The next step will of course be, the creation of a new 12 Step program of recovery from discussion and debate with those who are recovering from Mormonism.
We could call it "Adult Survivors of The Children of Adult Servivors of Recovering Survivors of Recovery From Mormonism".
Step 1: We admitted we were powerless...
Loran
That's pretty good. It's nice to see you have a sense of humor, Loran. I didn't realize you were a recovering alcoholic. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do that.
wenglund wrote:Last week I decided that since my efforts to provide cognitive interventions have yeilded little descernable results here (at least of a positive kind), that I would devote the time I would have spent here and instead get out of cyber space and do random acts of kindness and spread some Christmas cheer in the real world. My goal was to make positive, healthy, and uplifting choices more prevelent in my life, and to better pratice what I have been preaching. As a result, I have been able to mend some rifts in certain relationships and to cultivate new ones. My spirits have soared to new heights and my physical health has shown a marked improvement. Most importantly, I have been better able to satisfy the critical human need to love and be loved and to value and be valued. Life has been great.
Did I miss not being here? Of course!
...though I was pleased to be liberated for a time from the counterproductive mental tug-o-wars, prevailing negativity, and too oft hurtful exchanges.
I do care about you good poeple and value our association.
I hope that last week was as enriching for you as it was for me, and if not, that you will be blessed in that edifying way in the coming week.
Thanks, -Wade Englund-
Hi Wade, we should all be as wise. Glad yer back Bro, Roger :-)
That's pretty good. It's nice to see you have a sense of humor, Loran. I didn't realize you were a recovering alcoholic. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do that.
Thanks. I'm not fully "recovered" yet, so there's still a ways to go down the yellwbrick road. I've also dealt with some other problems of a neurological nature that have helped feed the addiction, so my work is, so to speak, cut out.
That's pretty good. It's nice to see you have a sense of humor, Loran. I didn't realize you were a recovering alcoholic. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do that.
Thanks. I'm not fully "recovered" yet, so there's still a ways to go down the yellwbrick road. I've also dealt with some other problems of a neurological nature that have helped feed the addiction, so my work is, so to speak, cut out.
Loran
We all have our own rows to hoe. Your is a tough one, and you have my support in continuing on.
I am all for starting a thread on CBT--though, given the lack of success of my most recent efforts here, I think it advised that rather than looking at it in terms of how it may benefit those who have or are stuggling because of their disbelief in the restored gospel of Christ, talk instead about how it may benefit you and I and other faithful members in our possible struggles because of the attitudes and behaviors of some who disbelieve.
According to Dr. Judith Beck, Director of the Beck Institute for CBT, the second principle of CBT is: "Cognitive therapy requires a spound therapeutic alliance". The third principle is: "Cognitive therapy emphasises collaboration and active participation". (from her text book: "Cognitive Therapy:Basics and Beyond") That kind of sound and trusting alliance, collaboration, and active participation, was virtually missing in my most recent effort here, but that doesn't mean you and I can't have that between ourselves and others who may pro-actively CHOOSE to improve OUR OWN mental/emotional dispositions.
Thanks, -Wade Englund-
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Wade. I never could "collaborate" because there was no trust whatsoever. You know, I think part of the problem was that it's hard to resolve anger issues when the person ostensibly helping is allied with the people perceived as the source of anger in the first place. Yeah, maybe it's a character flaw, but I couldn't get past that.
Going into that effort I had anticipated your objection and more (as adults, there is a relative aversion to being told by others, even politely and tactfully, what to do and how to think) . However, I thought those objections could be surmounted by what I believed to be highly appealing, common-sensical, you-benefiting notions. Clearly, I way over-estimated. I didn't realize just how far off my estimations were until you all started expressing your unyielding doubt of the very existence of Mr. D's, let alone seeing any reason to emulate, in any way, him as a hypothetical.
wenglund wrote:Going into that effort I had anticipated your objection and more (as adults, there is a relative aversion to being told by others, even politely and tactfully, what to do and how to think) . However, I thought those objections could be surmounted by what I believed to be highly appealing, common-sensical, you-benefiting notions. Clearly, I way over-estimated. I didn't realize just how far off my estimations were until you all started expressing your unyielding doubt of the very existence of Mr. D's, let alone seeing any reason to emulate, in any way, him as a hypothetical.
Oh well...live and learn.
Thanks, -Wade Englund-
For the record, Wade, I harbor no "unyielding doubt" as to the existence of "Mr. Ds." I just want to see evidence for your hypothetical.