When I look at my life of recovery I need to look at it in a similar fashion that I would look at my bank account. I want to make sure that I’m checking my balance because I know that there are going to be withdrawn roles which are necessary to make. So, I open my phone, access my banking app and I began looking at my accounts where I expect to have money. I also checked that against my budget to see what is going to be coming out those accounts. When I notice that I may run the risk overdrawing that account I make sure that I move the money so that transaction will go through. This concept and or daily practice is so universal on a practical side. We know that we are not allowed or not allowed for very long to operate “in the red”. This is true in my relationships of life. The closer a person is to me the more important it is that I have built up my account so it can stand up against the Woodrow laurel’s I’m going to make. This is especially true in important in my life of recovery. I must make sure that I check my accounts in the morning and check it again at the end of my day. There even some days that I must check my account balance throughout my day. Sometimes withdrawals are unplanned and or without my permission. This underscores the importance of making sure I have enough in my account always. I first heard about this wonderful concept and number of years ago from a person named Dr. Harley. You can find out more information about this and I will include the link at the bottom of this blog. Dr. Harley describes this as the “loved bank concept”. I suggest you look at this link and look more deeply into it because it is very profound. Now let’s get back to us as people of recovery. I believe, that the most necessary relationship we have is the relationship we have with ourselves. Before I can have a healthy relationship with God, my spouse, children, parents, siblings and the list goes on and on, I must be grounded in me. Based on how I view me and how I conduct my life accordingly will lay the foundation for all those other relationships. With saying that, this loan bank concept needs to be examined by me with respect to the deposits and I make in my wellness because of the withdrawal roles that will occur with and without my permission. I know that I must evaluate each day based on what I’m going to do that day and what it is going to require of me on the emotional spiritual, mental and even physical domains. Once I understand that I checked my account to see if there is enough in there to cover the withdrawal roles I can anticipate for that day. If they’re all there, I can safely move onto my day. Barring any surprises, the likelihood is my day will go smooth and as planned. Then when I get to the end of my day and I take a name and Torrey I determine if I overspend my account, where my account needs to start at tomorrow and what can I do to make sure that my deposits are at a safe and comfortable level. What are some of the things that you are doing as a person of recovery to ensure that your account is not been overdrawn? Everyone, at one time or another is going to be overdrawn. I just call that life. It is best for me to take charge of my day so my day doesn’t take charge of me. Here are some simple steps to help ensure that might come has on the deposits to withstand seen and unseen withdrawals.
- Be open and honest with our resources.
- Don’t knowingly invite people or situations in our lives that we know will take more than we have set aside
- Have a person of accountability to help us manage our personal account
- Start each day with thoughtful prayer and meditation when looking at the day ahead
- Don’t be afraid to set things aside until you can “afford” them.
- Continually monitor our day and make sure our deposits stay ahead of the withdrawals.
- Relax and breathe throughout the day
- Remember, when needed, that today is only 24 hours and “this too shall pass’.
- Make sure to do something kind for someone else.
- At the end of the day, don’t leave anything behind unprocessed. Little things add up to big things.
- Get great rest for tomorrow we get to do it all again.
Have a blessed day and may God bless.
Here is the link for the “Love Bank Concept”
https://www.marriagebuilders.com/a-summary-of-dr-harleys-basic-concepts.htm
Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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