Grex Recovery Conference

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Grex Recovery Item 14: Purpose, guidance, direction.
Entered by jaklumen on Mon May 20 12:45:25 UTC 2002:

I remember talking with a counselor that just seemed to cut things 
right down to the essentials.  The gist of our discussion was purpose, 
guidance, and direction is necessary in recovery.  Without it, energy 
inside has nowhere to go except through areas of vulnerability and 
weakness.

I have heard many people refer to a lot of their hobbies as theraputic-
- hobbies in the arts, reading, etc.  Anything healthy, non-addictive, 
and anything that is easy to enjoy day-to-day in perfect moderation.  
When you remove your substance of choice, and the accompanying 
addiction, you've *got* to replace it with something.  It's helpful to 
find a solution that helps you break the addictive cycle, but the 
empty space has to be filled.

Part of my purpose is filled in my new baby daughter.  I find so much 
joy in caring for her.  I also find so much satisfaction and increased 
closeness with my wife, too, in giving her support and helping her 
with Sarah.

My guitar is another wonderful outlet, and I realize I have neglected 
my studies.  The beautiful music is worth the effort.

So-- what purpose, guidance, or direction will you have in your life?  
What moves you?  What do you enjoy in your moments of sobriety, and 
what will keep you there?

1 responses total.

#1 of 1 by jaklumen on Wed May 29 00:33:07 2002:

See also item:13.  Addictive Voice Recognition Therapy (AVRT) 
sometimes refers to the addictive voice as the Beast.  
You may have heard of it in other contexts, and the premise is 
simple.  Like stray dogs or even more particularly, dangerous wild 
animals, our temptations in our struggle come around much more 
frequently when we continue to feed them-- when we entertain those 
thoughts, when we fail to avoid people and places that are connected 
to our ill behavior, and so on.
 
But there is an alternate component here, one that someone summed up 
so beautifully, "Feed the white wolf."  We can choose what part of us 
we choose to feed and give attention to-- the side that will lead us 
further into unhealthy patterns and behavior, or the side that will 
lead to a vibrant life that is truly and deeply satisfying.

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