10 Sober Savers for the Holiday Season 2004
Holidays are loaded with triggers. Memories, family situations,
and extra demands for your time are all difficult to
manage.While at the same time, living in recovery, especially
when your newly sober , has its own assortment of challenges..
Keep the following 10 Sobriety Savers close by as the holidays
draw near.Hopefully they will be helpful as tools to assist you
in keeping things on track and also when you become ....
overwhelmed ..shall we say??
1.) Start Now ! Don't save your shopping, decorating, cooking,
wrapping, and cleaning for the last minute. That is too much
pressure for anyone. This is the year to be organized, so you'll
have time to enjoy the season in sobriety. If you can't get
something done, just let it go with no regrets.
2.) Attend your meetings TIS th1.) Start preparing NOW. e
season! Don't let social invitations distract you from
recovery.You'll find a meeting invaluable when you happen to
come up against a trigger or some craving. If you start feeling
down, or really don't feel like going to a meeting--THIS,is when
you really do need to go. That hour of your time may save your
life.
3.) Don't take on new commitments. It just isn't a good idea
.Let someone take care of you this year.If asked to do something
you may find too stressful simply say, "I'm sorry. I'm doing
some developmental work and I'm just too busy to give the
attention it deserves.." Making Christmas dinner for 50 people
or example, will not help you relax and stay focused on your
recovery.
4) Before planning the family reunions To be sure you can count
on understanding from your family,express your need to celebrate
Christmas quietly at home this year. Perhaps you could visit
with family and friends before or after the holiday party to
share a dessert and catch up on the family news together.
5) Honor the day Family reunions may stir up resentment. Be
aware that emotions are more sensitive during holidays. We all
have high expectations that can't be met . Family reunions stir
up old feelings like jealousy, resentment .Don't let them creep
thru--even when you see cousin Pete who still owes you
$500.handing out 20$ dollar bills.You've waited this long,
what's 1 more day ? Enjoy your family, enjoy feeling gratitude
for your life, and the sobriety to enjoy it.
6.)When you must attend Select carefully the events you will
attend.Use your own transportation Consider the location, people
who will be there and the how much a part they are of your
problem.Bring someone who supports your soberity Work out a
signal,just in case, you start getting a familiar feeling in
your gut.(you know that means trouble)Pull on your ear 'ala
Carol Burnett or fold your arms and wink.Thank your host say
goodnight and get the heck out of there
7.) Count your blessings Take the time to compare how your life
changed from last year, what you thought this year was going to
be ( if you didn't get sober) and just take a moment to dream
what next year will be , if you stay on the path Count your
blessings ,say a prayer of gratitude and tell the people on your
list how thankful you are they are in your life.(this not only
reinforces your commitment, but also makes them feel great .)
8.) Use your numbers When someone is newly sober , often they
will need to be in the company of other's in recovery.Sometimes
just being in contact will serve to reinforce the determination
you have to remain sober.Use the numbers you have collected from
the people in the" rooms ".They won't be bothered ,in fact it's
more then likely you will provide reinforcement for them
also.Even if they don't know they need it !!
9.) Have a plan Don't leave large blocks of time unaccounted for
,take a look at your planner now , if you see any potential
chunks of time when you will be alone plan ahead ,try a new
meeting , phone a friend or relative with children , offer to
sit them for a few hours ,you'll be a godsend and time with the
children will refresh your outlook.While some time alone is a
good thing too much alone time is not healthy.
10.) Savor the moment.
Congradulations !!!! You have made it , you've come all this
way. Get yourself something , you deserve the best Enjoy the
thrill of your victory.Share it with someone special , spend it
with your SELF.Simply , acknowlage it . This is your moment ,
you have earned it .,It doesnt matter if you have a year or 24
hours , your sober and no matter what happens next , This moment
will always be exactly what is is now... Your moment to shine.