Did alcoholism erase you? How did you find yourself in recovery? Who are you? What do you want? Do you know now?
- In what ways did I lose myself “before program”?
- Focus on the alcoholic
- Taking care of others before myself
- Belief that others must participate in everything — I can’t do something if my partner doesn’t want to.
- Isolation and withdrawal from life / activities
- Expectation that my loved ones would read my mind
- Expecting others to make me happy
- What messages did I first hear in Al-Anon that started me to rediscovering myself?
- Take care of myself.
- Detachment with love.
- It’s ok to ask for what I want.
- What have I found out about myself in recovery?
- Things I like (to do).
- Things I don’t like that I thought I had to like because others like them.
- New insights into my character
- New things that I never thought I would like
- What did I forget about myself that I have rediscovered?
Upcoming topics include choices and sadness. We will also explore the statement “Courage and fellowship will replace fear. We will be able to risk failure to develop new hidden talents.” to see how it has come true for us. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.
Music from the show
Talking Heads – Once in a Lifetime
Sara Bareilles – Brave
Rachel Platten – Fight Song
I absolutely loved this episode. I am new to Al-Anon and found your podcast and have really been enjoying it. This episode was extra special to me because all of Carrie’s shares were like listening to my brain talk. I am a mom with young kids and completely relate to it being too hard to leave them at the gym daycare, have thought same about putting the oxygen mask on them first and have struggled with seeking work outside the home. I am finally starting to rediscover what I like/want/need outside our family. Finding Al Anon has taught me that the path to serenity is by focusing on ME- which was so foreign because I’ve been trying so hard to put my needs last for many years. I think that dovetails into having the feeling that my life had become unmanageable because by not having my own needs/wants addressed, everyone else’s problems and issues become “mine” even when they are not mine. My husband hates mushrooms too and I love them too! I have done the same thing- always making what I know he will eat because it was easier than having to hear him complain, but I am happy to report that I am finally starting to eat mushrooms again as well 🙂
I heard the first half of this episode on my way home from work and it inspired me to pack my two kids up and take them to the beach for the day the next day. Ordinarily I’d tell myself it was too hard even though I absolutely love the beach and used to go all the time when I was single/before kids, and so I decided to take them even though it would be extra work and a little stressful. It was both of those things but it was also wonderful and just what I needed. Thank you for this episode- it really meant a lot to me.
Finally, I just want to say that I have been to several AA celebration meetings and always leave them feeling so inspired. I often say to my husband- everyone should have AA support! It’s too bad you have to be an alcoholic. Well I didn’t know that it already existed in Al Anon. I’m so glad I found it and your podcast.