It seems very straight-forward. You encounter a problem. You decide what tool you need to repair the problem. Then you use the chosen tool and fix the problem. Problem solved. This works great for when the lawnmower is sputtering and won’t start or your zipper in your coat is stuck and needs fixing. Applying this to my mental health issues is a lot … [Read more...] about I Have the Tools, Why am I Not Using Them?
SMART
Three Things I Learned While Circling the Drain
Most of December and the first two weeks of January were draining as depression was trying it’s best to pull me under. Had I not been through this same process less than a year ago, I am sure the outcome would have been the same. But this time, I had tools and a Wellness Recovery Action Plan that I had written out. I had thought about what it would look like if I was … [Read more...] about Three Things I Learned While Circling the Drain
My “picker” is Not Working Right Now
That was the coolest thing I had heard all day. My “picker” is not working. Someone had to explain it to me, as I was only partially sure I understood what the term meant. It turns out the reference is about “choosing a partner.” In the context of substance abuse or recovery, this partner may be an enabler, or a support. Your “picker’ would be the tool you would use to … [Read more...] about My “picker” is Not Working Right Now
“I Know That’s Going to Leave a Mark”
The last year of this decade was overly complicated, frightening and dramatic. It started off in January of 2019 with waking up not being able to breath. It wasn’t that there was no air, it was as if someone had taken the life-giving oxygen out of the air that I was breathing in. I would need to get up and walk around for a bit to clear it out and then be able to go … [Read more...] about “I Know That’s Going to Leave a Mark”
Our lives’ are all about making choices
Sometimes it’s as simple as what will I have for breakfast. Should I just have a bowl of cereal, maybe with banana slices on it? Or should I make eggs, possibly bacon, toast, and grits? What about skipping breakfast and just grabbing coffee? Each of these choices, small as they may be, come with consequences. Grabbing cereal is fast but may not last the morning. Add … [Read more...] about Our lives’ are all about making choices