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.
It was about five years ago that I first visited this board and it was a lifesaver for me. I found that in devoting all my time and energy to my then husband/addict I had no one else to talk to. This board gave me a place to come and share and learn that I wasn't alone, that everyone's story was almost the same as mine and that things that I had come to accept were completely irrational. I made friends here I still keep in touch with today. Over the years I have learned that I may attract addicts and others with issues of various sorts but in the end it all comes down to what I choose to tolerate and how I choose to react to others behavior. I recently finished my master's degree in counseling and am in the process of being licensed. I firmly believe that stopping trying to run others' lives and starting to live my own is the best thing I ever did. Allowing someone else to live by their own rules and work through their own consequences is the greatest gift you can give them. I use this with my children as well. We had very rough times but we are all still alive and striving to be the best we can be. I just wanted to share this hope that things DO get better. The pain seemed intolerable in the beginning and there have been other times since that the other pains were overwhelming but I am still here, moving ahead and enjoying my life. I feel this is in no small part due to my change in perspective and attitude which started with this board.
Aloha CG...great to hear from you again...in the process of getting licensed!! Yay for you. That brings back memories for me; some very funny as I went from enabler to counselor myself with my sponsor looking over my shoulder holding the light and the traditions and the good lessons on letting go and letting God and "helping" others to learn to be responsible for their choices and consequences...just as you have mentioned here.
I wish you good fortune...oh and your clients too!! LOL. (((((hugs)))))
I'm not here too often anymore either, and when I just saw your name it made me happy. We were new here together and shed many tears! How far we have come! I have often wondered how you are. I'm better too, and learning the lessons of allowing everyone to live their own life, including myself, and feeling the freedom that comes with it. Not easy, but certainly worth it.
Congratulations on getting your Masters Degree. You are one of the miracles this program professes to produce. I hope you continue to come back and to share to others, for you have so much to give!
Thank you! So happy for you!
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~
CONGRATS on the New Degree... I Very Much Remember your journey here as well & i remember the struggling with school & Kids & addicts, & I am So Grateful You Charged thru, and instead of says "Why Me! You in turn replied "Try Me!" You have given Inspiration to many...And Continue too, and I think it is Truly Wonderful that HP's Will for You Kept you Strong...
So Glad to See your Name on the board today... :) In this Program Growth Can be Tough, But it Proves Everytime to be Very Worth It... Way to Work it ;)
