Recovery Day Four

Today we’ll take a moment to think about what we put in our bodies.

For many years I used a lot of different substances to get the altered effect that I wanted in my mind or body. Today in recovery, we’re pretty much doing the same thing except for the fact that we’re looking to avoid alcohol and other drugs. The foods that we eat, water that we drink and movements that we make can now help determine how we feel physically and mentally.

When I was still using, my healthy food for the day was seven grain bread with natural peanut butter and banana. This actually sounds really great! Thing is, I ate it 2 to 3 times a day for the majority of the week. There was also lots of coffee in my life in addition to all the sugary drinks, and alcohol that was mostly dehydrating and doing lots more damage than good.

Shortly after beginning my new life in recovery, I quickly realized that I didn’t have anywhere near a balanced diet and I wasn’t doing much in terms of taking care of my body.

I had stopped riding my bike for various years since my friends would end up carrying me home and had to lug the bike as well. Physical activity had gone out the window a long time ago. Walking to and from various bars on a daily basis was the extent of my exercise.

I was more often dehydrated, low energy, awfully moody and sick than not. Being chronically hungover didn’t help. Aspirin, Coffee, Energy Drinks, Alka Seltzer, cold medications, nasal spray, eye drops and cigarettes were all part of my daily arsenal.

In recovery, we start being a little more mindful of what we put into our bodies. Seems like such a given, I know, but something as simple as drinking more water can make a huge difference in our lives.

I don’t know about you, but I spent many years overdoing things. Often it was all or nothing, very black-and-white thinking. Balance wasn’t anywhere in the equation, so it was never thought of as a challenge.

I’m sharing this just to remind us that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you take one little step and start doing it consistently then you will see a change. You can add one new thing like making sure you drink an extra glass or two of water per day, Adding a vegetable to your lunch or dinner, Eating one less cookie or sweet then you usually do, Having a piece of fruit rather than grabbing a cookie, Walking around the block one time. Taking the stairs rather than the elevator, Stretching, Sitting quietly for one minute, Keeping meals consistent… Whatever may work for you.

If you feel like you’re taking a positive action, you’re likely to have positive results and most importantly, feel good about yourself.

What are you going to be putting in your body today?

Again, go easy on yourself and keep it simple. Start with one thing and before you know it, it will lead you to the next… Maybe it will inspire you to go out for a walk, go visit someone you haven’t seen in a long time, go to the park or maybe to the grocery store. You just might see and feel all kinds of things you didn’t even know were there..

Enjoy the colors, enjoy the scenery, enjoy your glass of water and enjoy your new day.

Love Life Today. THiS ReCoVeRY LiFE