Friday, January 28, 2011

Team player? Ummmm...

I've been feeling pretty good these last few months. I've been laughing a lot and spending a lot of time with my family and getting used to living inside a house in a real bedroom, I've changed jobs and am so happy with that choice, I've been working on physical health; I've been coasting along thinking everything was perfect. Yesterday afternoon I got slammed hard with some emotions that I haven't felt for awhile. I was feeling hopeless, helpless, depressed, restless, irritable, and discontented. I felt so confused! What was this??!  Reality check! So last night I went to a meeting with my sponsor--like actually put my ass in a chair in a meeting (hold the presses!) and then met with her afterward. Holy crap, I needed to be there! On my way there I was actually talking out loud to myself, saying that I better speak up and share something in that meeting, and prayed that God would give me what I needed from the meeting. The topic was on a tradition about how success is based on unity. We are all members of a group, and an individual cannot do it alone; we each need the group, to receive from but also to give to. I did share, and kinda vomited out all of the craziness in my head, and got a lot from listening to the others. The thing that kept being said was that we are all like members of a football team, and we need each other. My team shows up for me without fail, but I've been neglecting my role as a team member to show up for them. IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT ME. I've been accepting lots of support and help from my team, then I kinda run off the field after I get what I need. I am realizing how self-centered and selfish I am--I don't say that to myself in judgment or blame, but as an observation. The truth is the truth, and thank God people are willing to be honest with me today. One of the guiding principles of my program is to give back what has been so freely given. I can't keep what I have unless I give it away. This applies to all of the people in my life, in or out of AA. I am not giving anything away! People need me the way I need them, and I've let my great big ego plop it's fat butt right on top of that truth. I suppose it doesn't matter if you have delusions of grandeur or you despise yourself; that's all ego. I forgot. I apologize to all of you who are my team members, I did not drop the ball, I ran with it out of the stadium while you were all getting ready for the second quarter of play... :)

After the meeting I got to sit down with my sponsor. I love my sponsor! She really gets me, and she doesn't tell me what I want to hear for the sake of making me feel better. She is honest with me. I am so grateful! What it came down to is that I know what I need to do. I know! It's a matter of follow through with me, and this is the issue I always come back to. I am lazy! Again, I say that without judgment or blame, but as an observation of repeated patterns. I am an extremist, and when I start something I go all out, and then I coast along on that into complacency, preaching about a way of life that I offer no connection to. Also, I lack a routine. I float around from thing to thing and don't put an effort into consistency, then craziness builds up inside and eventually I explode. I need to make some changes! And the ever-elusive balance thing is something I get to learn how to apply...

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have a beautiful family who shows up for me, always. I have amazing friends and a support system who also show up for me, always. Now I get to own a part in all of your journeys, as a member of your teams, and I get to show up for you.

Thanks for the rant. :)

On a lighter note, I had only ONE diet coke yesterday. ONE. Tons of water. My skin is clearing up visibly, and I just feel better. Who knew?! Billy Blanks kicked my butt yesterday. My rib meat is yelling at me.



Wow, sorry, lots in my head and on my heart.

11 comments:

  1. Amy- sometimes time I wonder if you give yourself enough credit for what you do. You are an amazing person and are willing to help others when ever possible. I do agree with the part about going all gung ho on something and then backing off. My husband has a T-shirt that says "I never anyth" pretty funny! You are amazing and sometimes I think you just want to help everyone but don't realize that you don't have the time of the energy. We all need to learn to ask for help (me too) and I know it takes practice. We can do this together. I love you and am here for you whenever you need me.

    Have a magical day. Enjoy yourself and your surroundings. :-)

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  2. Rachael-thank you for the kind words. :) I need your hubby's T-shirt! I think I'm just realizing that I get to give back too, and feel I am slacking in this department. Thanks for being on my team, and so happy we can do this together. You are such an amazing friend. I love you too and I am here for you too, okay? Deal. ;)

    You have a magical day as well, and thanks for reading. :)

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  3. Last night at our RS Meeting we were talking about balance. The teacher compared it to a gymnast trying to balance on a beam, and if you watch her, she is constantly making minor adjustments and most importantly she has a spot that she focuses her attention on. Just like in our life we can't just make a huge change and jump off the beam, but we need to make small and gradual changes to achieve our beautiful pose. Anyway, I enjoy your ranting and I love you.

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  4. BTW, Why is my blog not listed on here? Guess we know who your favorite sisters are.

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  5. Amy- Life is all about learning! Baby step, make adjustments. You will figure things out, and will be able to balance your life out! You are a wonderful person, just truly amazing! Love you girl, and I love your ranting as well. =)

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  6. Nannabell--I LOVE that analogy! COnstantly make minor adjustments. My m.o. in the past has been to jump right off the beam when something feels out of balance. Was thinking, the making of minor adjustments, even a wobble here and there, is actually contributing to a stronger performance... Beautiful. Thank you for sharing

    And BTW, your blog is set on private, so no one can link to it from my page! Favorite sisters, my bum.

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  7. Karen--You are right, and you back that up with many life experiences. Baby steps to balance. Love you too, and so happy you're part of my family!

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  8. Anonymous (Kris?!)--structure. Sometimes quickly, sometimes SLOWLY, but will always materialize if we work...Workin!!!

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  9. I was at a meeting downtown once when Elder Bednar said that we sometimes think of balance in our life like a circus performer who'se spinning plates on top of poles. We think we need to dash from one pole to the other and keep them all spinning. He said that in his life he has simplified the concept of balance. He said he just asks himself: "what's out of whack?", then puts more focus on that.
    I loved this post Amy. I'm so proud to be your dad that I just hope I can get my head out of my hotel room this morning to go eat breakfast!

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  10. Dad--I really like that analogy. It makes me so warm and safe to hear you say you're proud of me. :)

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