HOLIDAYS:

~

There are many positive triggers that remind us of holidays.

There are other kinds of triggers, though, that may be less apparent
and evoke different feelings and memories.

Our mind is like a powerful computer. It links sight, sound, smell,
touch, and taste with feelings, thoughts, and memories. It links our
senses – and we remember.

Sometimes the smallest, most innocuous incident can trigger memories.
Not all our memories are pleasant, especially if we grew up in an
alcoholic, dysfunctional setting.

We may not understand why we suddenly feel afraid, depressed,
anxious. We may not understand what has triggered our codependent
coping behaviors. When this happens, we need to understand that
some innocuous event may be triggering memories recorded deep
within us.

If something, even something we don't understand, triggers painful
memories, we can pull ourselves back into the present by self-care:
acknowledging our feelings, detaching, working the Steps, and
affirming ourselves. We can help ourselves feel better each holiday.
No matter what the past held, we can put it in perspective.