Phil's Example
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| This event happened today. I'm recovering from a painful episode of degenerative arthritis in my hip. Attending monthly Recovery leader training meetings has always been a source of joy, but I couldn't go for a year. Upon awaking this morning, my back and hip were more painful, and the forecast was for hot and humid weather. "That's it! I can't go. It's too hot!" I started to work 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 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 your feelings, and this time I needed a little push. I could hardly believe my rapid change in attitude and feelings in response to her pleasant voice. I started taking secure thoughts and endorsing myself. Before Recovery, I was often 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 very grateful to Dr. Low and to Recovery, Inc. Life is wonderful! I no longer merely exist, and I endorse myself many times each day for my effort. Further Spotting! Paul— Phil obviously has had a lot of Recovery practice. This example is a good demonstration of how quickly our attitudes can change. Sue— I like how Phil remembers to endorse himself. He had to move "against" his nervous symptoms, such as racing thoughts and heavy sensations, and he had the physical symptoms of arthritic pain. It shows how the "side effect" of practicing Recovery helps with other things too. Joan— We learn that we can control only our thoughts and our impulses. Phil knows he can't directly control his feelings, but by changing his thoughts, his feelings will begin to change. 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.
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