"Cleaning house is about being able to achieve a higher quality of sobriety. When we clean house we are allowing for a fresh new start of peace, love, surrender, and all the possibilities that come along with long-lasting sobriety.” (Harry Haroutunian)
These are some of the tools in my spring cleaning toolbox:
1. Evaluate your inner circle of friends. Who do you need to move out? Who do you need to invite closer in? Identify those people who bring negativity into your life, drag you down - and distance yourself from them. In other words, dump the drama. Stick to people whose values match yours. 2. Make sure your body is functioning optimally. I am finally current on every health, vision, and dental screening. I get good sleep. I exercise. I still have a long way to go, but I have better dietary habits. I am no longer addicted to an addictive substance. 3. Get rid of clutter. This week Paul and I are going through all of those bins in the garage and throwing away or donating unused items. We are labeling the others for easy identification and access. 4. Fix those broken things you have been meaning to take care of. I arranged for the broken shutters in my house to be repaired, replaced broken light switch covers, and ordered a new carpet for the bedrooms. 5. Delete apps on your phone you no longer use. 6. Unsubscribe to emails. 7. Take on a new hobby or activity. 8. Practice mindfulness. 9. Buy yourself some flowers – tulips are my favorite and are available this time of year. 10. Start a gratitude list and exchange it with a friend by email. When we consciously count our blessings, we tend to be happier and less depressed. Gratitude frees us from toxic emotions. And gratitude is something to look back on when we are feeling down. 11. Journal. I have been journaling every day since my last day one on July 12, 2019. Journaling gives us a mental “time out”. It gave me the foundation to write a book. “Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.” (Christina Baldwin) 12. I am not quite sure where this fits, but Paul and I just completed our estate planning. That created such peace of mind. 13. And please, SHARE YOUR STORY – sharing decreases your body’s stress response and helps build intimacy and connection with others. Recovery stories link us together and show us we are not alone.
There is a universally good feeling when we put our house and affairs in order. Sobriety has allowed me to do just that.
Happy, glorious, sober spring! Lots of lovePeggi xxx
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