Gina's Example

This happened this morning. I'm recovering from a painful episode of degenerative arthritis in my hip and am much improved. Going to the monthly Recovery leader training meeting has always been a source of joy, but I hadn't been able to go for a year. Upon arising, my back and hip were more painful and the forecast was for hot and humid. "That's it! I can't go, it's too hot!" I started working myself up.

My symptoms were racing thoughts, heaviness in my arms and legs, lowered feelings and a defeatist attitude of self pity. I figured I wouldn't go and called my ride to leave a message. When she answered, I quickly began to spot.

I spotted my fearful temper and quickly used the predispositional shift. I spotted fearful anticipation of discomfort. I've always liked the tool of changing your thoughts to help change you feelings. This time I needed a little push. I could hardly believe the rapid change in my attitude and feelings in response to her pleasant voice on the phone. I started taking secure thoughts and endorsing myself.

Before Recovery I was always preoccupied with my negative thoughts of disaster and gloom. I complained and cried incessantly. I didn't know life could be any other way. Now I know many happy spontaneous times and am so very grateful to Dr. Low and to Recovery, Inc. Life is wonderful! I no longer just exist and I endorse myself many times each day for effort.

Further Spotting!

Paul -- Gina obviously has had a lot of past practice. This example is a good demonstration of how quickly our attitude can change and be manipulated.

Sue -- I like the way Gina remembers to endorse herself. She had to not only move "against" the nervous symptoms, like racing thoughts, heavy sensations, etc. but also she has the physical symptoms of her arthritic pain. It shows how the "side effect" of practicing Recovery helps with other things too!

Joan -- We learn that we can only control our thoughts and our impulses. Gina knows she can't directly control her feelings, but by changing her thoughts, her feelings will begin to change.

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What does that mean?

defeatist attitude -- As Gina said, her original reaction was an "I can't" one. In Recovery, we might translate that into "I care not to." Gina showed how she changed her attitude from being a defeatist to being proactive. predispositional shift -- Gina's fearful anticipation seemed to be more about fearing discomfort. Her disposition was one which was fearful and maybe resistant before the meeting. So she was pre-disposed to the fear. She changed her attitude and her predisposition changed to self encouragement. [Back to the Top]

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