Taking Care of My Selves (part 1 of 3)
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  1. Taking Care of My Selves (part 1 of 3)

    Learning to Treat My Selves Well

    Learning to take care of myself has been three fold for me – physical, mental and spiritual. At times I have neglected my health on all three of these fronts, so my recovery from patterns of addictive thinking has had to be threefold as well.

    It takes a firm commitment to make my own well-being a priority. In the past, I have neglected to care for myself because I was waiting for someone else to take care of me. And I could be so concerned with another person’s well-being that I failed to attend to my own. With the help of a 12 Step Recovery program call Al-Anon, I am learning to take responsibility for better tending to my needs.

    My Physical Health

    I had to reconsider what I was doing physically to my body and what could I do to improve and maintain good health for the long haul. My physical body requires:

    • Rest (I need about 7 hours per night to feel rested)
    • Exercise but not overtraining as I have done in the past
    • A nutritious diet. This has been the biggest reason for my success at almost 55 years old in a few days.
    • Appropriate medical attention including an overall annual check-up, dental and eye care.

    All of this care merit’s conscientious planning on my part. Something as simple as a brisk walk or bike ride can make a difference in the way I feel. I get massages every other week or take time for a nap when I feel tired.

    My Mental and Emotional Health

    Mentally and emotionally, I’ve found ways to stimulate my mind and validate my feelings. I read enjoyable books or put my thoughts on paper in the form of keeping journals.Last year I engaged in a self-paced, 8-week online course that focused on Richard Rohr’s book, Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps. I also learned a new skill; pushing and pulling dis-“abled” persons in rolling chairs by loaning my legs to run or cycle with them. I became “willing” to open myself up to new areas of interest.

    I strive to become more honest with myself about what I think and feel; and am finding more appropriate ways to express myself. At times I might examine my emotions, whether alone, with a trusted other, or with professional help.

    Some days I just feel out of whack and I lean on an Al-Anon slogan . . . “Easy Does It”, cutting myself the same slack I would cut anyone else I cared about. I am really learning that feelings are temporary and always pass. Today, feeling OK is a GOOD thing for me!

    My Spiritual Health

    The third and most important aspect of my self-care is spiritual. I have found it crucial to take time every single day to improve my conscious contact with the God of my understanding. First thing in the morning:

    • I currently start with lectio divina using a special app on my phone called “Sacred Space” containing a scripture passage for the day
    • This time includes prayer writing (journaling) to my inner most self
    • Followed by 20-30 minutes of meditation (not always in the above order)
    • Later in the day I may find time for another 20 minutes of meditation or a quiet, thoughtful walk with my dog(s)

    I also find spiritual inspiration and solace that is especially suited to me because of being affected by the family disease of alcoholism in Al-Anon’s daily meditation books. Artistic expression (coloring and sewing) and at times organized religion has fostered spiritual growth in me as well.
    I’ve found over the years that if I stub my pinky toe, my whole body hurts and if I am weak in any one of the three areas above the other two are affected. I am interested in the BIGGER picture now and learning to live my life from the inside (core of my being) outward.
    My vocation is in the field of health and fitness. If you feel that I could help you out, give me a call and let’s visit. 361-549-4604
    Yours in Health & Fitness,
    Lisa


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Doddridge Plaza
3765 S. Alameda, Ste 102
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(361) 857-5087 info@ypbtrainingstudio.com