We must learn to walk before we can run. That's why we have these slogans. I use that "Easy Does It" every day, to slow me down a little. I have to watch myself all the time. So I don't just take the inventory at night -- I take it continually throughout the day. Before I step out and do anything, I stop and check it over first, and then let my conscience be my guide. For me, AA has become a way of life.
Reprinted from Experience, Strength and Hope, Page 410, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder....
While it isn't always easy, if I keep it simple, it works.
Recovery Related Acronym
A A W O L = A A Way Of Life.
__________________
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
This is one of the toughest things to do, this "keeping it simple". Us Alkies will complicate a ham sandwich. It's hard to put aside my perfectionism and my "all or nothing attitude" when it comes to making decisions concerning my life. In the end, besides the consequences of over complicating things, the mental anguish and paralysis of perfectistic thinking, it wastes so much time, energy, and usually resources ($$$). And months or perhaps years afterward, I look back and say oh boy what was I thinking. I needed a shovel and bought a excavator .
Oh, Dean, you are so right on on this. I can't believe the frustration I can put myself through, and probably those around me, by complicating the bajoosis out of things. For myself, I found one of the most common complications that I have struggled with is in the process of demanding perfectionism from myself, I am in a constant state of judgement. Why, when I can give all the slack in the world to my family and those around me, can't I cut myself any slack? My folks are laid back, so it wasn't them that instilled this in me. I guess it's all about self-acceptance, and I know we aren't the best at accepting who we are, what our weaknesses are. I try to step back when I feel that frustration rising, and view it from someone elses standpoint. I ask "am I doing the best I can do? am I purposely exerting excess pressure on myself? CHRIS ARE YOU COMPLICATING IT AGAIN?". Always, yes. I guess at this point all I can do is recognize it and try to back off. I don't see a cure in my near future......Wren
.