TRIGGERS

Jan 8, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader

We often cannot avoid triggers, but we can change the way we deal with them.” BRB p. 253

“They really know how to push my buttons!” How often have we said this to ourselves or heard others say it? The buttons are the repressed memories or resentments we have stored in that place in our mind and body that we never want to visit. So when someone says or does something that awakens those memories, the battle begins. It’s as if these old memories and resentments are poised at the gate, waiting to get out, waiting for us to finally deal with them, and reminding us that until we do, they will always be there. Unlike most other recovery programs, ACA encourages us to resurrect those memories and resentments and put them on the table in a safe and loving environment. In doing so, the miracle happens. They begin to lose their power, and little by little we find that we can, in fact, deal with them without feeling as helpless as we did when the events actually occurred. ACA is the safe place that allows this to happen. Our fellow travelers have also been that scared five-year-old, and they know how we feel. On this day I know that taking away the power of old memories will also take away the power of triggers.

My Experience:

I now completely understand my unreasonable reactions I have historically had. It is a stirring of a memory deep inside of me and the fear and anger that goes along with it. What I imagine I looked like to those on the receiving end is that I was just a complete and utter jerk for reacting that way, and I of course felt completely justified in reacting that way. I understand now that it is not their fault for “pushing the button.” Neither they nor I even knew there was a button to push. A button attached to a deep seated trigger. I now own my reactions to the triggers. And when I can recognize I say, I am triggered right now and I am not sure why. This acknowledgement allows both of us to de-escalate the situation and maybe approach it differently. It most importantly allows me to recognize how I am feeling, letting it out, giving it to my Higher Power, and ask for help to deal with the feelings that I am feeling. Who pushes your buttons? Can you recognize when you are triggered? Let ACA help you!