"Be forgiving with your past self.
Be strict with your present self.
Be flexible with your future self."
- James Clear
Day 199 AF.
The above quote, is from the book "Atomic Habits", by James Clear. An excellent read, in my opinion. He describes how to instill good habits and get rid of bad habits. One of his ideas is called "Habit Stacking". "One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behavior on top. This is called habit stacking. Habit stacking is a special form of an implementation intention."
This post marks six months since I began this Recovery52 photography project, documenting my thoughts and experiences as I move through my recovery from alcohol. I was confused with this 6-month milestone in my weekly posts, halfway to the intended 52 weekly posts. I recognized my 6 months of actual abstinence over two weeks ago, but then realized I had started the project a couple of weeks after my last binge, needing time to heal from withdrawals and to begin formulating an intention and plan for this project. This week I recognized a danger area for times I have relapsed in the past. I call this "Habit Slipping".
As I was catching up on daily planning and journaling yesterday, I noticed I had missed a couple of days in these activities as well as a couple of my morning meditations. I had also missed a scheduled day of exercise at the gym. I had let slide a couple of morning coffee and creativity periods, where I enjoy editing a daily photograph to start the day with a creative mindset. And I admit to some cheat days with my diet, choosing "comfort food" and convenience over healthy options. I could justify the reasons for these "slips" as my need to be flexible with my time, to accept understandable interruptions, to be of service to others, and to give myself permission to lapse, avoiding the stress of rigidity. I know I can get back on track with slipped habits and proceed without losing ground in my recovery.
Looking back at some of my past relapses, letting good routines and healthy habits slip for periods of more than a few days, has left me close to the edge and feeling guilty and unfocused, filling with anxiety: at risk for relapse. Combining my "habit slipping" with "trigger stacking" (to be addressed next time) has in the past let me slip over the edge, into the alcoholic abyss. Not this time!
I am mindful of my habit slips, allowing myself permission and forgiveness for the justifiable slips, and confidently getting back on my "habit track". James Clear writes about getting back on track, clearly and concisely, in his book, "Atomic Habits".
https://jamesclear.com/get-back-on-track
I must also mention a fallback tool I have for staying sober and moving forward in recovery. The fear of relapse. If I begin to notice feelings of anxiety from slipping my good habits or from the buildup of unresolved frustrations, I only have to recall my most recent relapses last year to remind myself of the pain I never want to experience or cause to others, ever again. I don't spend much time with this thinking as I can then move back to thoughts of gratitude for the happiness and healthiness I now enjoy in recovery.
If my writings in this photography project can benefit anyone in their recovery, I am proud to be of service!
Staying mindful and strong!
instagram.com/bobd.photography
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