In summary the daily reader talks about the First step and admitting we are powerless over our alcoholics. For me this is so true having been raised by them and marrying them, I tried to control, manage and enable them all. I wanted them to change and tried with all my might, but ended up a miserable and sad mess. My life had become unmanageable and try with all my resistance and might I didn't know what else to try, because I had tried it all. I thought I was very powerful to be handling all I did, but it was too much for too long. By the time I found al-anon 4 years ago I was so tired and frustrated with myself, my A's and just the life I was living. In finding al-anon, my sponsor in my face to face meetings and doing the reading I was truly humbled. I was so happy to stop the enabling and detach and to hand things over to God. It was too much of a burden and I needed the steps and tools to find a better and simpler way. My new found perspective helps me to breath and be relaxed, not having to think ahead of when the next shoe drops, because I am here taking care of me in this moment. I am no longer reactionary or manipulative. I refuse to walk on eggshells for people and if they are irritable or trying to start a fight I know how to remove myself from unacceptable behavior. I no longer have to cope with my A's alone, and am grateful for all my resources including MIP.

The closing quote talks about being stubborn and getting in our own way, which I have in so many ways. But now I accept help from the old timers and have humbled myself and boy is the serenity that comes with it worth it! Keep coming back, it work if you work it and you are worth it!

Last night at my home meeting we discussed this and how over time just showing up can make major changes in the mind, thus changing our perspective, changes our lives to so much more manageable bites in the moment. I have learned to stop out thinking people and better use my energy. Thanks everyone for all the ESH and al-anon tools passed on here!