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.
When I 1st came clean (maybe only a few months ago) to my oldest friends about my AH, I was in a crisis. After a few hrs on the phone (they're long distance), they convinced me to find activities to take care of myself' 'What makes you happy/peaceful/relaxed? What can you do to take care of you?'
For me it was easy. I design and make jewelry as a hobby. The design process takes me out of myself. I sketch. I study other art for inspiration. I only just remembered that for my entire life as a child, all I ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays, and for any reason was Arts & Crafts kits. Didn't matter what. I would use the kit to learn the art. So I learned bead looming, string art, ceramics (paint on, and then the real thing in high school where I spent hours in the studio, and learned how to make clay out of minerals). So you get the picture. When I am completely stressed, I turn to my creative side for comfort. My day job is technical and scientific, and detailed... With my art I have whimsy, and it is ALL FOR ME.
So please share - how do you get away from your A-dependents? Let's share our escapes...
I loose myself on my computer. There are tons of things that I find interesting.
I also play games, such as gin, canasta, etc on the computer with people from all over the world. Meet interesting people that way.
I love to read and if I am not too stressed out, I will read for hours. Then there is shopping!!!! Then i can talk to numerous friends on the phone for hours and hours. And then of course there is chocolate and chips!!!!! Oh, I nearly forgot, Xanax---just kidding about the Xanax part.
So, that is how I try to devert my attention from whatever is going on. Oh, I forgot music helps a whole lot.
__________________
Clara
------------------------------------ What don't kill you, makes you stronger!!!
For sure; I download songs from I Tunes onto my computer. I love country(George Strait!!!!!), oldies and Jazz. So, put the headphones on and tune out!!! Happy Easter.
__________________
Clara
------------------------------------ What don't kill you, makes you stronger!!!
good topic , for me I add more meetings they always work for me and after I learned how to detach from what he was doing it was a snap . I simply step aside and allow him to do what he has to do , i do not have to go on the trip with him . I ask once if I have done something to upset him if the answer is no = I leave the mood wiht him where it belongs and dont take it on . I learned here I have choices I can stay and get involved in his stuff or go to a meeting and out for coffee with people who are glad I showed up , I need people , happy , positive people and when living with alcholism it often isn't at home that i find the peace of mind I am searching for .
I love to light scented candles, watch a good movie, I read and listen to music.
I just try to take life one day at a time.
I was told by my AS that I am one of the most boring people in the world, and that is one reason he raises h#ll is because he doesn't ever want to be like me.
I call my best friend and we complain for a while, then we change the subject back to something positive and find something to make us laugh. Works every time. Can't forget to laugh once in a while.
I immerse mself in a good book. reading takes me out of the present and into the pages, so I forget for a while what my troubles are...
If it's a Really bad day, I find an extra meeting or I come here and read a gazillion posts and I feel better... The dailies and the slogans always make me feel less crazy!
