Cat out of the box?

When I started this blog, I wasn't sure what direction to take with it. Should it be a diary? Should I post weekly? Should I be anonymous? How much should I disclose? What are my motives? Should I remove the cat from the box?

I'm slowly piecing it together and I'm still not 100% sure, nor will I ever be. But at least for this moment, I'm thinking that I'll use this as a tool to (1) keep track of resources that I've heard about from recovery podcasts so I can recycle the paper scraps that I jot them down on; (2) share information I've learned with the intent of helping at least one other person; and (3) have a recovery-related task for Sundays.

What did my recovery look like this week? In one session of treatment we discussed a wellness wheel. I took the original and modified it to better suit me. I created a spreadsheet to jot down accomplishments and ways to improve. In therapy, my pie graph was extremely un-even. It's still not perfectly evenly sliced, but at least now the spiritual slice exists and the occupational piece has shrunk to a healthier size.

Good Things this week: I arrived at work on time or early 4 out of 5 days and actually talked to a few women about life and not just work topics [pie graph slices: occupational, environmental, social]. I sent my child-support payment to my ex-husband in a Thank You card [helping others, mental health, gratitude]. I went to 12-step recovery meetings each day except for Wednesday and today, and openly shared [social, spiritual, helping others]. I went to a coffee shop and listened to a solo guitarist one evening while practicing being in the moment and enjoying the lovely weather [health, spirituality]. I gave a large tip to one of my Lyft drivers that shared with me about the volunteer work she planned to do that night [helping others]. I walked every day either at lunch or on my way to/from 12-step meetings [environmental, health, financial]. I listened to several podcasts [intellectual], prayed and meditated [spiritual, health], did service work [social, health, helping others] and started reading The Bitter Taste of Dying: A Memoir by Jason Smith [intellectual]. I spent most of today creating this blog post and several nights this week I've colored inspirational coloring pages while listening to podcasts [creative]. I tried a new food: FlapJacked protein pancakes are so tasty that syrup isn't needed [health, creative]!

Spirituality highlight: This week I've focused on mindfulness and letting go of guilt and shame. It's an on-going process. Ezekiel 18:31 "Cast away from you all your transgressions.. make you a new heart and a new spirit.."

Wishing you peace and health!