The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I often say to the newbies here that you must not loose yourself in your A's disease. I was thinking how much I did that last year before I found this board.
Last Holiday season I didn't do the things that were always a tradition for me and my family, or just for me.
Last year I didn't go to dinner with my friends because my A had relapsed (badly) and I was afraid to leave him.
Last Year I didn't go to the Chirtmas Forest ( a museum that displays Christmas from different cultures. I have never missed a year since I was a child with my Mom and Dad).
Last Year I turned down all sorts of invitations because I didn't have the money, and was afraid that he would feel left out.
Last Year, I didn't go out snowshoeing as much as I could have because I was too busy taking care of him. I didn't know that I didn't have too.
Last year, my A couldn't take care of himself, and was drinking.
Last year, my A missed his children badly, and wasn't home to see the grandkids open their gifts.
Last year, we had our first Chirtsmas but not sober.
Last year, I wasn't strong and I was lost in his disease.
THIS YEAR:
I HAD dinner with my friends and it was sooo goood to see them. Three hours of catching up after a year apart. How I missed them!
I DID go to the Christmas Forest, and the memories it brought back were strong and wonderful! I had tears in my eyes thinking back of all the happy times there. I'm going back next week too!
TODAY, despite the snowstorm, I'm going Christmas shopping with friends. While I'm on a tighter budget I can still enjoy the company. (Besides mine is pretty much done!)
THIS MORNING, I am strapping on the snowshoes and going for a long hike in the woods.
THIS YEAR, I am taking care of me.
THIS YEAR, my A is sober, working hard on his recovery, and taking care of himself.
THIS YEAR, my A is going home to see his children and grandchildren with a plan in hand in case his gets uncomfortable and needs to leave.
THIS YEAR, we will celebrate Chirstmas on another day, sober and with much more love and strength than before.
THIS YEAR, I am strong and have found the light at the other end of the tunnel. I am no longer lost.
What a diffrence a year makes!
Thanks for letting me share. Love and blessings to you all this Holiday season.
Live strong, Karilynn
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Wow! I really appreciated your list I've, too, found it helpful to mark progress in recovery by making these kinds of lists and really celebrating how far I've come. Thanks for the reminder! I will make a list for myself as a Christmas/Solstice gift for myself
I've, too, found it helpful to mark progress in recovery by making these kinds of lists and really celebrating how far I've come. Thanks for the reminder! I will make a list for myself as a Christmas/Solstice gift for myself