Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays!
We hope that your holiday season is one of peace and joy, and a renewal of your life, whatever you believe.
For our part, we embrace the season, ideas, and feeling that music inspires and we are especially fond of the White Christmas rendition at the following link. We hope it brings a smile to your face as it does to ours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooc5eJc5SHA
“Sitting” Risks Versus “Running” Them?
We often hear that change is too hard, or too scary, or too unpredictable; that the people who call us can’t imagine “running the risk” that change would bring to their lives and the lives of those around them.
We usually try to remind them that life is itself risky and that the only choices are whether you are going to “run” risks actively, or “sit” risks passively. Either option has risks, though the passive ones do indeed tend to be more predictable and therefore more appealing. Keep doing the same old things and you’ll keep on getting the same old results.
This leads us to admit that we all like the “security of familiar miseries,” at least in comparison to the unknown consequences of change. Mary Ellen and I aren’t immune to it either, but we have learned to balance our feelings and actions rationally in order to make the changes that lead to a better life.
That’s how we work with clients. We help you design a better life without alcohol abuse that contains enough structure and ongoing reassurance that the fear remains manageable. At the same time you’ll find positive changes creating excitement and an easing of depression as the initial anxiety wears off.
Remember, life is not a risk free business. You make choices all day long, either actively or passively. Do you really want to sit out your days as a depressed and passive bench warmer? Or do you want to be a fully alive player in your life?
If Your Holidays Include an “Oops!”
Call us. While the office is closed this week, one of us will still be answering the phones from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time and we’ll be glad to talk to you. Isn’t it time to learn from a holiday “oops” or, even better, to prevent it? Don’t you – and your loved ones – deserve a real holiday? 888-541-6350
“If you are reluctant to ask the way,you will be lost.” ~ Malay Proverb
Tools From Our Shelf
Don’t forget, you can still download our free Goal Setting tool for yourself or someone else. It’s a great way to spend those suddenly quiet days after the holidays’ excitement.
https://www.non12step.com/goal-setting
If no one stuffed your stocking with all of the EOC Institute relaxation CDs we like so much, get yourself a set to use whenever it’s time to quiet the hamsters running in that wheel inside your head. We like them a lot better than alcohol for getting that quick anxiety fix with no hangover or family uproar!
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