A Personal Sharing on Insanity

As I reflect on a passage in one of my daily readers today, I pause to consider the ways I can still tend to practice insanity. A favorite quote of mine regarding insanity is,

“Doing the exact same thing over and over again expecting different results”

I call this my default position; often forgetting … if nothing changes, nothing changes.

I work as hard as anyone I know toward balance in my life. I still think I can engage in certain attitudes and actions and somehow stay sane.

Even as I work to restore a balance of body, mind, and spirit, I can find myself engaging in any one or more of the following: petty resentments, jealousy, isolation, unrealistic expectations of others, arrogance, fear … and even thoughts of revenge.

I ask myself is this insanity? No, not really …

… it’s more the thought that hanging on to any one of these attitudes will somehow improve my life. This has not worked in the past and it won’t work today. My insanity is my distorted thinking!

Solutions

I have learned in my spiritual program for recovery that there is a solution to my insanity. If I don’t believe I’m worthy, there are things I can turn to that will bring me out of isolation and distorted thinking. I can …

• Go to a recovery meeting, one of numerous church activities available, attend a networking meeting, cycle with friends, or anything healthy that’s gets me out myself.
• Call a trusted other, be vulnerable and honest by sharing what I know doesn’t work for me. A trusted other who listens without pity or advice, someone who can relate and just give me the space to jabber out loud.
• Do the next right thing, eat something healthy if I’m hungry, journal if I’m angry, call someone if I’m lonely, and rest, really rest, if I’m tired.

No Regrets and Choices

When I do the things that are right for me to do, I have no regrets. I’ve lived this day the best I can and I feel better about myself. I feel the power of a God who is there for me and I trust once again, able to choose sanity, faith, and healing paths for my life.

I can stop waiting for sanity to pop out of nowhere or think it will just descend on me from above. Also, I can participate in creating sanity by choosing healthier attitudes and behaviors. One moment, one action, one new behavior at a time.

As I learn to rely on this Higher Power, realizing my part is in the choices I make; my life is gradually restored to sanity.

Even the simple things we choose each day can have an accumulative compound effect on our long-term health, what to eat, how to exercise, when to get started.

I would like to help and be with you in your healthy lifestyle solutions. This keeps me sane as well.

Let’s talk soon, Lisa.