Bulimia and taking note.

Taking Note

It's worth it. Really!!!

     I know. Everyone who attends a workshop or goes to an info meeting on self help will sooner or later hear about journals or daily logs or writing of some sort or another. My experience? At first it seems like a great idea and I get started. Soon the thrill is gone. Especially on those "down days" when everything seems to be going wrong and I am having difficulty collecting my thoughts.

     Then daily writing very slowly, in small increments, starts to fade. Soon I have missed a few days, then weeks, and finally stop.

     Why?

     Because I give up. And, in my weak self defense, am genetically challenged concerning the work gene.

     So?

     I have found a way to track my daily moods and eating habits in a shorter version that takes little time at all. Some people who have used this report that they do it during a commercial break when watching television so it is virtually effortless.

     Just take short notes. A little daily note will be all you need to remind yourself of how you are doing, what needs to be done, and in fact how many really good days you have.

    (KISS: From my 12 step beginnings. Keep It Simple Stupid! Probably something that I really need to remain focused upon.)

     My notes are done on a calendar. Basic how did the day go, was I successful in getting things done, did I lapse today, did I stick with my eating program, how was my mood?

     Here is what I found in general.

     I have a lot more good days than I thought. When I look back on my notes it has become much easier to see that. And. I found that if I start counting the days that seem more "neutral" in general, I have a lot of OK days. Looking back on the days that seemed problematic I can see that there are cycles and swings and ups and downs. Truth? There were no altogether "bad" days. Period.

     I use single words and colors to track my days. I use a simple calendar. I don't make a big deal out of it.

     It is important to have a sense of where we are and where we are going. It is easier to track the basics on a calendar. If you decide to write more do so. As an added benefit I have started to expand my writing to half a page a day several times a week. It all feels more relaxed and "optional" for me at this juncture.
   
      And it works.

So give it a try and let me know!!

In Loving Kindness
Bryan