truth. All my activities were healthy and productive in themselves, but the truth was, I was escaping the pain of my situation at home. This was an example of how our "good" coping skills can become warped if over-used.
I am grateful for what I have learned in Al-Anon, and feel that my life is much more balanced today.
Finding grace said
Jul 16, 2018
Great read today. I am working towards a healthy balance for me, I had the very unhealthy habit of distracting myself by diving into other people's drama and issues. Of course at the time I didn't realize this was my motive, I thought my motive was to just support others during crisis's, but these people have almost daily drama. It was just a clever way to avoid dealing with my own life and issues. Now I realize I have my own stuff to deal with.
Skorpi said
Jul 16, 2018
Good morning, MIP! Lyne, thank you for your service.
Living in balance, taking time for myself to relax, is something that I am working on improving. I still use being busy as a tool to buy myself some time when I am faced with a difficult decision or task that I do not feel ready to face, but I am aware of this strategy, and I try to keep it in check to the best of my ability. I'll add relaxing things to my "to do" list as well during these times, so that I remember the importance of balancing things out.
We are supposed to cool down a bit this week, and I am thankful for that. While working on my brakes over the weekend, I discovered an "excuse" to get a new tool, so I'm looking forward to going out to get that today after work.
hotrod said
Jul 16, 2018
Good Morning Lyne, I too would spend hours of my day in" busy work" and never give myself time to sit back, relax and plan. Thanks to program I can now go to the beach relax with music and a book and appreciate life
Thank you MIP and alanon.
Thanks for your continued service
PosiesandPuppies said
Jul 16, 2018
Thank you Lyne for your service, and to all those who shared their experiences!
I especially identified with Lyne and Hidden this morning. In fact, I think I posted something about feeling guilty for taking some "me" time this past weekend b/c there is always "so much to do." LOL!
I am a work in progress. Thank you for the reminder... grateful today.
Pol said
Jul 16, 2018
Today's book passage was really good. I tend to keep "busy" so I don't have to focus on things that bother me. But this has issues in itself I tend not to deal with the issue as I should. But I will say that keeping busy has a plus side, I don't focus on the major things that bother me(ruminations). Yesterday I had a full day and by the end of it, I was sad that I didn't finish my laundry as I should have ND my husband told me "uh no.. you have done enough sit down with me and watch your show". I was trying to finish the tasks I put off when I should have been resting š
Iamhere said
Jul 16, 2018
Thank you Lyne for the daily and your service. Love the shares and ESH above me and thank all who wrote! I was never good at balance before recovery and would say that I'm still a work in progress. I do know that I am most serene when I focus on one day only, and then consider some program effort, some work/chore effort, some quiet time, some play time, etc. Just considering all that might be options for one day gives me more focus to spread myself as it's really, really easy for me to either become hyper-focused on something which before I know it has consumed way more energy/time than planned.
I am one who does best when busy. I make sure my 'busy' time today includes fun/for me things. Yet, I can go overboard with 'fun' too - balance is just very hard for me to achieve. I am better yet will always be a work in progress...
Happy Monday all - been golfing, and am catching up/relaxing before dinner with program pals! It's Taco Monday and I'm so ready for some tacos! Make it a great day!
Importance of non-busy time: The reading today discusses how many people stay so busy as to avoid and deny their feelings. A constant frenzy of activity keeps us focused outward. Abusing activities is different than just plain hard work. And sometimes it becomes difficult to relax at all. In Alanon the writer learned she needed rest and having fun. Relaxation became a part of her daily routine.
Today's Reminder: Hard work can be terrific, and my activities can be highly rewarding. But I am striving for some balance. Today I will look at how I spend my time, and set some of that time aside to relax.
Quote from Bertrand Russell: The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
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I used to stay as busy as I could to avoid my feelings and pain. And I made lists to ensure that I would not run out of things to do. The healthier I become with the help of program, has taught me that taking time to sit down and put my feet up, or play fetch with my dog, are things I no longer have to feel guilty about. Feeling guilty about rest time is purely a waste of time and energy. Happily I have moved past that. At times of multiple stressors, which I face at the present time, makes it even more important to stop what I am doing, breathe, and take a break. I am worth it! Lyne
I am grateful for what I have learned in Al-Anon, and feel that my life is much more balanced today.
Living in balance, taking time for myself to relax, is something that I am working on improving. I still use being busy as a tool to buy myself some time when I am faced with a difficult decision or task that I do not feel ready to face, but I am aware of this strategy, and I try to keep it in check to the best of my ability. I'll add relaxing things to my "to do" list as well during these times, so that I remember the importance of balancing things out.
We are supposed to cool down a bit this week, and I am thankful for that. While working on my brakes over the weekend, I discovered an "excuse" to get a new tool, so I'm looking forward to going out to get that today after work.
Thank you MIP and alanon.
Thanks for your continued service
I especially identified with Lyne and Hidden this morning. In fact, I think I posted something about feeling guilty for taking some "me" time this past weekend b/c there is always "so much to do." LOL!
I am a work in progress. Thank you for the reminder... grateful today.
I am one who does best when busy. I make sure my 'busy' time today includes fun/for me things. Yet, I can go overboard with 'fun' too - balance is just very hard for me to achieve. I am better yet will always be a work in progress...
Happy Monday all - been golfing, and am catching up/relaxing before dinner with program pals! It's Taco Monday and I'm so ready for some tacos! Make it a great day!