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.
For the first time in my life I am feeling renewed. I found Al-Anon around the beginning of the year and at that time my life was completly upside down! I had been seperated from my husband since April and I was so tired of his drinking I could not focus. Today I am waiting the 120 days until our divorce will be finalized and am finding new things to do with myself. My husband and I love each other and have had great communications. He has recently told me he knows that I had to leave him to get healthy and that he hates himself and realizes he is killing himself. I have learned to let go and to dettach with love. Which has been so very hard since I have been with this man since I was 17 years old. We are both adult children of alcoholics and have gone through some counseling together. But until I found Al-Anon I hadn't realized I was a codependant enable to the 100th degree. I was so obsessed in fixing my husband I was neglecting myself and spiraling in chaos and misery, brought about by myself. My 2 kids and I are already enjoying life and laughing so much more than ever. I am learning how to survive on my own for the first time I feel capable. Life is not easier, but my attitude is far better! I am 32 years old and for the 1st time ever I know with this program and making healthy choices for myself that I can control life has and will continue to get better. I know that life is more than a mere string of days to be survived now! I love my God and my Al-Anon group and am greatful for my new family. I hope this encourages others and thanks for the other people who have been encouraging me.
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God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
I reread what I wrote earlier and I should say I am still battling my addiction to my A. I made him food and sent it along with my kids to him for the next 2 days and when he calls I battle running to his aid. I just got soo tired of 15 years of feeling let down and disapointed at every turn. I moved out before I found Al-Anon, but I filed afterward. My sponsor has been so helpful and she can relate to the abuse I have taken over the years. She has shown me such hope and understanding. Putting me first is such a new lesson to me. It took me a couple months just to be able to spend some time alone relaxing and am now finding hobbies. I find if I keep my days planned out I don't spend too much time spiraling in my head about any drama that could be coming my way. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I actually feel like I will be better than okay for my future and I know God is in control and that is good with me. I love the slogans that help me get through tough moments and times. And I still feel very blessed and hopeful. I read lots of materials throughout the day and am reading Codependant No More and it has helped me lots. I just feel like I am finally on my way out of this pit and feel good about it, but I also know after a lifetime of dysfunctions I have a looong road ahead of me! I am new to it all and am excited can you tell?
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God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
Welcome to the family of MIP. I'm so glad you found alanon. It can make such a difference in one's life, as you are finding out. Putting ourselves first is difficult in the beginning, but like so many things it gets easier with practice. Keep practicing and keep coming back.
Your posts have in inspired me to give Al-Anon meetings another try. I thought for so long that with individual counseling, reading and meditation was enough. However, I'm finding it is not. I need others around me who understand. I need the human touch and voice.
I'm so happy for you that you've found the path to recovery; you have mustered the strength to walk away from a situation that wasn't healthy. What you did took me 36 years to do.
Tomorrow evening, I will go back to a meeting place that I tried "only once" this past summer. Back then, I told myself that I was far beyond what the program had to offer. (All you veterans stop chuckling ). I've always had this idea that those in Al-Anon got together to "whine" about their lives. I've a hunch that I'm mistaken. I'll go check it out for myself.
Thank you for your share; I hope it inspires others, too.
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You have to go through the darkness to truly know the light. Lama Surya Das
Resentment is like taking poison & waiting for the other person to die. Malachy McCourt
). I've always had this idea that those in Al-Anon got together to "whine" about their lives. I've a hunch that I'm mistaken. I'll go check it out for myself.