Today we’re talking with Al-Anon members about if they ever felt afraid to upset a loved one during the holidays.
“First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery” from Al-Anon Family Groups is a series of podcasts to discuss some common concerns for people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I relate to the experience of walking on eggshells. I used to live every day that way. Today it’s only on occasion. Listening to this podcast after being in Al-Anon for several years is such a gift. It’s given me the opportunity to recognize how far my recovery has come. I’ve learned to keep the focus on myself, on what I can do for my own peace of mind. Thank you for posting and keeping these podcasts on the website. It’s a valuable tool that helps me stay on track. I appreciate the reminder that it’s about “Progress, Not Perfection.”
I hate the person he becomes when he’s drunk with every cell in my body. Then i wish that he will die and i will never ever have to listen to all his insults and horrible language and never have to look at his drunken face ever again.
Thanks
I remember a whole meeting on how to deal with the holidays. The gist of it was to enjoy each day of the preparation, baking, shopping, etc. and don’t put all my expectations of a perfect day into that one day in the future. Good old ODAT! (the Al-Anon book, “One Day at a Time”).
So, as Christmas came and went yesterday, this year was a bit different. I guess I should say a big eye-opener of the severity of this disease. I spent my Christmas trying to help a friend of 25 years understand the distrustful behavior, the constant manipulation, and lies don’t just affect their lives, but the ones around them as well. I think the biggest Christmas gift I received from last night’s show was I finally got it. As painful as the realization was, I’m not responsible for anyone else’s behavior, choices, or recovery. What I am responsible for is learning… Read more »
My daughter is an alcoholic and lives 2000 miles away. I am so sad
as she has recently stopped communicating with me as I declined her
request for money. She has written me vicious emails which I understand is part of the disease, but it still hurts. I looked up the meeting times
and will try and attend next week.
walking on eggshells. yes. this is how I feel.
I was always afraid to upset my husband and ruin the holidays for everyone. It was my responsiblity to make sure everything went well for everyone. I now know that the only person I am responsible for is me. I cannot make anyone happy. I am not responsible for anyone else’s behavior. Thank goodness!