SATURDAY 7/31/10

Worry and Stress

"Make plans but don't plan results." This is a simple phrase cautioning us against unnecessary worry and stress.

If our plans involve other people, we would be wise to work joyfully toward realizing our dreams, but we should not expect or worry if others do not want the same goals. Nor should we worry if others are not as enthused about our ideas as we are. We know, by applying the Serenity Prayer, that we can only change ourselves; we cannot force changes in others.

Another cause of unnecessary stress in planning results comes from our ingrained habit of regarding ourselves as inadequate. All too often, those of us who make plans give up on ourselves when we predict the outcome of our dreams on the basis of our past experiences. We falsely conclude that because we failed or felt empty in the past, we'll most certainly not succeed in the future; thus, we quit too soon and rationalize our resignation with a "Why bother to try?" attitude.

TODAY I will make plans but not plan results. I will work out my plan, one day at a time, knowing that my past performance is NOT an infallible indicator of my present or future success. I will look forward with hope, not despair. 

Write a one page reflection on the following:

1. Explain: "You can not afford to live in your past"

2. How can you change your attitude to be more positive?

3. What is a situation in your life that would of turned out better if you had a better attitude?

SATURDAY 7/24/10

Gratitude is a way of life.

Saying thank you from the heart makes us feel full. Perhaps we don't really know we have something until we express our thanks for it.

There are different levels of gratitude. There is the polite, automatic response when someone opens a door for us or the bank teller tells us to have a nice day. Simple, almost perfunctory, these acts of courtesy nevertheless add an element of grace to our daily transactions.

On a more personal level, saying thank you often and sincerely to those we love keeps us from taking each other for granted. We all like to feel appreciated - how many relationships dry up because the people involved don't realize what they have?

Then there is the gratitude we feel toward the G.o.d of our understanding, the source of all the blessings we enjoy but do not create for ourselves. This thankfulness can be a part of every breath we take. As often as we remember the many gifts of every day, our emptiness is filled.

Write a one page reflection on the following:

1. What area of your life do you need to practice more gratitude?

2. What does practicing being grateful do for a person's life?

3. This article mentions "grace". Give an example of "grace" or having "class".

Need Help?

If you ever need any help feel free to call us, or e-mail us at PhoenixRecovery@hotmail.com

 We would be glad to help. 

Why Homework?

1.  It keeps it fresh in our mind between sessions.

2. Successful recovery has a dedication to on-going learning and growth.

3. Some of the topics we cover include much depth and require time to process the thoughts.

4. This also introduces us to the idea of journaling.