Changing the labels used to identify feelings changes perspective. For instance anxious butterflies in the stomach becomes eager expectation.
When going through changes in life, the natural response may be to tense up on the physical, mental, or emotional level. This may happen un-conciously until feelings of anxiety, mood swings, or general worry toward the unknown surface. There are positive ways to move through change without pushing it away, or denying that it is happening. Change will occur in almost every aspect of living and it is possible to respond affirmatively, anticipating and welcoming the new while releasing the past with grace.
Changing perspective can be done by changing the labels used to identify feelings. Feelings of anxiety, the anxious butterflies can be re-interpreted as eager expectation. With this shift comes awaiting the good that's on it's way. Though possiblities can only be imagined, by acknowledging that good is there to be found, the individual focusses energy on joyful anticipation. Good will be experienced and these feelings are a "carry forward".
Choosing a ceremony can to allow emotions to emerge and process. Every culture has created ceremonies to help people make the transition from one phase of life to the next. New ceremonies can be created; like burning written thoughts to watch the smoke carry them away, thereby releasing them, or welcoming new endeavors by planting flowers or trees. Some ceremonial activities such as a farewell send-off or a housewarming party usually get done automatically. Society also has built-in ceremonies, like graduation and weddings, which may satisfy the needs felt. Sometimes the shift from denial to acceptance is all that is needed to ease anxiety, allowing memories to be brought forward, in the movement from nervousness to joyful excitement about the good to come.
"Denial is a sign that our dis-ease is in progress",,, may I have the Grace of Greater Acceptance !!!!
-- Edited by Raman on Thursday 24th of June 2010 01:59:27 AM
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
Hello my friend! Our family,as you are aware ,is heading into some major changes after many years of living in "our comfort zone".We are moving into a house for rent after owning our own for over 20 years.We will have a landlord again.Our son is moving into public assisted housing through his MHA program.May be doing some read ad justing at my job I have been blessed to work at for over 31 years,but the great thing about it all is I myself am somewhat anxious,but not fearful.I am actually anticipating a change in our "life on lifes terms " routine.Back during my using days,change was not welcomed.Paranoia would set in,as a dealer always paranoid of getting busted,different areas,new faces.Lived in a small shell,felt safer.Today ,by the grace of God ,my life is an open book.I continually try to work the spiritual principles of our program ,Narcotics Anonymous ,and work hard to seek the will of my HP and take the direction.I cannot say I havent been somewhat anxious,thats my MO(DEALER SYNDROME?:).but anticipating whats next.,is exciting and I know that the God of my understanding is guiding our way..No longer worried or anticipating copping,selling,using,hiding etc but continually moving into the light,,wow!!!..Ain't all roses,and dont we know that but any day better than a day " out on the tiles'!! see ya later Raman!.
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Thanks Raman! I agree completely. What if I were able to see right away that the difficulties in life will eventually benefit me far greater than any pay check or material gain?
If I had any idea just how much my life would change for the better once I finally gave everything away and alienated everyone in my life for drugs. I told myself it was the ultimate negativity. I have been shown that my bottom of surrendering was a blessing from heaven!
Being an addictive personality also meant that I was not used to success and when it came, I was afraid. Through writing NA way and then Praying and Meditating,, I thank God Im not afraid of success anymore.
But still need to go further afield....
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
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