Summary: <br> Do you have trouble making decisions? What have you learned in recovery helps you make decisions?<br> <br> <br> <br> Eric, Spencer, and several of you share about indecision and making decisions. Our conversation was guided by these questions.<br> <br> <br> <br> * Definition: * a choice that you make about something after thinking about several possibilities* the ability to decide quickly and without pausing because you are not certain:* She acted with decision, closing the bank account and calling the police.* something you choose; a choice* If the enemy of serenity is indecision and hurry, why then is it suggested to “Don’t just do something. Sit there”? huuhh??* There seems to be a contradiction for me between indecision, in its negative connotation, and a taking a healthy pause before making a decision. How do you understand this?* Are you ok with asking for help? Guidance? “Suggestions” Who do you turn to when in doubt about a making a decision?* How do I apply the acronyms; W.A.I.T., T.H.I.N.K., STOP, J.A.D.E. and exercise the Al-Anon pause without feeling anxious and indecisive?* Why Am I Talking?* is it Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary, and Kind?* Stop, Take, Observe, Proceed. (<a href="https://www.mindful.org/stressing-out-stop/">https://www.mindful.org/stressing-out-stop/</a>)* (don’t) Justify, Argue, Defend, or Explain* Can you embrace the notion “When in doubt, don’t”?* How do you feel about the phrase “I don’t have to win anything today”?* Are you ok with the answer “I don’t know”? when feeling confronted or forced to make a decision? “NO,” as a complete sentence?* Is not making a decision, a sometimes healthy decision in and of itself?* Can I sit in the A of Acceptance (from the three A’s) as long and until I feel good about my decision? How do you “get there”?* Do you believe that “Urgent things are seldom important and important things are seldom urgent”?* Is the rocking chair ok to use sometimes to wait for guidance? Going back and forth and getting nowhere? Can I sit with this and actually allow myself to enjoy it sometimes<br> <br> <br> <br> Readings and Links<br> <br> <br> <br> We read from <a href="https://therecoveryshow.com/book-how-alanon-works">How Al-Anon Works</a>, p. 69 (soft cover) (Just for Today slogan), p. 104 (Chapter 16, 12 Traditions), p. 50 (Chapter 8, Step 3).<br> <br> <br> <br> We discussed <a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/eisenhower-decision-matrix/">The Eisenhower Decision Matrix: How to Distinguish Between Urgent and Important Tasks and Make Real Progress in Your Life</a> (Art of Manliness) <br> <br> <br> <br> Jess wrote about a grief meeting on <a href="https://intherooms.com">InTheRooms</a>, Thursdays at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern. She sent a link about the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sophia-caudle-durham-nc/151070">therapist who leads that meeting</a>, and an article <a href="https://bullcitypsychotherapy.com/ambiguous-grief-during-the-covid-pandemic/">Ambiguous Grief During the Covid Pandemic</a>.<br> <br> <br> <br> A listener recommended the book <a href="https://amzn.to/3s1Q1vb">You Can't Make Me Angry</a> by Dr. Paul O.<br> <br> <br> <br> Marilyn told us about the Al-Anon group, Any Faith or None AFG, in Lawrence, KS. For information, email <a href="mailto:any.faith.or.none.lks@gmail.com">any.faith.or.none.lks@gmail.com</a>. She says, We study the principles and tools of the program from a secular perspective. Anyone is welcome.<br> <br> <br> <br> Upcoming topics<br> <br> <br> <br> An upcoming topic is the effects of recovery. How are the effects of alcoholism or addiction countered by the effects of recovery? What have you gotten from working a recovery program? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email <a href="mailto:feedback@therecoveryshow."></a>
