HALT
Sometimes I get going and I forget to stop and assess what’s up with me. Am I doing what I want to do or just filling up the time with small, silly tasks? Lately, however, I’ve been reminded in my recovery program to HALT–whenever I feel Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.
What great advice. I applied it the other day. I was feeling Lonely so I decided to HALT what I was immersed in, get out of the house, mosey around a shopping center, take a walk along the beautiful beach near my house, and grab a latte at a nearby cafe. What a difference that made. I exchanged a few words and waves with people along the way, one of my neighbors in particular, who happened to be on the same path along the ocean as I was.
To avoid catching myself getting too Hungry, I now keep a protein bar in my purse and if I suddenly feel Tired I grab my neck pillow from the back seat of my car and pull off the road for a little nap or crash on my bed at home.
And what about becoming Angry? Well I can turn to a scripture verse. There are many on this topic. But here is one of my favorites. James 1:19 from The Message.
“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage.”
Do you find yourself needing to HALT from time to time? What do you do in such a case?
HALT…that little word packs a wallop of good information. True confession..I need to practice what this little word has to offer. I’m not too good at putting the brakes on and then I’m in trouble. Thanks Karen for the good word. I will endeavor remember that little word.
Thanks, Joan. It has come in handy more than I can say. 😉
One of the best things I learned years in a 12 Step program was “HALT.” The idea of taking a self- inventory is so healthy. Not only for ourselves — but then having that tool when interacting with others as well!
I totally agree. I’m keeping it in my recovery toolbox. Glad to hear you are too. ❤️
Good for you! I always loved my two weeks in June and one week in October at the beach time share condo. Great to see the same friends each year and we ‘girls’ would sit down by the pool at sunset and howl at the moon when it would poop at us! This makes a great photo for your album~ha! Keep on “keeping on” as long as you can and make as many good memories as your time permits. Love you. Margaret
The beach is a lovely place for fun and relaxation. I agree.
I guess I brought on a great laugh for all who read my reply as somehow when I typed I hit an O instead of an e HA! These little mistakes can be funny and laughter is great medicine! Even the bible says: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine ~ MM
Hum.. I guess I had a halt day too! Last week I decided I wanted to repurpose the gift tins that Costco sells at Christmas that are filled with sample snacks. So I purchased two cans of spray paint. One watermelon pink and the other Copenhagen blue. I decided to spray paint the tins and use them as planters for plants. The only trouble was I couldn’t get the spray paint containers open! You had to squeeze the tops and my hands aren’t strong enough to do that anymore. After a few attempts of frustration, I decided to let my husband do the painting and I would buy plants! So off I went to enjoy what I love doing most! Halt is a perfect description of the satisfaction coming home with an assortment of colorful plants. And they look adorable in those bright colored tins!
Thanks for sharing this experience, Joan. How delightful. 😉
I like the HALT acronym, Karen. Don and I like to sit on our patio and enjoy a relaxed, light lunch where we catch up with each other. That’s always a sweet spot of HALTing for us.
I can picture you and Don enjoying a catch-up on your beautiful and comfortable patio, Carol, as I did when I visited you. 😉
Another great read ! Thanks, Karen!
Thanks for your encouragement, Chloe.