The River Called De-Nile:

Does anyone ever float around in the river of De-NIAL? Have you ever lost so much air in your float that you must stop and blow it up again? Have you ever lost all your breath when blowing up that you need assistance to finish? Do you remain floating, treading water, sinking, or getting out? How do you handle the situation? If in recovery, what would you do with your float? Do you remain stuck or seek help? On the road to recovery, it can seem like two steps forward and one step backward at times.

I often wonder if I have a crisis plan for my one step backward. Knowing my triggers can help me gain insight before I end up back. I find it essential to make a list of some stressful situations that could possibly trigger a crisis for me. It is crucial to know my feelings and emotions while I experience them during a crisis. Recently, I received a particular poem from a friend that was very helpful and pertinent to this topic:

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in. I am lost and helpless. 

It isn't my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again; I can't believe I am in the same place.

But it isn't my fault. It takes a long time to get out.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there...

I still fall in...it's a habit...but,

My eyes are open. I know where I am.

It is my fault; I get out immediately.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

I walk down another street.

-Unknown Author

-A.N.T.