If I were to be asked to list two things that have helped me the most since starting the 12 Step program, here is what I would list.
- The Importance of Reaching Out
- Doing PMS When Stressed or Tempted
And those two things are probably what I mention the most when I share in our group.
So let me review them briefly.
The Importance of Reaching Out
We need each other and the Lord to recover.
And reaching out is the best way to support each other.
So that is exactly what I'm doing right now. I'm reaching out!
When I'm sad, depressed, lonely, bored, stressed, or tempted, I know I can reach out to any of the guys I know in ARP and receive support.
That's has been a huge blessing in my life.
And on days when I'm feeling good, I can also reach out and lift others.
It doesn't matter whether I'm reaching to ask for help or reaching out to offer help, either way, it blesses two lives!
It blesses the life of the one reaching out and it blesses the life of the one being reached out to. I think you already recognize this.
Doing PMS
P stands for Prayer, M stands for Move or change your environment, and S stands for get Support or Surrender.
And I used to think they had to be done in that order, first pray, then move, then get support.
But I've recently changed my mind. So feel free to do them in any order. But all three are important.
I can promise you that PMS works -- at least it works for me. Consider adding it your toolkit.
For me this last year, when an unwanted thought enters my mind I try to say a prayer within the first few seconds.
"Heavenly Father please help me get rid of that thought in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
And He does!
And He does!
Most of the time that is all that is needed and the thought disappears within seconds.
However, if I can't get rid of those thoughts I then need to either "Move." That may mean, go for a walk. Somehow change my environment.
Or call or text someone I know in the program and ask them to pray for me.
Once I've shared with someone else what is going on, the temptation usually is substantially weakened.
Plus, once I share my stress, temptation or trigger with someone else, I then become accountable!
What I don't want to do is to try to handle it by myself. That doesn't work!
If I were to suggest a goal, it would be to really take PMS seriously. Pray the moment you have a negative thought.
If it doesn't go away, change your environment and call or text someone. It really works!
I hope you will consider adding these two items to you recovery toolkit.
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