I create pressure on myself to stay constantly productive. In my career, I was juggling tasks, saying yes to everything, and in a constant state of “on.” You know who introduced me to the concept of slowing down? My dog trainers! My Weimaraner, Autumn, was difficult to train when I was solely focused on producing an outcome instantly. Instead of pushing harder and moving faster like she was, I needed to slow down. We needed to get to know each other, like dance partners.

Slowing down is simply approaching tasks with greater awareness. It is an effective way to maintain balance and clarity throughout the day. Pauses during the day, like going for a stroll outside or taking a few deep breaths while doing nothing else, can improve focus and decision-making. These bits of rest reset your mind and allow you to move through your day more effectively.

Today I live more like Boris, my English Bulldog, taking intentional breaks and responding instead of reacting. Boris takes the “pause” to a whole new level. He enjoys waiting 3 seconds before he responds to one of my commands. Seriously, I counted! I wish I could say Boris’ pace improves his focus and decision-making, but he mostly uses that time to decide whether moving is worth the effort. Still, he’s taught me that sometimes the wisest move is to sit back, breathe, and let life happen without you.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

For more information, visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

Visit my Etsy shop, Recovery Upcycling. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling

This month I'm participating in a fundraiser for vestibular disorders awareness because I know what it’s like to live with something you can’t fully explain and no one can see. Visit my fundraising page: https://s2b.funraise.org/fundraiser/rachel-abbassi

#Mindfulness #SelfCare #MentalHealth #SlowLiving #WorkLifeBalance #StressRelief #Productivity #Dogsofinstagram #DogMom #Wellness

Yesterday I had a cardiac loop recorder implanted to help uncover any silent AFib that may have triggered my stroke. The procedure at Georgetown Hospital took only a few minutes, but the lead-up felt like a full surgery: gown, sterile drapes, and a small incision over my chest. Although local anesthetic prevented pain, the unfamiliar setup and sheet over my face sparked a brief panic attack and left me trembling until we were halfway out of D.C. The device is about the size of a stick of Trident gum and will stay in place for up to four years, transmitting data through an app on my phone. Right now, the site feels like a deep bruise, but otherwise it’s manageable.

The harder part was the round-trip itself. Riding through city traffic with my vestibular disorder meant closed eyes, sudden noises, and a spike in symptoms that will linger for several days. I skipped recording a podcast because of symptoms with a side of self-pity that crept in. Medical days do that to me. Still, the experience reminded me why I share these details. Someone else facing a loop recorder implant may find comfort in knowing exactly what to expect.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

For more information, visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

Visit my Etsy shop, Recovery Upcycling. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling

This month I'm participating in a fundraiser for vestibular disorders awareness because I know what it’s like to live with something you can’t fully explain and no one can see. Visit my fundraising page: https://s2b.funraise.org/fundraiser/rachel-abbassi

#StrokeRecovery #HeartHealth #LoopMonitor #AFibAwareness #VestibularDisorder #MedicalJourney #AnxietyManagement #LivingOnLifesTerms #RecoveryCommunity #SurvivorStrong

Addiction steals freedom by creating a mirage of self-sufficiency that collapses into isolation. I define freedom as when my “wanter” aligns with my “should’r”, or in other words, when I want to do the next right thing. I discovered an innate spiritual hunger and examined my behavioral patterns, motives, and fears that were blurring my clarity and severing my connections.

Unchecked drinking drove me further inward. Eventually, the only people like me were those hiding at home, confined to detox, or already gone. I had a persistent spiritual void that no amount of Vella Chardonnay could fill. Removing the alcohol and practicing daily self-analysis (inventories, motive checks, naming my emotions, etc.) finally brought relief. My peace of mind now grows in direct proportion to the peace of mind I help create for others.

Sustained freedom requires replacement of self-reliance with disciplined self-reflection, spiritually guided courage, and a steady commitment to doing the next right thing.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

For more information, visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

Visit my Etsy shop, Recovery Upcycling. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling

This month I'm participating in a fundraiser for vestibular disorders awareness because I know what it’s like to live with something you can’t fully explain and no one can see. Visit my fundraising page: https://s2b.funraise.org/fundraiser/rachel-abbassi

#SoberLife #AddictionRecovery #FreedomFromAlcohol #SpiritualGrowth #SelfInventory #EmotionalSobriety #RecoveryCommunity #OneDayAtATime #MindfulLiving #ChooseRecovery