Day 77: June 16, 2024
What are My Thoughts Today?
Today's lesson on The Path was about the importance of language. About the language we use around not drinking, and how we talk to ourselves in our own heads. How ridiculously serendipitous is that for timing? 😉 This was basically the theme of my week.
First of all, there is a big difference between feeling / talking like you are giving something up when you take a break from drinking, rather than approaching the situation with curiosity about what you might gain by trying out an alcohol-free lifestyle (which could be quite a lot, actually). Being optimistic about going Alcohol-Free is just a much more pleasant way to experience this journey rather than dreading the deprivation that you imagine is waiting for you.
This even applies to simple things, like what you say when someone offers you a drink. Instead of (wistfully) saying no, lamenting how you "can't drink right now", I love the idea of answering, "Do you want a drink?" with a "Yes! I'd love to have [Insert alcohol free beverage here]" instead. This response has a much more buoyant and empowered energy behind it.
Also, I am grateful today's lesson brought up the inner dialogue issue already!!! I thought that would come up after everybody took their 30 days off of drinking. I obviously was struggling with that issue all week. But I had never thought of this before: if we are being so mean to ourselves in our head, then NO WONDER we want to drink! The fact that negative self-talk and drinking may be tied together is huge for me.
And the final part of the lesson was about how everything we imagine about the future is made up... So why not imagine an awesome future that makes you feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually? I love that!!!
I have always shied away from the Law of Attraction, even though it intrigues me. I don't necessarily believe that we are solely responsible for what life situation we find ourselves in, at least consciously. Maybe we choose to be reincarnated into a certain body / life for a reason (I can buy that idea), but in terms of our current choices completely dictating what things end up happening to us, this doesn't jive with my views on disease and disability.
It's not someone's fault if they get cancer or are born with a disability. Besides that, dealing with health issues is a natural part of the human experience – it is not inherently negative to have a body that differs from typical! My fear is the Law of Attraction could be used to stigmatize health conditions or disabilities because supposedly that person "attracted" it into their lives due to some darkness they are carrying, or an evil misdeed from their past... Seems like a slippery slope to shame and loathing to me!
However, it is absolutely true that the things we imagine about our future are made up. That is just fact. We have no real way of knowing what is going to happen to us... So why not view the concept of positive visualizations as just being kind to ourselves, if nothing else? Because which is more loving? Visualizing doom and gloom and heartache and betrayal? Or visualizing a life where you are happy and healthy and living in a way that feels spiritually fulfilling to you? Even if that's not your reality now, why not picture the best case scenario for the future? Perhaps just with curiosity rather than certainty?
The universe is just so much bigger than our tiny minds can fathom. We will never fully know why anything good or bad happens to us, or if there's even a reason behind it at all (I do believe things happen for a reason, but I understand that not everybody agrees with me). But either way, in the here and now, why not visualize the outcomes you hope for in life? Not necessarily material things like fame and wealth, but things like peace and wisdom and vibrancy? I think subconsciously it may lead you to make different (healthier) choices, which is great! And who knows? Maybe the cosmic consequences are much more profound than that, which would be even better! Something to think about at least... ❤️🌌❤️
AF Days Since May 23, 2024: 24
My Why: To have freedom from addictions, to create more space in my life, to honor my body / mind / spirit, to feel vibrant and empowered in my daily life, and to make my corner of the world a better, more peaceful, more loving & more beautiful place.
What's One Awesome Thing that Happened Yesterday because I Chose Not to Drink?
Yesterday we met up with childhood friends of my husband's... They are twins, and one of them drinks and one of them doesn't. The restaurant we went to had a bunch of alcohol-free beverage options, including AF prosecco! We ended up having a great time chatting with them, and I reveled in knowing that I am part of an alcohol-free movement that is way bigger than just me. I think the world is slowly waking up to the negative impact alcohol has on our society and on our daily lives.
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 maintain healthy boundaries.
6) I have compassion for others.
7) I create beauty all around me.
