An Eclectic Recovery Thread

"...I am too preoccupied with my own so-called woes. I allow my mind to overflow with with grievances; the more I think about them, the more monumental they become. Instead of surrendering to God and His goodness, I let myself be controlled by negative thinking into which my thoughts are apt to stray unless I guide them firmly into brighter paths. Do I try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude?" ODAT April 25

Julia Cameron, in her book, The Artist's Way introduced me to the practise of "morning pages". Basically, upon awakening, she encourages us to express ourselves in the written word for 15 minutes without concern of topic, penmanship, spelling and the like. I found this practise to be very cathartic, but soon realized that, to me, it was more therapeutic to instead express myself both in words and images.

So every day, upon awakening and while drinking my coffee, as a regular practise, I write and draw in one of my journals.

This is a good practise for self-examination:

I am currently in the process of dealing with a bout of depression and anxiety. In doing some self-examination, I have found that I've been complacent and backsliding in working my own personal program. I feel as though I'm on the mend, as I've undertaking resuming the practises that have successfully helped me deal with my problems in the past.

Not sure what to make of your posts whether it's a sign you're asking for help. But if not, and if it's helping, post away my friend! I believe we all are rooting for each other to succeed.

Thank you, dagobah.

No, I'm not asking for help, per se. Support, as you have graciously given, is the most I could ask for.

I am merely using what has worked for me in the past in order to deal with my problems. Utilizing the tenets of recovery and applying them to my life in my own personal program is what buoys me on.

Thank you for your support, dagobah!

I find that walking my dog helps at these times. Getting offline, and letting the sun hit my face.

The words come easier after that.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall hear the right word."

Ralph Waldo was known to "walk alone in grove and glen" in order to lowly listen. You, Farawyn, walk your dog, get offline, and let the sun hit your face.

Thank you all for your involvement, kind words, and support.

Right now, I gotta go mow the grass.