Same old, same old - concentration (or lack thereof)

[Kenn]

I am experiencing a very familiar pattern of buying all sorts of books - harmless fiction, humorous nonfiction and some new ones related to sexual abuse - and then just letting them all sit on my coffee table while I zone out and watch all-news TV. (This could just as easily apply to new DVDs, music downloads, etc.)

This is not living up to anything approaching even my most minimal expectations or myself.

Throughout July I managed (surprisingly to me) to read a series of books, historical nonfiction and fiction, but since the Middle East dust-up I cannot seem to turn off the television (so of course the latest foiled terrorist plot just adds to that!)

Aside from the obvious - TURN OFF THE TV - does anyone have any experience to share as to how I might start to read again?

Thanks,
Kenn

 

[reality2k4]

Kenn,

same here, I've got the books, movies and all kinds of other stuff, but never get around to doing it all.

There are so many things that I forget to do, among them paying bills, or eating food before its out of date etc.,etc.

My mind goes ape shit at what is happening today
in the world! Have you ever linked it as being a survivor of your own disasters in life, and feel helpless to be with those in their own trauma?

9/11 hit me hard, like WTF is happening and it did not seem real, the horror unfolding, but I had a deep inner feeling for all those involved and their families too.

I wish I could relax too, but the only way, is to try and put order back into your life,

ste

 

[roadrunner]

Kenn,

I discovered some years ago that I had lost so much by not making time for reading anymore. What I discovered was that all the demands of work and daily routine were crowding this out of my life.

Now what I do is ring-fence a certain amount of time that is MINE and mine alone, and to be used for things that I really like and find interesting. Things like the news, Big Brother, and sit-coms are absolutely out. I can practice some new songs on my guitar, read, work in the garden or go for a walk, but the idea is that this is time for me. And no interruptions!

Try this and see if it works. It takes some effort at first because we aren't used to having time just for ourselves, but once you get the hang of it it's great.

Much love,
Larry

 

[mphsrvivor]

I often find myself not taking the time needed for me. When I began recovery, I was single and had a very predictable job. I had entirely too much time on my hands so I was able to really sink into good books, movies, journaling, and bicycling. Then I met my soulmate and we started another family. With a 2 year old, things at home are more hectic than ever and I find myself going days and weeks without sitting with me. What I have to do is simply schedule a chunk of time to devote to me. Sometimes it's difficult but it is absolutely necessary if I am to continue to be the person I've worked on becoming. Without personal time to explore my feelings and beliefs, I could easily fall back to the traits which got be nowhere. It's still a struggle for me to do this but what would it say about my selfworth if I didn't think I was worth spending some time with me every now and then?