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Joanie Madsen

HALT

Updated: Jun 29, 2023


HALT, the acronym that is often associated with 12-step programs is one I heard in a podcast recently that I did not recall from my Al-Anon meetings. I am so delighted to have it within my sphere now and forever evolving tool box.





If one can take a moment in their day and check in with themselves when they are feeling off what a world it could and might be, yes?! Rather than projecting it outward onto others or stuffing down what is coming in. This is revolutionary as our Glennon Doyle, would say as it invites awareness of the self and those we are in relationship with.


The H stands for hungry in HALT. It could be hunger as we have not eaten and are running on fumes. Perhaps eating foods that are not as nutritious for us as we need or even a spiritual hunger we are feeling deep within our bellies.


The A stands for anger in HALT. Anger is an emotion that is normal to feel. As long as it is expressed in ways that do not cause harm to us and or others, it is something asking for our attention and can become a catalyst for change.


The L stands for lonely in HALT. We can be lonely when we are not engaging in social interactions and are isolating. One can feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Looking within and asking what we are in need of? A call, asking a neighbor and or friend to go for a walk with us. Going to a place like a park, coffee shop, beach, where we are in the midst of people might assist with this.


The T stands for tired in HALT. Are we getting enough sleep at night. Seven to nine hours are recommended and are we being intentional as to what is helpful for our sleep? Napping too and or taking a few moments to meditate when our bodies need refueling.


I believe this should be taught to all school age children and wish I had known of it when I was a teacher. In the podcast I was listening to the mother and daughter ask one another, “Are you feeling halty?” This does not put them on the defensive, yet encourages them to take a pause and check in with themselves.


This is going into my tool box immediately to be utilized and perhaps you are ahead of the game and were already aware of HALT? Not me, and I’ve been around 12-step program work for decades. So grateful for it now and trust it will become another go to tool for me.

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