Day 22: April 22, 2024
What are My Thoughts Today?
I have been keeping a gratitude journal for over a year and I really love it. I think it does help to shift your mind away from the negative in the long term, even if sometimes writing things down feels forced. But I do still struggle with negative self talk, and my husband and I have gotten into a habit of criticizing each other, too... haha we are not like this with other people, but we really need to work on it in our marriage! Maybe if I limit / eliminate the negative self-talk in my own life, I will be less critical of him and perhaps it would rub off on him too. I know we can't change our spouses, but sometimes I wonder if we work on ourselves, would our relationships often naturally improve? I am guessing yes!
Negative self talk that I direct at myself includes: I am too disorganized, I have no self-control, I am too impatient, I am too flamboyant. I am selfish, I talk too much.
Counter-statements I can use when those thoughts arise: Each person has gifts they bring and each gift has a shadow side. The best you can do is compassionately work on yourself, and recognize you were made to be exactly who you are. No one is perfect, and everyone has traits they'd like to work on in their own lives! The gifts of being an artist and an activist can mean you tend to buck trends and stick out. That's part of the territory. Don't repress yourself, just try to stay loving and compassionate to others and keep growing. You are where you are meant to be.
I never thought of going AF as courageous (for me it is still tied a little bit to shame and deprivation) but I am slowly getting there. I am going to try to think of it in a more courageous way; it would be great to feel proud about being alcohol free in public, rather than explaining it away sheepishly. Because I AM proud of the shift, and I feel safe to talk about that with my husband and a few close friends. But it still feels a little awkward around others. I will get there someday! The Path online community group has been invaluable for helping me build that sense of pride.
Drinks since April 1st: 0
My Why: To live up to my full potential daily.
What's One Awesome Thing that Happened Yesterday because I Chose Not to Drink? I slept great, yet again!
Daily Affirmations:
1) I choose to live Alcohol-Free.
2) I respect and honor myself.
3) I am worthy of love and care.
4) I give myself patience to heal.
5) I have compassion for others.
6) I create beauty all around me.
