STEP 10 "DO IT NOW"

In sharing at a 12 step meeting this morning, the strongest thought that came to me while listening to others and taking notes was "Do It Now".

I was reminded of an exercise I was told to do as a consequence of not having something prepared in time for school. the teacher had me write out 100's of lines with the following text "Procrastination is the Thief of Time". I was to explain what it meant and write it out 200 times. I have never forgotten the lesson.

Today Step 10 says Scott, when you become emotional in any negative respect, something needs attention and it it needs it NOW! If I do not apply the teachings at this point, the emotion will do its thing on the inside of me. Internalized, this feeling or thought will become a part of the processing of Scott's stuff. So, one more negative aspect to help process whatever comes at me from there on. Scary huh?

Now, as we have said in earlier sharing, when there is emotion , EXPRESSION must follow immediately in order to offset this internalizing. We are not saying here that the issue must be immediately resolved but rather that, through expression, the emotion can be kept from doing internal damage. Resolution, understanding and education etc can happen at a later time.

So, what application of this is there today in a life? Well, as you probably know from previous sharing or photos like the one here (Bud and me), I love animals, and have a special place for the dog (the only perfecter of unconditional love outside heaven, I believe anyway).

One of these creatures who lives with us here on the farm property has reached the age where life is somewhat out of control and so with love and terrible heartache its owners will have Tessa put down Tues after the Thanksgiving weekend is over. My sadness left inside to ruminate will cause damage to me that is unhealthy. So I share it with whoever reads this blog today for starters and I am doing that NOW, probably an hour after I heard about this. Secondly I will go tomorrow and Monday and spend a little special time with my friend Tessa and lend my support and encouragement to her owners. These thoughts and sharing them with you, has already lightened the load for me. The further action I've mentioned along with several prayers for Tessa and her friends will complete my expression of this emotion! I will remain free!

Thank You Lord for having me express my concern NOW!

scott@SharingTheBurden.ca


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