As I was formatting this week's topic for discussion, I thought that it would be really cool if I could say that I was working a total program of recovery and that I was doing every single one on these nine tools. I, however, cannot say that. I went through the list and notated was I was and was not doing. I also indicated what would need to be changed about what I was or was not doing, if anything.
This week's meeting is Moderator's choice and will focus on the Tools of ACA Recovery taken from the ACA conference approved pamphlet ACA Is...:
1. We go to meetings, and call program people to discuss recovery issues. Other than the Yahoo groups, I have not going to meetings because the ones I was going too proved too triggering for me and my blood pressure. To remedy this, I am in the process of starting a brand new meeting in my city, since there are none.
2. We read ACA literature and learn about the experiences of others while gaining clarity on our own experiences. I do read ACA literature and the BRB, but not enough. I need to spend a specific amount of time each day in that book, even when hard things come up.
3. We define & enforce our boundaries. I started defining my boundaries by not answering the phone when I was not prepared to talk for a while; limit email contact; and not engaging in the drama of others. I'd rather be thought as mean and off-putting, then to continue to risk my health on dysfunction which has nothing to do with me. This I will continue.
4. We work & use the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions. I'm doing this and need to continue.
5. We identify the people, places and things that are healthy and useful to our lives today, and discard those that are not. This is the one I've been working on the longest. As a loner, I want people to like me and want to be with me. In the past, I would have accepted people no matter how they presented themselves nor their motives in wanting to be with me. Today, I can walk away from the dysfunction of those who wish to stay in their sickness especially after I give them the advice they request in order to help them.
6. We reconnect with our Inner Child or True Self. I'm working on this by learning to take care of myself by being a good parent. Still a work in progress.
7. We work with a sponsor & build support networks. I had a fellow-traveler sponsor but she got a new job and became too busy so I think I'm alone again. I'll continue my search for someone else.
8. We attend meetings that focus on issues upon which we need to work. Working on it for ACA but I do attend Al-anon & CoDA meetings also.
9. We give service in ACA. I give service by working with the WSO. My goal is to do more outreach withing H&I with the message of ACA.
