Roll Call!!

If you recall, I posted this blog entry about a week ago:  I also posted what I planned on doing to keep Mr. Hyde at bay.  The Roll Call visual that I made for myself is really working.  I put it on the side of the fridge.  I see it every time I look toward the kitchen and it reminds me of the priorities I need to keep in the forefront of my mind.

Where Am I:  
This may seem stupid, but it's not.  It's asking are you at home, waking up after a night's sleep?  OR Did you just wake up feeling like you are back in Iraq?
When Am I:  
Yet another strange one, but necessary.  One of the major issues that a lot of vets with PTSD suffer from is a loss of the sense of the passing of time.  I ask myself this question a lot to make sure that time isn't getting away from me.  Even if I am stable, my mind can get so involved with a line of thought or performing a task that I won't realize that one or two days have passed.  Asking this question helps keep me grounded in the immediate present.
Who am I Living This Moment For:
If you answer, "for my family, my loved ones, the people I'll hurt, etc.", YOU ARE WRONG!  You are living this moment for YOU.  That is the only acceptable answer.  Unless you can learn to live for yourself and getting yourself right, everything else that life sends your way becomes that much harder to cope with.  I have found that focusing on me is making me healthy emotionally and giving me the energy I need to devote to everyone else.  They see the difference.  They know the difference.
When Was the Last Time I Did Something For Me:
Take time out every day for yourself, uninterrupted.  I mean UNINTERRUPTED.  No distractions.  To do something you find enjoyable and lets you clear your head.  It doesn't have to be for long, but take a little time for yourself!
What Are You Grateful For Today:
I am now into the habit of looking for what I am grateful to have in my life.  I get up and look around and think about my life.  I list off three things that I am grateful for.  Today:  My Family, Blogging, My Health

It may seem a little silly to do all of this on the surface, but retraining our minds to look at life in a positive light can only be done if we constantly remind ourselves - Every Day is a New Day!!

If you want to print out the Roll Call for yourself: