What do you do when you lose someone close to you? How can I use the tools we have learned in the program to get through a loss? I was inspired to this topic by a tragic, accidental death in the past week. It brought me to reflect on the nature of loss, on how loss affects me and those close to me, and how my response to loss is so different now than it was before I came into the program. I used this outline as a guide for my musings.

• The story.
• How did I deal with loss in the past?
  • Stuff it
  • Ignore it
  • Numb it
  • Isolate
• Other kinds of loss?
  • Loss of dreams
  • Loss of friendship
    • Separation and divorce
• Fear of Loss
• How has the program helped me to deal with loss?
  • Feel it.
  • Acceptance.
  • Gratitude for what was.
  • Grief process — acknowledge it.
  • Less guilt.
• How to deal with loss and grief
  • Take care of self
  • Prayer
  • Ask for help
  • Talk about it
  • One Day at a Time
  • Letting go

Our topic for next week is how I came to Al-Anon and why I keep coming. On June 22, we will talk about the question “Should I stay or go?” 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

Green Day – Wake Me Up when September Ends

Jimmy Eat World – Hear You Me