What I Began To Learn (2)


I learned to focus on something beside the outcome. I was able to provide myself with encouragement. When I was being negative and feeling hopeless, I turned my thoughts around to reflect a positive self-trust. One of my favorites that I find myself still using today is the phrase I don't have to hurry, I am right on time whenever I find myself rushing around. And you know what? I usually am right on time and I get things done and get where I need to be right on time!

I learned to take small steps. Usually it comes down to 3 steps forward, 2 steps back and begin again.

I learned to look at my environment realistically. It isn't always easy to accept what "is" when what we want is how it "should be".

I learned how to be sensitive to myself. I honor my feelings of anxiety and fear. I had always been told to curb my enthusiasm. I pace myself and accept me for who I am.

I learned to give myself verbal rewards. Ample self-acknowledgment works! "Good for me!" "I did the best I could!"

I learned self-assertion. I began to use "I" messages instead of negative"you" labels.

I learned “fogging.” Instead of dealing in absolute black and white thinking I learned to think in “maybe”, “sometimes”, it “seems to be”.

I began to tell myself on a regular basis: It’s okay to be human.

It’s okay to make mistakes.

It’s okay to follow my own pace.

It’s okay to take my time.

It’s okay to please myself.

It’s okay to support myself.

It’s okay to allow myself to succeed.

It’s okay to say no to activities.

I practice self-nurturing acts. Some of mine are hot showers, taking walks, listening to music, and just sitting with my dog.

You can find helpful articles about Cognitive thinking at helpself.com. There are a number of quizzes you can take to identify your thinking style and get more information on various styles.

At kidpsych.org you can find information about “understanding ourselves, understanding each other.” On the Info for Parents page we are told, ”This site was put together as a vehicle for you to spend quality time with your children, and to help them with cognitive thinking skills, deductive reasoning, and also just to have some fun!” Check it out. It is full of cute animantion and basic information.

Part 1

The copyright of the article What I Began To Learn (2) in Substance Abuse Recovery is owned by De Williams. Permission to republish What I Began To Learn (2) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic