Day 88: June 27, 2024
What are My Thoughts Today?
Yesterday a good friend called who I don't talk to very often, and it was great to catch up. I told him that I decided to go Alcohol-Free. He quit drinking five years ago, so he had a lot of great insight about the journey! Probably the most impactful thing he said is that not drinking allowed him to reconnect with the person he was as a child — his innate sense of self. I am going to think about that for a while and see if it feels true in my own life.
I mentioned my struggle with negative self-talk, and how that became much more obvious to me after I stopped drinking. He suggested that I do an inventory of sorts, thinking about all the good things I've been able to manifest in my life over the years. Looking at this list will be a poignant reminder that even if I don't accomplish every single change I want to see in my personal life, overall things are still awesome. I will have to do that soon!
My friend said that he still is working on his himself (and of course he always will be), but now the issues he's dealing with are more subtle or refined — and even if he never reaches these high-level goals, he'll be doing pretty great. I like that perspective. It takes some pressure off of the inner critic and refocuses the mind on gratitude.
Additional Thoughts:
I still haven't made my own list of 10 things that make me inherently worthy unrelated to what I do (which was a "homework" assignment from one of the Coaches on The Path, because of some negative self-talk I'd unearthed) so here goes:
1) I am creative, innovative, and artistic, especially in the realms of music, the written word, social change, and political theory.
2) I am enthusiastic and have a zest for life - and I like to share my excitement with others. I love bringing people together for a common cause that will benefit humanity.
3) I am a good problem solver and I can think outside the box. I do not give up easily.
4) I have a soft heart; I care about the happiness and well-being of others, and I have a knack for making people feel seen and valued. I believe all people are valuable.
5) I have a goofy sense of humor and a joie de vivre. I can make people laugh. I have a sense of gratitude for the goodness in my life and I rejoice in the little things.
6) I have a strong inner compass and I have integrity. I value equality, kindness, honesty, and perseverance, and I truly attempt to live by these values.
7) I am intelligent and I love to learn new things. I have a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe, human biology, psychology, and spirituality.
8) I love humans and all their amazing diversity. I love hearing their life stories, and I love connecting with them. I love making friends and I love introducing people to each other.
9) I am optimistic and I have a growth mindset for myself and others. I see potential and possibility in the world and in the people around me.
10) I have a deep appreciation for beauty in nature, art, music, spirituality, and language.
AF Days Since May 23, 2024: 35
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?
My cousin / close friend came over last night to talk by our fire-pit and it was great to enjoy that time together without alcohol. We had a great conversation, and it reminds me how much I value her friendship.
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.
