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 feel as if this proclamation is as significant as announcing a marriage or pregnancy. Well, actually, for me it is. In one week I will be in Maui. I am going with a good friend and her mother. And, here is the good, incredibly amazing, and proof-this-program-is-a-miracle part....... I don't feel guilty.
It took me a bit of soul-searching and quite a few "you go, girl"s from my sponsor and friends to firm the decision, but I did it. I started the 4th step to give me a jump start. I was shocked that even my mom was happy for me. Rather than rationalizing it, which the co-dependent part of me wants to do, let it just suffice to say that the opportunity presented itself and I determined I am worth it.
In my marriage, we went on very few vacations together or as a family. Whenever ah went on one, which included fishing trips 1-3 times a year, he just went. On the few ocassions I went away on a long weekend, I got my ah's availablity and then worked hard to get the kids completely cared for with as little inconvenience to him as possible. I did it differently this time.
This time I arranged for daycare for our youngest in our hometown (rather than the town where I work), and that is it. I will make it clear that I do not want them staying at my house (rather than his apt). As for all the time he spends in his recovery programs, well, he will have to figure it out because I will be much to busy laying on a beach and reading to be concerned about it. A hiatus from the reality of my life. I can hardly wait.
Jerry, I do wish you were on Maui rather than the big island, for I certainly would have liked to make an effort to experience one of your hugs that must go along with your kind, supportive words. You, and my other friends here on MIP, are why I am going somewhere just for me. I am grateful beyond belief.
Blessings, Lou
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Every new day begins with new possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. ~ Ronald Reagan~
Sometimes what you want to do has to fail, so you won't ~Marguerite Bro~
Lou...Hele mai...Come on in!! Maui's got some great beaches to just lay and read books and many good beaches around the island just for a change. Traffic might be down a bit, I hope for you, cause of the economy (it ain't all bad right?) and be careful on the highways anyway because they are not the super stuff you maybe use to. I have always loved going there and if I'm on the west side of the Big Island we can see Maui on most clear days...tho that doesn't get you a ticket. We can row, swim or fly (canoe, open ocean and better with a plane) and check out that ancient place. Have fun (holoholo) and here (((((hugs)))))
Lou there are some AWESOME al-anon meetings on Maui (I have been to some)- look them up on the Hawaii al anon site (google it)- you may make friends for life!! Everyone is so sweet and loving and waiting to hug you! SO HAPPY you are going, its such a lovely spot! YOU DESERVE THIS! Big Island is also great. Love that place! Have fun, absorb all the healing energy there- the very best in the world. hugs, J.
Lou, good for you! Here's another "you go girl!" for ya! You are worth the trip and worth taking care of yourself. Glad you recognize that. And better yet, you don't feel guilty! Your "Work'in It, Work'in It", good job!
Lou, Not that you need concern yourself with this AT ALL. (I am so glad you are doing this for yourself.) But your going to Hawaii helps me, too, in a way I am going to have a hard time communicating. When I see somebody on here who has been working the program and is being good to him or herself, it helps me in more ways than just as an example. I can actually feel it inside. It's like you are doing some healing for me, as well. I said it would be hard for me to communicate it. I hope you got part of what I mean, at least. Here's another "You Go, Lou Girl" from a Newbie. Now I want to go to Hawaii. It wasn't on my list before. But reading the others' comments about it, especially about the loving, huggy meetings did it. And I can do it. DDH offered a trip to Seattle to meet a friend who lives in my computer for an anniversary present (It's been 20 years since the last one, but who's counting.) I could have this instead. Wow, in the process of writing this, I REALLY got some healing. Do you do that? Heal yourself with your fingers when you type? Hey, I didn't mean to take any of your glow away from you. This is all about you and your wonderful gift to yourself. Thanks so much for sharing. Thank you for being good to yourself.
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It's easy to be graceful until someone steals your cornbread. --Gray Charles
