Summary: <a href="http://therecoveryshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_5126.jpg"></a>Do you find yourself reacting without thinking? Does anxiety impel you to action? How can you pause and not react?<br> A listener wrote in with these questions.<br> How do I not act (or react) on the first impulsive thought or feeling? How do others sit with uncomfortable feelings? How do I act on God's will not my will? Letting time pass, a month or longer or a week or few days seems impossible when i am so anxious. How do you deal with that??<br> How also to know God's time as I'm a naturally impulsive person and have always done things fast. Any fear I have makes me say something I regret later or take action too soon, as i don't give myself enough time to write and meditate and breathe.<br> <br> * My first thought is about the “Al-Anon pause button”. But then, the question is: “How do I remember to use it?”<br> * A couple of helpful slogans:<br> <br> * “How important is it?” (Courage to Change, August 15)<br> * “First Things First” (How Al-Anon Works, Chapter 9)<br> <br> <br> * The thing: It takes practice!<br> * My experience with just about any “defect of character”<br> <br> * First I become aware of it.<br> * Then, I notice it after I do it.<br> * After a while, I notice it while I’m doing it.<br> * Eventually, I’m able to notice when I’m about to do it.<br> <br> <br> * Don’t “kick myself” while I’m trying to learn a new way to be.<br> * Awareness, Acceptance, Action!<br> * How to “sit with it”. The reading from Courage to Change, January 10 about worry may be helpful.<br> <br> Our topic for next week is talking to small children about recovery. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email <a title="Send us mail" href="mailto:feedback@therecoveryshow.com">feedback@therecoveryshow.com</a> with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.<br> <br> Music from the show<br> Brad Sucks: Overreacting<br> <br> Norma Jean: Reaction<br> <br> Astrid S: Think Before I Talk<br> <br> A TED talk<br> I mentioned this TED talk in “my week in recovery”.<br> <br> <br>
