In this reflective blog post, the author grapples with the decision to decline a New Year's Eve invitation due to being in treatment and abstaining from drinking. Despite the financial benefit of not consuming alcohol, the temptation in a drinking environment proves too challenging. On a lighter note, the post includes the etymology of the word "reneg," likely derived from "renegade," exploring its historical roots.
The best parts of shopping online are: The worst parts about shopping online are: Thank you listening to my TED talk. I ordered some Tarot cards. It’s a part of one of my SMART Goals. To develop my spirituality more. I think that’s an on-going process for life. Why did the goal break up with the New Year’s resolution? Because it wasn’t SMART enough – it needed more specific commitment! Another way I’m fulfilling this goal is by learning about Stoicism. I’m currently reading a book about it. “How,” might you ask, “is philosophy related to spiritualism?” “Well!” I might…
I wake up at 8 AM every morning. It’s tiring. LOL There was something on my mind… Oh yeah! I was listening to Christmas music. This is probably the first year in over 10 years that I’ve been in the mood for Christmas music when Christmas time is around. Normally, it isn’t until June or July that I get in the mood for Christmas, and by then it’s too late. Part of me wonders if it has anything to do with my sobriety. Oh man, am I tired. I slept well when I slept but I did not sleep the…
In therapy, we’re given a workbook. It’s a pretty large workbook. One of the portions of the book is called the Foundation. It’s early in the book however, in our group, we go through them toward the end of treatment. Before every Foundation, the therapists ask what it is. My explanation and simplest way to describe it, it is our journey through addiction. What leads us to where we are. I think other groups within Rogers will have people go through the Foundation early in their treatment because it lays the groundwork for what you’re about to work on. However,…
Today, in group we did Blackout Poetry. In case you’re unfamiliar with Blackout poetry, here’s a definition: Blackout poetry is a creative process where words are selected and arranged from existing texts to create a new poem[1]. It involves taking a piece of writing, such as a newspaper article, novel, or page from a magazine, and highlighting or “blacking out” certain words or phrases, creating a new composition from the remaining words[1]. The blacked-out words are often completely covered or colored over, leaving only the chosen words visible, which gives the poem its distinctive look[2]. The resulting blackout poem can…
Explore the transformative tools of TRAPs and TRAC(k)s in cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. Uncover how Trigger, Response, and Avoidance Patterns (TRAPs) help dissect emotional reactions, while Trigger, Response, and Alternative Coping (TRAC) provide healthier strategies. Embrace these concepts for enhanced emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience on your therapeutic journey.
After a refreshing nap, frustration lifted, and I tackled my obligations. Discussing persistent outbursts with the prescriber, I set up PCP and therapy appointments post-RogersBH. Exploring a website tool for business prospects, though pricey, tempts me. Meanwhile, a dynamic blog post tool empowers me to schedule a month's worth, enhancing website traffic and SEO.
There are moments, like right now where I wish I lived in a rough neighborhood. I would without hesitation pick a fight with an armed street gang. We need more of those in Appleton. More armed gangsters. I’m so sick and tired of my life. I’m tired of the struggle just to live each day. I’m tired of having to conform to society’s standards and norms. I’m tired of pretending I’m okay every day. That’s all it is. A huge charade. Everybody has to know, that the day after Bubba dies is the day I die. He’s the only thing…
Friday, I was discharged from the hospitalization treatment. That was the 6-hour-a-day treatment. Today, I have to in a half hour early to do onboarding for the Intensive Outpatient (IOP). Then it will be 3 hours a day, from 3pm to 6pm. I had a dream about the structure of my life. I think my mind was beginning to reject the rigid structure. Some of it I find helpful, like waking up at the same time each day. Other parts, like the rigid obligation of the schedule, are really frustrating. I know that some people may not like that I…
Aside from exercise, of which there is time tomorrow; one of my goals this weekend was to develop my spirituality. I originally thought I would be refreshing my memory of Buddhist teachings however, I’ve been feeling drawn to tarot cards. So, I did some very simple spreads for myself. I asked if I should hone my psychic abilities. The cards said that I would be poor because I would give everything away. They said that I have a lot of self-doubt to work on. That I should work on manifesting harmony and blissful relationships. Harmony & blissful relationships sound easy…