Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Coping Mechanisms

I have no ideas to blog about tonight, so I thought I would check my site meter and check out the latest search that brought a reader here.  It was "coping mechanisms alcoholics anonymous."  I wrote a post titled "Coping Mechanisms" in 2006.  It wasn't really about coping mechanisms, it was about my son's impending departure for Iraq during the worst year of that war.  Honestly, when I look back on that, I am amazed that I functioned at all during that year!

Now I am trying to cope with a new job after leaving my old job of over 17 years.  Even I am bored with writing about how tired I am.  I can't imagine why anyone would want to read about it.  But I appreciate anyone who has hung in there with me for the last 6 weeks.  Thank you.

I wonder if anyone even worries about coping mechanisms anymore.  It seems everyone takes a pill for every ill, especially anxiety.  We didn't used to do that.  Now, please don't get me wrong, there are times when a recovering alcoholic needs to take medications - I would never dispute that.

But I have to say that there has been tremendous benefit for me in walking through my uncomfortable feelings.  I have had to learn how to cope with things I would rather not cope with.  I have had to learn what works best for me.

This blog has so many entries listing the things I do to help me cope, but just to reiterate:


  • Prayer, prayer, and more prayer.
  • Quiet time, at least an hour a day
  • Social time every day - even if only on the phone
  • An AA contact - even if only on the phone - every single day
  • Helping others - they don't have to be AA members - gets me out of my self quicker than anything
  • Good food, no junk
  • Lots of sleep!
  • Exercise - preferably in the sunshine and fresh air
Notice that I didn't include going to meetings or reading the big book.  Certainly those are in the mix.  I think that is just a given for alcoholics if they want to stay sober.

And right now my biggest encouragement is "This Too Shall Pass."  

Please join me in thanking God for another day of sobriety.  

9 comments:

Syd said...

Your coping mechanisms sound great to me.

dAAve said...

My coping mechanisms are about the same as yours. With one exception.
Good food. No junk. Maybe some day.

Anonymous said...

IMO, the medication of alcoholism/addiction and the side effects there of, is a direct result of the treatment industry.

Mary Christine said...

Dave, I don't always practice what I preach! Surprise!

Lou, You are singing to the choir sister.

Jess Mistress of Mischief said...

Amen! :) <3

Ms Jones said...

Love that list! Especially #1...
Always, always, always have that at the top of my list.

Thank you for you posT!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Mary.

Christine said...

Mary,
I can't find how to contact you directly. Will you please email me at ChristineLacey@gmail.com? Thanks.

Mrs D said...

Great list. I love reading your blog. You come across as really solid and strong and reliable and calming. That's how I feel anyway. So thanks heaps for sharing. xxx