Dear Friends,

Something that changed my life a long time ago and a phrase I just heard reminding me of how important it is to love yourself.  "Love of Self may prove to be the most powerful antidote to addiction and unwanted behaviors!"  Wow, that is a bold statement and it's a statement that I found to be true in my recovery. 

I learned a long time ago in my recovery how important it is for me to take care of my mind and body, particularly my mind.  The way I thinking about me, my surroundings, friends, family, etc. was not the way to feel true happiness or leading to good things happening in my life.  When I was an addict and not in recovery I did not realize what I was really doing to myself, specifically the way I would talk to myself.  I was constantly speaking to myself in a hateful way: I'm no good, I hate life, I will never be successful, I've let everybody down, no one likes me, etc.  This type of thinking became a habit.  I tell the kids I work with all the time how drugs fool your brain into thinking what you are doing is the greatest thing in the world but in reality it was the tool I was using to destroy myself.  I did not realize it then but now I realize the damage I was doing. 

I learned a tool a long time ago that helped me break that habit and has brought the light, so to speak, back into my mind and life.  It has giving me a way to overcome the negative, hateful self-talk that was holding me back.  The tool is called Metal Simulation, a way to help change the unhealthy circuitry in my  brain to a healthy and powerful circuity.  You see, every time you have a thought your brain releases chemicals and an electrical transmission is triggered in your brain.  If your thoughts are negative, it releases negative chemicals.  When this happens you start to feel bad about you, your life, and your world.  You slump in your walk, your negative with your talk with others, and for me, this would cause me to use the one thing that made me feel better - drugs.  It was a vicious cycle! It was difficult to deal with, even when I was finally off drugs and in recovery.  To this day I use this tool but I now call it Power-Talk.  It takes only 10 minutes to do it and it has opened up a world of opportunity, joy, and confidence that I did not know existed until I started using this.  The Power-Talk exercise link is on the "Programs" page of this website. 

Taking care of my physical body, as well, has proven to be a self-esteem builder in my life.  Scientists in just the past few months have discovered that exercise appears to build a brain that resists physical shrinkage and enhance cognitive flexibility. Exercise, the latest neuroscience suggests, does more to bolster thinking than thinking does.  Source: "How Exercise Could Lead to a Better Brain", By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS Published: April 18, 2012. New York Times

A daily workout along with Power-Talk Exercise has given me, confidence in myself and in my abilities, the courage to look in the mirror and tell myself I am going to have another drug free day, the confidence to reach out and to help other people, and has given me the strength to face life challenges in a healthier way! 

I hope this helps to anyone suffering from consistent negative thinking and I would love to hear what you think : )  

Until Next Time,
Sly Dog

Early rising is a common trait found in many CEOs, government officials, and other influential people. Margaret Thatcher was up every day at 5 a.m.; Frank Lloyd Wright at 4 am and Robert Iger, the CEO of Disney wakes at 4:30am just to name a few. I know what you’re thinking – you do your best work at night. Not so fast. According to Inc. Magazine, morning people have been found to be more proactive and more productive. In addition, the health benefits for those with a life before work go on and on.

Here are 5 things I suggest you can do before 8:00 am that will make a positive difference in your day:

1. Exercise. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. Most people that work out daily, work out in the morning. Whether it’s a morning yoga session or a trip to the gym, exercising before work gives you a boost of energy for the day and that deserved sense of accomplishment. Anyone can tackle a pile of paperwork after 200 ab reps! Morning workouts also eliminate the possibility of flaking out on your cardio after a long day at work. Even if you aren’t bright eyed and bushy tailed at the thought of a 5 am jog, try waking up 15 minutes early for a quick bedside set of pushups or stretching. It’ll help wake up your body, and prep you for your day.

2. Map Out Your Day. Maximize your potential by mapping out your schedule for the day, as well as your goals and to dos. The morning is a good time for this as it is often one of the only quiet times a person gets throughout the day. The early hours foster easier reflection that helps when prioritizing your activities. They also allow for uninterrupted problem solving when trying to fit everything into your timetable. While scheduling, don’t forget about your mental health. Plan a 10 minute break after that stressful meeting for a quick walk around the block or a moment of meditation at your desk. Trying to eat healthy? Schedule a small window in the evening to pack a few nutritious snacks to bring to work the next day.

3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast. We all know that rush out the door with a cup of coffee and an empty stomach feeling. You sit down at your desk, and you’re already wondering how early that taco truck sets up camp outside your office. No good. Take that extra time in the morning to fuel your body for the tasks ahead of it. It will help keep you mind on what’s at hand and not your growling stomach. Not only is breakfast good for your physical health, it is also a good time to connect socially. Even five minutes of talking with your kids or spouse while eating a quick bowl of oatmeal can boost your spirits before heading out the door.

4. Visualization. These days we talk about our physical health ad nauseam, but sometimes our mental health gets overlooked. The morning is the perfect time to spend some quiet time inside your mind meditating or visualizing. Take a moment to visualize your day ahead of you, focusing on the successes you will have. Even just a minute of visualization and positive thinking can help improve your mood and outlook on your work load for the day.

5. Make Your Day Top Heavy. We all have that one item on our to do list that we dread. It looms over you all day (or week) until you finally suck it up and do it after much procrastination. Here’s an easy tip to save yourself the stress – do that least desirable task on your list first. Instead of anticipating the unpleasantness of it from first coffee through your lunch break, get it out of the way. The morning is the time when you are (generally) more well rested and your energy level is up. Therefore, you are more well equipped to handle more difficult projects. And look at it this way, your day will get progressively easier, not the other way around. By the time your work day is ending, you’re winding down with easier to dos and heading into your free time more relaxed. Success!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2013/10/02/5-things-super-successful-people-do-before-8-am/

Here is one I would add to that great list:

1.  Pick the one.  When planning your day, pick the one person you are going to help, inspire, or make a difference in their life today.  So many people suffer in silence and you could be the one that brings relief to their pain.  Try this for a few weeks and see the difference you make, not only in the lives you touch, but in your own as well.  Make it a habit!  There is no greater feeling than reaching out and helping someone. 

Until next time...
Sly Dog