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Post Info TOPIC: Old habits die hard


MIP Old Timer

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Old habits die hard
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Wow, Wow, Wow, Col, ...............

This is a HUGE revelation for you ... and a great example of 'thinking outside the box' that we can often find ourselves trapped in ... our day to day routines can often close in on us, and if we let it, a box closes around us cutting off other opportunities ... the AA program has helped me open my eyes to other possibilities just as you described above ... and also, just as you eluded to, when I step back and open my eyes, I can see things that I never noticed before ... truly amazing ...

I've learned that if you're not happy with the way things are, then change them ... of course as you also said, this requires action, cause nothing changes if we just sit back and wait ... I've been needing some motivation myself lately ... a lots going on with my son and I can sit around all day waiting for my turn to go be with him ... it's hard for me to get up and get busy doing a ton of other things that need to be done ... and then yesterday, the old Nike commercial came to mine ... "Just Do It"

This had come to me before in the past ... and when I 'just do it', I feel soooo much better about my day ... something has been accomplished, something has been changed ... I feel great!


Love ya,
Pappy

P.S. Great share Vixen and Tom



-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Thursday 2nd of May 2013 10:19:52 AM

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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'

Col


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Ive always had this feeling of being 'stuck'. When I'm in bad or unhealthy siuations, I often feel as though there's not much I can do about it. In the past, it has been a source of twisted pride to 'tough it out'. One of my most glaring character defects is feeling the victim of life circumstance. Another is a stubborn sense of just dealing with it without taking any action to change matters. I'm sure there are many reasons for this, but it's a pattern that has to change. I think it time to begin taking charge of my life and actually make decisions about my life instead of simply reacting to situations. I realize that I tend to put myself in not so ideal situations, make unhealthy choices, then sit in it feeling helpless. No more. Whether I like it or not (lol) I AM a grown woman capable of steering the direction of my life. I also have come to realize that although I trust my HP with my sobriety and relative sanity, I have little faith when it comes to the more secular matters. My job is not working out for me any longer. It hasn't been for a while. It's somewhat of a toxic environment for me, I'm over working nights, and most importantly I cannot afford the basics of life on what I make there. My decisions on a monthly basis involve choosing between rent or food. Yet, I've stuck with it, hoping things will get better. I'm not really dealing with the reality of the situation, but idly waiting for some magic fairy dust to change things into what I want them to be, or what I think they should be, or how they used to be. Good time for a dozen serenity prayers. The other night I did something that I recall someone on this board saying they had done when times were tough (John? Dean?)- they prayed for work. I did this, then looked through Craigslist considering things I'd never really looked at before. Usually I would think 'I can't do anything aside from waitress or bartend', but I opened my mind up to other possibilities. Guess what? I have an interview today with a salon. The hours are great, it's accessible for me with no car, it's a salon I actually go to... I never would've even looked at this and it could work out perfectly! I could even hold onto a few shifts (which have been very sporadic lately) with my current job due to the hours. What a relief to realize I DO have options, I CAN trust that I'll make somewhat intelligent decisions, I DONT 'have to' just continue putting myself in bad situations, then wonder why it stinks haha. I can also begin to trust my HP a bit more with the day to day things. Hey, if that HP has helped me stay sober for 11 months, maybe I can trust his guidance. Truly, I have been shown huge, neon signs for a while now in regards to this situation that I simply chose to ignore.

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MIP Old Timer

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This reminds me of the saying: God helps those who help themselves. You took a step and God met you where you are at. Sometimes miracles are huge and awesome, sometimes they come to us via Craigslist. I am happy you prayed and took action! Faith without works is dead. Your Higher Power wants more than anything to be asked for help and answers those calls in some truly lovely ways. Blessings to you as you continue to step out in faith. :)

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MIP Old Timer

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I love that plan. I am not knocking restaurant work, but it is pretty high drama and conducive to drinking. It is am unbelievable feeling when your HP drops something like this in your lap. Congrats.
Tom

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Wow good for you. I had to quit cooking because I couldn't handle the drama (mind you i was the cause of the drama lol ) and the pressure to drink. So one day i just walked out.

I find if your having the same feeling over and over agian the best thing to do is change gears.

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MIP Old Timer

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vixen wrote:

This reminds me of the saying: God helps those who help themselves. You took a step and God met you where you are at. Sometimes miracles are huge and awesome, sometimes they come to us via Craigslist. I am happy you prayed and took action! Faith without works is dead. Your Higher Power wants more than anything to be asked for help and answers those calls in some truly lovely ways. Blessings to you as you continue to step out in faith. :)


 

What Vixen wrote about sums it up for me.  Alcoholics can be slothful(aka-procrastinators).  For me, I can take action with all my vigor and OCD within my comfort zone.  But, can be slothful as hell when trying to expand that comfort zone.  Take a risk? Trying new things?  Being flexible?  Me? 

Sometimes, o.k.- maybe alot................    furious  I do wait for change to happen in lieu of creating change by taken action and stepping outside my tiny comfort zone.  Something I'm working on now myself.  smile  Thanks for the post and reminder. 



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MIP Old Timer

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Great post Col, when we turn things over to God and get out of fear, positive things always seem to happen and it sounds like you are moving in the right direction.

There are three kinds of people...

1. Those who make things happen

2. Those who watch things happen

3. Those who turn around and ask... "Hey, what the hell just happend"? confusesmile



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Rob

"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."



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Good for you for taking action....I have been that way myself as far as waiting for something to happen..just thinking I don't have to do my part. Before I went into treatment I wouldln't even get out of my pajamas.....but that's a whole different issue I'm dealing with and getting help...My brain still tries to tell me I can do this myself when everything has proven different...I have a long way to go. It's great to see what the program is doing....
Pauliene

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