Hi, I just wanted to start a thread as to what I use to cope with difficult situations-I'm talking about the anything and everything to make yourself feel better, get thtrough another day. I wondered if anyone else would like to suggest some ideas?
I almost see my life in two parts. Part one-my parents drinking. Part two-when they stopped.
I know for everyone-the "stopped" bit hasn't necessarily happened or may not come in the way it did for me.
But one thing I will say is that I couldn't save them and their choice in stopping-could not save me from having to deal with what I'd seen over the years.
When I was younger I used to find some things kept me going:
1) Art, creativity, escaping into imagination and focusing on things beyond the circle of my current circumstances
2) Sharing with another, finding someone to trust (even if it's just on a webiste)-any chance to get it out-meant everything even if it was difficult
3) Walking away whenever possible and safe
4) Saying "NO" I don't agree. This isn't right, finding a voice if you can
5) Seperating who you are-you will have a different set of choices from the person/people who have difficulties with addiction. You are NOT them, your life can be whatever you decide, no matter how impossible it may even seem
As I have got older certain books, methods etc have really helped.
1) Depak Chopra (an Indian Doctor-with lots of online meditations for self worth, releasing, coping with pain)-chopra.com
2) "The power of now" Eckart Tolle-fantastic book about dealing with stress and many other issues by realising we are only alive-"now"-and the present moment is all we have
3) "Illusions" - Richard Bach- a fab little fiction book about the journey of reluctant mesiah-amusing and philosophical-don't be put off the title-it's not religous in any sense of the word-just a real insight into what happens if you let go of fear
4) "Toxic Parents"-Dr Susan Forward-a book laying responsibility where it should be, immensely insightful-don't be put off by the title
5) NLP & EFT Neuro linguistic programming and Emotional Freedom Technique(skin tapping while repeating certain phrases etc) -reprogramming those inhibiting ideas that don't really belong to you or are stopping you from living-also emotional distress, coping mechanisms. EFT-Check out www.emofree.com for a free downloadable book, also lots of contacts and in depth explanation of how and why it works. NLP-http:www.free-nlp.co.uk and wikpedia, or anything on Paul McKenna.
Anyway, enough of my stuff, how do you cope?
Thanks, J x
