Being quiet does not mean sacrificing productivity.
~ Jane Nelsen ~
To be quiet is to be focused. When we are focused, we are generally much more productive. But our inner dialogue often interrupts our focus. Mow seldom we manage to throw our entire being into the present moment. How much more we might accomplish if we could do this at will.
Learning to be quiet is not difficult, even though It doesn’t come naturally to most of us. We are used to racing around; it doesn’t occur to us that life can be experienced in another way. Once we grow accustomed to slowing down, quieting the clatter of our thoughts, we experience a sense of peace: the knowledge of the spirit within.
How lucky for us who share this recovery path that we have the tools we need to learn quietness. Practicing the suggestions in the Eleventh Step will change our lives.
I will relish the quiet today. What I need to do can be easily, accomplished with quiet focus.
© 1994 by Hazelden Foundation
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FOCUS
It takes a long time to become young.
–Pablo Picasso
By the time I came to the Twelve Step program, I had forgotten how to have fun. My whole world revolved around food–eating it, planning to eat it, or not eating it (and being very aware of it). When asked to go anywhere, what first came to mind is what foods I could eat there. I would agree to go only if I were in the mood for the kind of food that would be available, and if the person going with me would be interested in eating it too. Parties were all about the food, not who I’d see and meet. Family reunions were about Aunt Betty’s specialty dish and Uncle John’s grilled meats.
This focus on food made me forget how to have fun. I even forgot what I liked to do, if I ever knew. The truth is that fun came to mean eating, and it was what I liked to do.
In the recovery program, I’ve learned that I have choices; I just couldn’t see them for the food! The first time I went to a party where I didn’t even think about the food, but enjoyed all the new people I met while reconnecting with old friends, I was shocked when I ended up at the refreshment table. The party was almost over, and I hadn’t visited this area the second I walked in the door! What a relief! And what fun! I came home full of life and love and laughter. I hadn’t felt so young in years.
One Day at a Time . . .
I will pray to keep my focus away from food and instead focus on life.
~ Rhonda
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