We wanted to offer a thought-provoking analogy, if you love an addict. See if it fits for you. The “big rocks” analogy was created by the late Steven Covey, who wrote The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The analogy relates well to being a loved one of a person struggling with addiction because our time, energy and resources often go to helping the person we love. Imagine having these supplies on your kitchen counter: A jar Some big rocks (e.g. the size of an egg) Some … [Read more...] about Self-Care Strategies… if You Love an Addict
Self-care
Spiritual Self-Care
When trying to figure out what your Spiritual self-care should be, take a look at what makes sense to you and go from there. There is no right or wrong way to do this – and you are spiritually safe right where you are. … [Read more...] about Spiritual Self-Care
Accepting “What Is”, Even When It’s Difficult
It is important to accept where we are when we love an addict. Self-Care is the most important goal to have – it will help you and it will become better role-modelling for the addict you love. Increasing your Self-Care is truly the best thing you can do for yourself and for everyone around you – a true win-win! … [Read more...] about Accepting “What Is”, Even When It’s Difficult
What Do I Need Right Now?
How self-aware emotionally do you allow yourself to be? When you know what you’re feeling, you’ll be more able to give yourself what you need. Ask yourself “Am I hungry / angry / lonely / tired?” and become willing to give yourself a meal or a snack; talk to someone about your anger (or sadness, boredom, fear); arrange a playdate with a friend; or enjoy an exquisite nap. Becoming self-aware of how you’re feeling—and then doing something self-caring about that—can help you feel refreshed and … [Read more...] about What Do I Need Right Now?
What are you role modelling for the addict you love?
When we role model self-care and self-respect, rebuilding our own lives instead of putting everyone else’s needs ahead of our own, the addict in our lives sits up and takes notice. As you begin to experience more joy and satisfaction in your life, different choice by different choice, you open the possibility for your addicted loved one to choose to do the same thing in their life. Is there a better example of a win-win than that? … [Read more...] about What are you role modelling for the addict you love?
