One Day At A Time

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Some days, every aspect of my life seems overwhelming and crazy, and I feel so confused. On these days, I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today.

I do not have to worry about next week, next month, or next year - only what needs to be done today. I can make a list of things to do.

When I finish something on my list, I can cross it off and feel proud of what I've accomplished, even if it's as simple as doing the dishes or making a phone call.

When I accomplish something, I can be proud of myself.

Can you identify with sometimes feeling overwhelmed, crazy and feeling confused?  I am sorry to say that as humans these thoughts surface all the time.  By only focusing on what needs to be done today makes life so much easier.

I know sometimes we get so involved in our own lives and thoughts it is hard to look at things in a different way.  Let me tell you a little story.

One of my client’s named Mary was so focused on losing weight, talked about it all the time and beat herself up constantly because she could not stop eating.  We started working together and her first assignment was to list all the things she enjoyed doing.  The next time we met she only had two things on the list.  Mary enjoyed painting and watching movies.

She was frustrated because food was stopping her from enjoying life.  I explained sometimes focusing on our difficulties we let other things slide.  The best part was becoming aware of what was happening, gave her an opportunity to change.  We came up with a daily action plan which included taking time for Mary. 

She decided that everyday to spend time sitting in her enclosed porch listening to music and having her favorite tea and once a week watch a movie. 

Mary had difficulty taking time for herself in the beginning and after awhile it became easier.  By enjoying her time relaxing and watching a movies started changing her focus.  During those special times, Mary did not think about food and slowly learned losing weight was not the most important thing in the world.  Mary also started painting again and found other things that she enjoyed doing. 

Her life started changing and today she is maintaining her weight lose and focusing on other things in her life.  It all started by taking a small step every day and acknowledging herself for being kind to herself.

As the thought above states, “I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today” will make your life so much easier. 

Helen’ Opportunity for Today:

I had the opportunity to join a Special Interest Group Call focusing on loss and grief.  During the call I realized that there are many different stages of grief and I am where I should be.  The different stages of grief:

1. Denial- Can’t believe what happened. 
2. Anger – Angry at what happened.
3. Bargaining – Thinking if you did something different this would not have happened.
4. Sadness  - Sad at what happened.
5. Acceptance – Accepting what happened and moving forward in your life.

I am going thru all these stages every day, which is a good thing because I am healing.

Thanks everyone for your comments and emails I know I am loved.  Helen