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 haven't had an active alcoholic in my life in a few years. My family and I have broken ties with my addict, thief brother until he goes to rehab and comes out working a program... I am in a healthy relationship, in a successful place in my career... And yet.
I'm sick right now. Physically sick frOm stress and anxiety i can't let go of. I only think "i could lose this. All of this. I am a faIlure all the time".
I read some posts on here tonight (about finding balance and playing "what if not" along with "what if") and it made sense. I wonder, have I left Al-anon too soon? Is my doom and gloom attitude related to the many years with my alcoholics? How do I stop being such an anxious mess?
Anyone's ESH is appreciated.
Thanks :)
I identify with this. I have made huge strides in myself and yet am always aware of the need for more, which I think is ok. Life is a journey, not a destination. But I have days were old stuff smacks me and it takes awhile to shake it off. Yesterday I was struggling with feeling "not enough" and it caught me for the better part of 4 plus hours. I think those old ways don't just drop off and disappear. I think we do have to keep working even if our regular work is once a month vs. daily or weekly or....
Just like the alcoholic relapses, so do we. I have been with alanon as many years as I was married to the alcoholic. 26 years.
You kind of caught me off guard when you asked "did I leave Alanon too soon". We may practice harder at some point and at times maybe not so much. Alanon is always there, it never stops and we shouldnt either. Even if we are not with the Alcoholic anymore.
Alanon is an inner journey, it cant hurt to keep on going.
I know I am a lifer with my Al-anon program, whenever I start doing it on my own things come crashing down. As my 80plus year old sponsor tells me after 40 years in program keep showing up it works. Sending you love and support!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
I am a old timer in Al anon & I know old stuff pops up & new siturations, so I have to really work the program or relapse just like the alcoholic & its seems like there is always a alcoholic in my life one way or another...right now it's my son & both neighbors on both sides of me are substance abusers..
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Icie
"Holding a grudge is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die..."