The Language of Letting Go: December 14th

Clear Thinking

Strive for clear thinking. Many of us have had our thinking clouded by denial. Some of us have even lost faith in ourselves because we've spent a degree of time in denial. But losing faith in our thinking isn't going to help us. What we need to lose faith in is denial.

We didn't resort to denial - either of someone else's problem or our own - because we were deficient. Denial, the shock absorber for the soul, protects us until we are equipped to cope with reality.

Clear thinking and recovery don't mean we will never resort to denial. Denial is the first step toward acceptance, and for most of our life, we will be striving to accept something.

Clear thinking means we don't allow ourselves to become immersed in negativity or unrealistic expectations. We stay connected to other recovering people. We go to our meetings, where peace of mind and realistic support are available. We work the Steps, pray, and meditate.

We keep our thinking on track by asking our Higher Power to help us think clearly - not by expecting Him, or someone else, to do our thinking for us.

Today, I will strive for balanced, clear thought in all areas of my life.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.

My Certified Health Coach Website

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Denial: The shock absorber for the soul..............what a great analogy!

I couldn't lose weight or change my life until I felt safe enough to do so.  I lived in survival mode for SO long, that denial was the only way I could function.  Deep down, I knew I was avoiding the truth...........but we do what we MUST do to survive, I suppose.

When I found abstinence and the food fog lifted, I began to think clearly, finally, and became willing to accept myself.  As a compulsive overeater/alcoholic/addict in general, acceptance is the key to living in recovery.

Today, I strive for balance & clear thought in all areas of my life. I am a work in progress, however, and do not place unrealistic expectations of perfection on myself or others.  When I find myself pointing the finger at someone else, I KNOW it's time to look at myself and my own life.

For today, I will keep my thinking on track by asking God to help me think clearly.