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Milkman · 12-04-2007, 11:43 PM

"Biting off more than you can chew"

My life has changed SO much since I came into recovery. I used to only think of when I would get and how I would get the next drink or drug. Anthing that got done, well, it just got done. Not very much did though.

It seems that the further I get into recovery, the more that comes into my life that I want to do. I missed so much when I was out there, I reckon, I'm just trying to catch up, huh? lol. There's just so much to get involved with these days for me. I explore the internet and life every day, and when I come across things, I get these ideas of what to do with them. The only problem with THAT......... is that there's so much that I missed, I want to do TOO much.

I found myself getting involved with SO much, that nothing was getting finished that I started. I was getting overwhelmed and then getting pissed at myself for not getting things accomplished or finished. I was making promises to others that I would do something, and then not do it because of either forgetting, or just not having enough time in the day.

So what did I do? I finally had to sit down and prioritize the things that I thought were important to get done. I made a list, and then put the important things (to me) on top, and then the rest below. When I come across new idea, instead of jumping in with both feet, I just add them to the list. Things I have to do everyday are at the top of the list, the things I've started, next, and things I WANT to do, are last. As the things in the middle get done, I replace them with what I WANT to do items, providing that I will have the time to do them.

I still have problems with there not being enough hours in one day, but things are getting better, and more and more things are getting finished.

Do YOU "Bite off more than you can chew?"

Milkman

*admin* · 12-05-2007, 08:18 AM

Great topic Mike! My sponsor once told me, "Tammy, there is a little 2 letter word that you need to learn and that word is No." You described so well how it is sometimes for me. I have had to make decisions like you. Like you things are better. We strive for progress not perfection.

anniemac · 12-06-2007, 02:25 PM

Oh, boy, do I relate to that "catching up" thing. I feel as if I'm trying to make up for all those lost years, and that's just not possible. I was close to total burn-out this past spring, and had to cut back on what I was doing. I work full time, I go to school, I'm a wife, mother, and active member of AA. All of that plus a yoga class once a week is about my limit. I was trying to squeeze more and more in to my schedule and although I was enjoying everything I was doing, I was not feeling balanced.

Now I remind myself that if an opportunity comes along, odds are it will come along again at a later date. And even if it doesn't, there will be plenty of other things to choose from. I may want it all, but since I've had to admit that I'm only human (and man, was THAT a tough one!!), I know I can't do it all.

craig · 12-07-2007, 10:36 AM

Hello, my name is Craig/alcoholic. At different intervals of dissimilar phases during 2 decades of recovery; I had to recreate my life. Although I was very busy and doing good things in recovery,I was unhappy. After 14 years sober, my second sponsor pointed out, that I was not feeling the joy because I avoided what I perceived to be the dreaded 4th and 5th steps. I did not believe or have faith that God could forgive me for the "dastardly deeds" I pulled when I was drunk. God's grace showed me I was wrong. I rarely bit off more than I could chew as so much FEAR stood in my way. Fear of people,places,and things which is fear of God's universe. As I worked all the steps,I was able to do much more in life. I have always had plenty of committments,but not too many as to overwhelm me. It is important for me to remember that as a former people pleaser;I do not have to always answer in the affirmative and say "YES". As Tammy said,a two letter word will suffice,NO!

Joe06 · 12-10-2007, 07:26 AM

Milkman, great advice. I found myself in the same situation and I still am but your advice was spot on!

12-04-2007, 11:43 PM	#1
Milkman Regular Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Napa, California Posts: 10	Weekly Recovery Meeting-12/5 - 12/11 "Biting off more than you can chew" My life has changed SO much since I came into recovery. I used to only think of when I would get and how I would get the next drink or drug. Anthing that got done, well, it just got done. Not very much did though. It seems that the further I get into recovery, the more that comes into my life that I want to do. I missed so much when I was out there, I reckon, I'm just trying to catch up, huh? lol. There's just so much to get involved with these days for me. I explore the internet and life every day, and when I come across things, I get these ideas of what to do with them. The only problem with THAT......... is that there's so much that I missed, I want to do TOO much. I found myself getting involved with SO much, that nothing was getting finished that I started. I was getting overwhelmed and then getting pissed at myself for not getting things accomplished or finished. I was making promises to others that I would do something, and then not do it because of either forgetting, or just not having enough time in the day. So what did I do? I finally had to sit down and prioritize the things that I thought were important to get done. I made a list, and then put the important things (to me) on top, and then the rest below. When I come across new idea, instead of jumping in with both feet, I just add them to the list. Things I have to do everyday are at the top of the list, the things I've started, next, and things I WANT to do, are last. As the things in the middle get done, I replace them with what I WANT to do items, providing that I will have the time to do them. I still have problems with there not being enough hours in one day, but things are getting better, and more and more things are getting finished. Do YOU "Bite off more than you can chew?" Milkman

12-06-2007, 02:25 PM	#3
anniemac Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 73	Oh, boy, do I relate to that "catching up" thing. I feel as if I'm trying to make up for all those lost years, and that's just not possible. I was close to total burn-out this past spring, and had to cut back on what I was doing. I work full time, I go to school, I'm a wife, mother, and active member of AA. All of that plus a yoga class once a week is about my limit. I was trying to squeeze more and more in to my schedule and although I was enjoying everything I was doing, I was not feeling balanced. Now I remind myself that if an opportunity comes along, odds are it will come along again at a later date. And even if it doesn't, there will be plenty of other things to choose from. I may want it all, but since I've had to admit that I'm only human (and man, was THAT a tough one!!), I know I can't do it all. __________________ ~ anniemac ~ the pain is in the resistance...

12-07-2007, 10:36 AM	#4
craig craig Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: middletown,ct Posts: 88	Hello, my name is Craig/alcoholic. At different intervals of dissimilar phases during 2 decades of recovery; I had to recreate my life. Although I was very busy and doing good things in recovery,I was unhappy. After 14 years sober, my second sponsor pointed out, that I was not feeling the joy because I avoided what I perceived to be the dreaded 4th and 5th steps. I did not believe or have faith that God could forgive me for the "dastardly deeds" I pulled when I was drunk. God's grace showed me I was wrong. I rarely bit off more than I could chew as so much FEAR stood in my way. Fear of people,places,and things which is fear of God's universe. As I worked all the steps,I was able to do much more in life. I have always had plenty of committments,but not too many as to overwhelm me. It is important for me to remember that as a former people pleaser;I do not have to always answer in the affirmative and say "YES". As Tammy said,a two letter word will suffice,NO! __________________

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12-05-2007, 08:18 AM	#2
admin Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 28,249	Great topic Mike! My sponsor once told me, "Tammy, there is a little 2 letter word that you need to learn and that word is No." You described so well how it is sometimes for me. I have had to make decisions like you. Like you things are better. We strive for progress not perfection.

12-10-2007, 07:26 AM	#5
Joe06 Newcomer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: near Harrisburg Pa Posts: 1	Milkman, great advice. I found myself in the same situation and I still am but your advice was spot on!