Anyone, even a newcomer, can give an example on the Forum. An example is a brief description of unpleasant thoughts, feelings or sensations (often generated by a trivial events) and the Recovery tools (i.e. spots or spottings) that were used to address the situation. Spotting help us to identify and manage our own behavior which in turn reduces symptoms of anger and fear.
Here are the four steps for giving an example:
1. Identify and describe a stressful situation, which is reported as the example.
Include the temperamental reaction …I began to work myself up.
2. Describe the symptoms and discomfort the situation produced. (e.g. racing
thoughts, trembling hands, fatigue, etc.)
3. Describe the spotting of temper, of the working-up process, of the absurdity
of the philosophy of right and wrong. Further the emphasis of the Recovery concept
of averageness…These things will happen in daily life.
4. Begin with… Before I had my Recovery training… and describe the
temperamental reaction and symptoms that you would have experienced in former
days.
The "I need help" example:
Sometimes a person has difficulty with spotting, is confused or is unable to
apply Recovery principles. An "I need help" example usually starts
out with these words …This is something I am having a hard time with and
I need some help. It follows the same 4-step format.