Tag: life happens

Living through my feelings


A friend checked in on me today and asked how I was doing.

I told him “Doing well. Some sadness this week but living through it.”

He asked me about the sadness. I told him it was about losses: house/home, relationship. I’m grieving stuff that either became more definite this week or about which I am finally allowing myself to feel sad. Some events that happened this week brought these to the forefront to feel.

So it’s healthy living life on life’s terms.

Just new for this addict. 🙂

On the lam (not really, but got your attention!)


A consequence of my last relapse is a probation violation – I failed a urine test from my last PO meeting.  As a result, the judge wants to have a chat with me.  Of course, when judges want to chat, they don’t just use GoogleCalendar or LotusNotes to setup a meeting.  They do this “issue a warrant for your arrest” thing.  Go figure 😉

Tomorrow, I head to Greenfield and turn myself in for the warrant related to my violation.  (I’m SO disappointed they didn’t post my picture on the web this time!)  My lawyer will file a motion right away for a hearing to set bail.  Given the time of day, and not knowing how busy the judge’s schedule will be, I’m anticipating that I will likely spend at least one night in jail (best case) — and realistically, it could be two or three nights before we get the hearing and I can then post bail.  I’m trying to keep my expectations realistic to be best prepared.  That’s one thing they’ve told me in recovery – watch your expectations!

All in all, I fully accept that I’m here — and my resolve to put my learnings to work is stronger than ever.

 

What have I learned?

  • Don’t pick up – no matter what
  • Complete honesty with myself and others about feelings & actions – ask for help (can’t be therapist AND patient!)
  • Daily acceptance and surrender of all my addictive tendencies
  • Easy does it
  • Stay focused on today (not next clean time milestones, etc.). I don’t have to use…just for today

 

OH, and in case I missed it, don’t pick up.  No matter what.

I am making sure I have clean underwear on tomorrow.  I still don’t think orange is my color, but thus far, have not been successful in petitioning the county jail to change the dress code.
I pray simply that I may continue to find this peace amidst it all – and more importantly, that I take the lessons to heart and learn to reach out and not try to maintain the façade that I’ve got it all under control.  One of my friends kindly pointed out to me that I shouldn’t play poker.  I have to stop pretending it’s all good, take time to sense what’s going on inside and share with others as I uncover things.
End of processing.
Now I lay me down to sleep.

Don’t pick up…no matter what.


My sister gave me a suggestion as I learn and grow from my last relapse.  (Pretty amazing gift I have in her!).  Make a poster — stick it in your kitchen or bedroom.  Dr. K at Fairbanks suggested something similar – have a list on an index card for my wallet.

I thought I’d “pass along” what I created in case it helps others.  My version is a personalized a little — you can’t ride my Harley “Spark” and you can’t cuddle with my dog “Daisy.”  So I made a generic version 🙂  These should apply to just about anyone.

If you’d like a personalize version let me know.  I’d be happy to add suggestions that work for you and send you a copy.  A suggestion, becomes a lifeline, becomes a gift…pass it along.

Oh – and I pray that this isn’t just a pretty framed poster in my home…but that I use it!  Thanks HP

Don't pick up no matter what!

Don’t pick up no matter what! (11×14 poster .PDF version)