Episode 355 – the Uno reverse card.

 

Today we have Rocio.  She is 42, from Washington state, and took her last drink on August 31, 2020.

 

Registration is now open for Restore which begins January 1,2022.   https://www.recoveryelevator.com/restore/

 

Highlights from Paul

 

Paul reminds you if you drank over Thanksgiving or your sobriety plans aren’t going so hot, don’t kick the bucket to January or to the next holiday season. 

 

This week’s tips from Paul include:  1) rest, 2) Uno reverse card – remember that most criticisms and judgments have nothing to do with you, 3) remind yourself that you are physically safe.  Much of our addiction is tied to an overactive nervous system that prevents us from departing from the fight or flight emotions.

 

When we’re drinking, there is no time left to create, to explore, to discover, to get to know, or reflect upon. Instead, we are picking up the pieces, sometimes trying to put the pieces together from the night before. Much of this behavior is the body seeking safety and refuge from situations that may have occurred decades ago. Relax and let your inner guidance take over.   https://www.recoveryelevator.com/meditations/

 

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[11:29] Rocio took her last drink August 31, 2020.  Rocio is married with three sons and lives in Edmonds, WA.  Rocio had an abusive marriage and had the courage to leave her marriage.  Her drinking wasn’t a huge issue until the last 6 years.  As her kids started to grow, she became part of the mommy wine culture and alcohol was part of everything from sports events to PTA meetings and family gatherings. 

 

She noticed she was starting to plan around events.   Her husband was concerned, and always approached her with an attitude of help.  Rocio didn’t have a turn-off switch and she had some self-sabotaging characteristics.  She described that hamster wheel of parenthood, work, and fun.  Alcohol helped her numb. 

 

Breaking her hip at a bike race became a turning point.  She didn’t stop drinking but had to learn to walk again and the recovery took a year.  Rocio was sober curious and did several dry January’s.  During a family vacation, she had some great insights about the role alcohol played in her family including some questions from her son.  About six months into sobriety, she started to get real clarity on her relationships and how she thinks.  Connection, accountability, quit lit, boundaries and self-care were great tools.  Her marriage is amazing, and she has great support. 

 

Odette’s Summary

Odette reminds us to protect our energy during the holiday season.  Give yourself permission to take care of you. 

 

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Holiday 2021 AF Survival Guide

•  
• Stock up on your favorite AF beverages or another type of treat.
• Begin a new healthy practice that you enjoy.
• Develop a detailed craving game plan.
• FOMO to JOMO - Pick an upcoming event and sit it out.
• Select a Holiday Theme Song.
• Pick your Thanksgiving beverage of choice and enjoy
• One minute of intense mindfulness
• Sticky Note - Write a reminder, affirmation, or goal on a sticky note and place it somewhere where you’ll see it each day
• Have a fun escape plan
• Offer to do the dishes
• Study your why’s
• Rest
• Uno reverse card
• Remind yourself you are safe

 

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Resources

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