ABOUT ESSENTIALS … ramblings to start the new year (Post 102)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018
Post 102
ABOUT ESSENTIALS … ramblings to start the new year
The beginning of three very different days and nights began abruptly last Thursday. We had just returned from an out-of-town visit. Immediately, I went to the kitchen sink and turned on the faucet … water streamed out normally. I sighed a big sigh of relief as we began unloading the car. While we were gone, the temperatures had fallen – unexpectedly – below zero; and I was concerned about frozen pipes since we had forgotten to keep a drip going and the lower cupboard doors open. However, half an hour later my relief came to a halt: there was nary a drop from any of the faucets. Quickly, before the stores closed, we bought water jugs to get us through until the morning.
The way-below normal temperatures continued the next two-plus days. Wet-wipes, hand sanitizers, deliberately speedy hand washing, and keeping an eye on our bottled water supply took priority. The ground had become so frozen any possible rain on the third day was forecasted to turn to ice. Predictions for warmer weather estimated two to three more days following Day 3. We bought paper plates and cups (the dishwasher had become quite full) – and more water. I kept thinking about those mission projects where wells are built in otherwise waterless communities … and the lead-in-the-water crisis experienced by the folks in Flint, Michigan, as well as victims of violent natural disasters. How blessed we are who have safe potable – and hot - water at our fingertips, my mind exclaimed repeatedly.With these rambles, I was reminded how essential the bare basics truly are to our thoughts and actions. Indeed, the world of recovery – elementally – is impacted: one’s opportunities for healing and wholeness are based on the essentials of life. SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) working definition of recovery defines recovery as such:
· “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness
· live self-directed lives
· and strive to reach their full potential” (www.samhsa.gov/recovery)Breaking down this definition, SAMHSA further describes recovery.
1. “HEALTH: overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms, for example, abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem – and for everyone in recovery, making informed healthy choices that support physical and emotional well being
2. HOME: having a stable and safe place to live
3. PURPOSE: conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society
4. COMMUNITY: having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope” ( www.samhsa.gov/recovery )As I review my thoughts and actions – which immediately took place once I knew we were in a water crisis - the above essentials of recovery (especially #2) seemed even more intertwined and dependent upon each other. Moreover, how we respond to our life circumstances counts as an essential in defining recovery. healing, wholeness, and stability.
A recent TV documentary followed the experience of an imprisoned inmate who had agreed to work with the staff psychiatrist with regard to committing to a faithful regimen of mental health medicines. As he began to stabilize, he started to make a practice of finding things/people/circumstances for which to be thankful. In turn, this helped him to respond more healthfully to his self-deprecating feelings of shame and guilt. He grew to appreciate how having this daily giving-thanks goal - and truly being thankful - was an essential to his own mental health.
At the beginning of this new year, there will be countless numbers of people who will make resolutions and/or set goals. Often by mid-February, those aspirations are cast aside or simply ignored. One of the most realistic suggestions I have come across is to set mini-goals … for each day, week, month, etc. Working toward a better – not necessarily the best or perfect –situation seems more doable ... and better can become better and better and even better!
This morning the hot shower felt heavenly! Yes, the water crisis became solved (if only such crises had so quick a resolution) – last night around 10:30. I noticed a drip-drip noise coming (on its own) from the kitchen sink. Surely, the air temperatures had not been that warm to effect a thaw. The warmer weather was still two days away. Timidly, I opened wide the faucet - and out the water poured! No sputtering, no hesitancy, just smooth, normal running water. We checked the other faucets – all now with running water. We looked for leaks: nothing in the house, garage, or yard. I ran my hands under warm, strong running water … and said a prayer of thanksgiving … for this very essential element in life.
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
www.grmumc.org
For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit:
www.indianaproblemgambling.org
www.ipgap.indiana.edu
www.mdproblemgambling.com
www.gamblersanonymous.org
www.gam-anon.org
www.kycpg.org
www.pgnohio.org
www.calproblemgambling.org
www.christsd.com
www.masscompulsivegambling.org
Posted by Gambling Recovery Ministries at 1:27 PM