I am currently now in the RDAP program and I am very excited to be able to finally see the end of my time coming closer. I originally moved to Connecticut to attend the FIT program which is a Female Integrated Trauma program which is a Modified Therapeutic Community were we work on Trauma 24/7. We do processing groups and journal work were we discuss criminal thinking behaviors and foster change. Community is the Method because everyone that is here is working on the same common goal. At first I was a little overwhelmed because it is a lot different from what I am use to in the way the community is set up. Now that I have started the program and am in RDAP also, which is the Residential Drug Program I am really liking it. Everyday we have to do what is called “The word of the day”. I am really enjoying this part because it is like a type of journaling. I like to sit on Saturday and do all the words for the upcoming week. I am really focusing on dedicating this special time to reflect on the word and focus on past behaviors and plan how I will overcome these behaviors in the future. There is a format that we use for the word of the day: The word, Its definition, Applies to my growth and healing, in the past, recently, and I am working on this behavior by. We have to identify these 4 points in each word. Some of the words are criminal thinking errors, some are attitudes, and some are common thinking errors. Words like Perspective, sentimentality, laughter, Super optimism, willingness, understanding, and many more. I thought for today I would share some of the words I have defined and what I reflected on.
Perspective-the aspect in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed.
Perspective, applies to my growth and healing because having a good perspective in life can make the difference in a situation. We could use negatives that happen to us and turn them into opportunities for growth.
In the past, my perspective was not as open-minded. I could be judgmental at times. This made certain situations hard to deal with.
Recently I practice looking at the positives in everything and working on being the solution instead of the problem. This instantly changes my attitude and thoughts and life seems more positive. I will continue to work on this behavior by looking for positives in negative situations and trying to have a better outlook on problems when they arise.
Sentimentality-to be influenced by emotions to action for the wrong reasons.
Sentimentality, applies to my growth and healing because this is a criminal thinking error I really want to work on.
In the past, emotions led my actions and my emotions justified my actions even if I knew it was something illegal. Sentimentality helped me think I was right. Recently, I am learning this is a criminal thinking error I struggle with. I am learning to identify this through this program and my journal work. When I reflect on my past actions, I can see where I can make changes for the future.
