The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I went to a great meeting last night. The topic was on keeping the foundation strong. The sharing wandered through the topic of triggers, having a plan, how patient this disease is.
The holiday season is often like a big huge trigger for many of us.
I would like to suggest to all of you that we take a moment as the holidays approach, to think about what it is about this time of year that really triggers our character defects, and make a plan to stop them from ruining our holidays. For me this would include keeping expectations in check, remembering to make time for myself, gratitude, praying a little and meditating a lot.
This disease doesnt just lay in wait for the A. It knows that there are always going to be times when we are vulnerable, too. It springs its trap when we are tired, stressed, when family visits, when kids are sick, etc. We cant always avoid those things happening, but we can have a general plan for how we want to handle them. We can act, not just react. Resolving to get to meetings and taking care of ourselves, even when its not convenient, is part of keeping our foundation strong.
I hope you all have a good holiday.
In recovery,
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
How thoughtful and compassionate. I need to follow up on suggestions like this or else as a member with time I can get blind sided by the disease as I arrogantly consider myself as having "made it". Progress not perfection. There is no graduation ceremony in the Family Groups.
Having a plan B and C is key in keeping my foundation strong. This is a great topic, Jen. How do I keep my foundation strong? Exercise. Eat well. Get enough sleep. Take some time to meditate and be alone w/HP. Take baths. Laugh. Attend meetings. Read the Literature. Keep things light, keep expectations low and have a plan b and c. Hugs, J.
