I Am Grateful

Hi Guys, Just checking in again. I am a grateful alcoholic that I am still sober since December 19th. I am still in awe that I can admit that I am an alcoholic after not having a problem for 50 years prior to WLS! Such is this life and it is what it is. AA has taught me so many lessons that also apply to food addictions. I can only take one day at a time. I have learned to give up trying to control my addiction to food and to alcohol. Trying to maintain controlled drinking or controlled eating only made the tasks more difficult. My life truely became unmanagable and I was powerless over drink and food. Once I relinquished that control to a higher power, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I now only concentrate on today. I don't plan my meals; I simply try to eat until full, eat only a small sample of decidant sweets or chips and ask myself if I am truely hungry. If not, I try to sit with my anxious feelings and ask my higher power to help me. Holding my dogs on my lap helps so much. Reading a devotional or motivational message helps. But I will not let alcohol or food kill me. Not anymore. Letting go of control of OTHER people's relationships has been very freeing, too. I used to always try to control or fix the relationships between my father and my brother, or my husband and my daughter, and I realized that it really is none of my business. It is their issue to work out. If it deals directly with me, I now try to ask the questions I need answered and LISTEN to the answers and try to understand how the other person feels. Even if they have hurt me. Putting it all on the table and agreeing to disagree can be the best thing to do. Forgiveness takes time but it is the only way to get rid of the stress that anger creates. Okay, enough of me on my soap box! I am just so much more at peace with myself and feel so much better that I just had to share. Thanks for listening and supporting me! Hugs, Karen

Hugs to you, Karen. I am so glad you are in a good place. One day at a time. M.

YOu sound so good Karen!! I am glad you are doing so well.You are a fighter & that is why this board is so good we are all fighters. Hang tough!!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Hi Karen I have long believed that whether you are using the 12 steps for an addiction or not, they are a valid creed for life for anyone! Best wishes on your sobriety and your continuing journey. Hugs, Mo

Hi Karen, I'm amazed at your strength in facing your problems and willingness to share your struggles. You are an inspiration to all of us . Stay strong and please continue to share your story with us. Mike

HI Karen I found out last night I have more to deal with about my Mom's condition, then I first thought. Her Doc says she is an Alcoholic & is dealing with the let down of not having any in her system for 48 hours. She started getting the shakes last night & I have no clue how much she has been drinking, but apparently more than I had known about. Her Doc had to give her some meds last night to calm her down. She was trying to cause harm to herself & everyone around her. Your road of sobriety had helped me get a little perspective on what she may have to deal with. Thanks for your kind words Marilyn, the Bearlady

Hi Marilyn, I just read your post about your mother's alcoholism (after I just posted a response to your thread on her condition). The alcoholism explains a lot. Be very grateful she is drying out in the hospital and not at home. They can medicate her as she goes through the DT's and withdrawal. You may have to admit her to a rehab facility, which would be the BEST thing you can do for her after she recovers from her flu/bug thingy. Don't let her go home first! She will be halfway there after withdrawing at the hospital. A rehab facility can deal with her denial, anger and acceptance issues that she is, in fact, an alcoholic. Clean her house out of all alcohol and pain medications. Check in unlikely places like her bedroom closets, dresser drawers, suitcases, furnace room, coat pockets, etc. for bottles. She may have hidden them knowing you were coming. I know this is a really hard road for you, too, but you can do it. My brother died an alcoholic three years after becoming sober, but it was too late. I had to do many things he hated, for his own good. Eventually, he took control of his sobriety. You may want to attend an Alanon meeting in your area. Just Google Alcoholics Anonymous and find a meeting in your area. It may save your sanity and definately give you great support and tips in how to best deal with your situation. Please keep me posted and let me know if I can help you in any way. You can email me on this site or directly at [email protected] . May God be with you on this difficult journey, Karen

Karen I am so glad for you! 12 steps are never easy but are always there! You are an inspiration! Take pride in yourself you are doing it! nic