Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this: In the beginning is it better to focus on just one big change at a time? 3 weeks ago today I had my last drink. I am doing well and I wanted to try and get healthy in other aspects of my life, for example taking better care of myself ie eating healthier and starting a new exercise program. I don't want to overwhelm myself but I want to better myself all around. What do you all think? Should I focus on one thing at a time (staying sober is my main priority) or can I/should I make other changes as well.
It is the very reason it is suggested to not get into ANY new relationships for at least the first year ... We are undergoing a complete change in our 'way of thinking' in order to apply the principles of AA into our lives ... That in itself is a tall order and requires the utmost dedication of our efforts ... So ... try not to get too involved with anything that will limit your ability to work the program the first year ... I mean I don't see any problem with an exercise program or eating better or anything like that, just not any major changes for a while ...
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Pappy has some good words. The common rule is no major decisions for the first year, ie relationships, moving, job change. I get nervous when people new in AA attempt to quit smoking and try to drop a lot of weight etc.
I did start excercising regularly during my 1st year sober and have never stopped, I improved my diet on my 25th year sober LOL (I was always able to basically eat what I wanted, but I feel much better now).
We do need to fill the hole left by alcohol with something and AA meetings, hobbies and exercise are natural. Just need to remember staying sober is #1 priority. I don't want to tell you not to try to be more healthy, just take baby steps and don't put too much pressure on yourself.
There is a good story on page 135 of the BBook that relates to this.
Rob
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
I tried to go on a no sugar/carb diet - and work out 3 times a day from the get go. It was too much. I did that for 40 days, relapsed for a few weeks - said "f-it" to everything and had a lot more than just drinking to feel like a failure about. Not good.
When I came back after relapsing, I focused only on being sober and learning to think in a new healthier way. At around 3 months, I started to simply cut back on portion sizes and look for fun opportunities to be moving. I do little things like take the steps, ask to walk the neighbors dog, park really far away or sore my kids around on my feet if I want to work my legs. Now that it's getting colder out, I will probably join some water aerobics at the Y... and I don't feel like committing to some regular work outs will be an issue anymore (at 6 months), however, I will not replace that time with meeting time... if it starts feeling like too much... I will cut the Y first.
I'm lucky cuz my sponsor does water aerobics at the YMCA - so I may just join her, and it will be like a meeting and a work out all in one! LOL Maybe you could find an AA friend to join you in some walking. I know at this time of year, I get a little blue with less sun, I believe it's called seasonal affective disorder - so I tan once a week for the 7 minutes they say will be more helpful than harmful for people like me - and I get some new uplifting music which I slack on a lot since having kids. I know the best thing for any depressive disorder is getting the heart and blood pumpin : )
For me - for now - it's just little baby steps still... Best wishes dear friend! Tasha
-- Edited by justadrunk on Monday 24th of September 2012 06:52:08 AM
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
It is the very reason it is suggested to not get into ANY new relationships for at least the first year ... We are undergoing a complete change in our 'way of thinking' in order to apply the principles of AA into our lives ... That in itself is a tall order and requires the utmost dedication of our efforts ... So ... try not to get too involved with anything that will limit your ability to work the program the first year ... I mean I don't see any problem with an exercise program or eating better or anything like that, just not any major changes for a while ...
Pappy
I agree. Take it one day at a time, it's easier that way.
Exercise or any type of physical activity was a lifesaver for me in early recover. I could do all the things I wanted to do but never could because I was too effed up to do anything. I had a great time golfing, sking, swimming, hiking, basketball., etc.etc.
I could use a diet now. I got sober young and back then I could eat all I want and not gain weight. I miss those days.
For me, getting sober allowed me the time and to feel well enough to start taking care of myself. It all came in small steps. I started to lift weights at the gym, over time I started to run. I've maintained all three over time. But, sobriety had to come first. What that meant is some days I was scheduled to run, but also scheduled for a meeting, the meeting took priority and I ran the following day or sometime thereafter. The BB tells us once we clear up Spiritually, we clear up emotionally and physically. For me, clearing up Spiritually presented a desire to care for myself and make positive changes in my life. I'm still working on the diet thingy. Haven't taken much action in that department.
For me, I had to end a relationship and move to get sober. It was necessary because my partner at the time was also an alcoholic and he was not ready to stop. Other than that, the changes have been slow. I stopped smoking at 1 and a half years. Been going to the gym since that time too.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
I guess only you have the answer to your question. In my experience, I have tried to do everything right all at the same time. Stop drinking, smoking, eating healthy, exercising, journaling, meditating, etc. It has always bit me in the ass. None of it lasted long, and then I just ended up berating myself for being a loser. I am learning I am a work in progress, one thing at a time. Small steps. Wow, if only I would actually follow my own advice! Whatever you decide, you are headed in the right direction just for thinking about it, and trying to make a logical decision.
WEll as it turned out, my 4th class of the day was cancelled today. I couldn't go home because I still had more classes (and Im about 40 minute drive one way). I was caught up on my homework so I thought life was presenting itself to me perfectly and answered this question for me. At my college we have a huge facility and its free for us to use at our leasure. I had an hour free and the means to do it so i did. I wasn't able to do too much but I did get on the treadmill for a great first day!
Haven't taken much action in that department.