12 Step-Type Slogans

[janbear]

12 Step-Type Slogans



The slogans of Twelve Step meetings provide conventional wisdom and short-hand reminders of what is important in recovery. It is important to be mindful of the principles of recovery when reviewing choices and challenges in daily life. the following slogan may prove helpful in relapse prevention.

1. One day at a time. It is possible to maintain ability to cope in the here and now. One is respnsible for recovery only today, or even for just one hour at a time. Preoccupation with the past or future eleicits negative thought patterns.


2. Easy does it. Recovery is a slow, lifelong process. This remind the survivor to be tolerant and respectful of the natural courses of change.


3. Be gentle with yourself. Non-revictimizing coping requires relaxation, rest, fun, and balance in the overall lifestyle.


4. H.A.L.T. These four conditions frequently signal risk for relapse: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness.


5. First things first. Survivors will try to do everything at once. It is important to make recovery the first priority in every decision.


6. Act as if. It is useful to counteract doubt by "acting as if" the program will work for you. With experience comes faith because you will see that you are actually recovering.


7. If it works, don't fix it. This addresses 2 problems in relapse: grandiosity and perfectionism. It is the survivor, not the program that needs to change.


8. Let go and let God. This reminds the survivor to stop fighting and surrender concerns to the Higher Power.


9. This too shall pass. Believing that negative emotional situations will change insures that life it tolerable.


10.To thine own self be true. The setting of boundaries should reflect personal rather than societal needs.


11.Live and let live. The survivor focuses on working one's own program and respects the rights of others to find their own way.


12.Keep it simple. Survivors thrive on crisis and complex, unsolveable problems.


13.There but for the grace of God go I. Survivors are troubled by the desires to compare and control. This addresses the need for humility and recognition in the survivor process.