Maintenance

[about time too]

I mentioned this a few times... when people start out here, just like I did, once I got over that first day.. boy that was a long one.. I felt like I was a project.

I"m quite good at projects.. work hard for a short period.. expectation of a reward at the end.

But as it goes on, I found the need to develop my maintenance skills. These are harder to develop because they show no immediate or short term gain.. they are usually invisible to others despite the fact that they are hard work for yourself.

Its like cleaning a house.. its fine to clean it and its nice. Its MUCH harder to keep it nice.

Bummer that.

So.. what do I think are the big issues in maintenance... well.. mainly my brain.. that its ok for me to do the invisible tasks which have no immediate gratitude because i get the long term gain. I dont get praise every day I"m sober like I did at the beginning.. and i"m not saying I should either.. but.. I have to allow myself to continue to feel happy at my own happiness and that takes permission from me.

And the little bugger comes up every now and then and like my friend Neil, I need to bash the living daylights out of him... luckily I"m up to THAT project.

Brigid

[Java]

I would just like to say that Brigid rocks!

Victoria

[rivergirl]

Victoria, You rock, too. Hey, I like your new avatar. Very appropriate for a runner girl!

[stollies1]

Hi Brigid,
That is a great post!
Its so true at the beginning you are constantly patting yourself on the back and it conforts you to do so and stiffens your resolve a little. But as the months roll by the pats become less and the same old thoughts seep through just a little (they get a swift kick in the pants thankfully) but its always great to come here and read through posts like these to remind yourself to give yourself a little kiss on the cheek for the job your doing.
Hope everyone is going great.
Love to you all.
Victoria xxooxx