Procrastinators Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from chronic procrastination.
Compiling stories for our very own PA "One Day at a Time" book
Hi there - I'm thinking it would be a great thing to start to compile stories for a PA "One Day at a Time" (ODAT), or mediation, book.
You know, a daily reader on various topics related to procrastination.
I think a really, REALLY easy way to do that would be for people to post entries in one section on the PA site regarding this. I'm thinking that section could be here! :)
For ideas of what these entries look like in other 12 Step programs' ODATs, see below. (My suggestion is look through a few, until you find one that resonates with you. You can use that as a sort of template, if you wish. Some are more personal, some more philosophical, etc. Use what works for you as an example!) :
* http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view?catId=1901 (click on any of the books listed under the "Read today's thought from any of these book" section)
* http://www.oa.org/meditations1.php (click on any links under "Daily Meditations")
* http://justfortodays.blogspot.com/
The idea is to share our experience, but - really - focus on hope, recovery, and moving forward. To share with others, and - in sharing - inspire, create connection, and foster recovery.
Some ideas for topics are:
Recovery
Relapse
Prayer
Fellowship
One day at a time
Progress not perfection
In God's time, not mine
Reaching out
Meetings
Using the phone
Keep coming back
It works if you work it
The serenity prayer
Self-love
Self-forgiveness
Making amends
Victories (large AND small)
Growth
New day, new start
Falling off the horse (and getting back on again)
Anniversaries
Hope
Courage
Fear
Failure
Etc., etc., etc.
So - if you're interested, post your entry here! :)
A bucket gets filled one drop at a time, and a compilation of relevant readings will come together one story at a time.
Please note that this is not so much for sharing the entirety of your personal story (as with the stories from the Big Book), but more for entries for a daily reader.
Personal stories can be sent to Pro for the Big Book that he/she is compiling. See here: http://procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/3090
Thanks much! May the force be with you! :)
Cheers - MC
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RESENTMENT -- PA "One Day at a Time" entry
Boundaries are a key issue for me.
If I get cut off in line, or while driving, or the like -- I will (at times) think about the incident for a long time. I can, actually, make myself a little sick doing this. Sick emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.
The inability to control my surroundings or circumstances growing up has a lot to do with how out of proportion my reactions are to feeling my boundaries are being crossed, or not respected.
This has happened recently with my mother, who has a LONG time in program. She's said/done a couple things that cross my boundaries recently. And, as when I get cut off in line at the store, I am thinking about it. A LOT. But not doing anything to resolve it. And it is not good - for me, or her. I have even started to avoid her, rather than deal with the situation. :(
Procrastination, for me, is a disease of inaction. No doubt. Thinking about my resentment, rather than taking action to resolve it, is just another manifestation of my avoidant disease. Because, the truth is -- I really CAN'T do much about getting cut off while driving, or even while waiting in line. Not really.
However, I CAN do something about clearing up this resentment with my mother. THAT is within my control. And, each time I take an action to take control back from my procrastinating self, I gain a little more recovery. One moment at a time, one action at a time, one day at a time. Each forward motion helps dissipate my fear. Each forward motion makes me, and my program, stronger.
Yours in fellowhip - MC
Powerful stuff
Wishing you the strength to follow through. Peace.