Dear Friends:
The insights & benefits of sobriety continue to pile up as the alcoholic fog clears. I wanted to share one w/all of you. I grew up during the "children-should-be-seen-&-not-heard" era. I learned to assert myself as I grew older, but it does not come naturally to me. When I started to really drink heavily (during the last 3 - 5 years), I totally lost my ability to speak up for myself. If I was drinking, I was afraid I'd be slurring &/or incoherent. If I was between drinking bouts, I was guilt-ridden & ashamed. I'm gradually getting my voice (& life) back:
-I've had a calm discussion w/hubby about the unequal division of work here at home. I do more than my share.
-I've reached out to friends that fell away during the drinking years.
-I've taken charge of my car & have been driving everywhere. (Hubby's not terribly comfortable in the passenger seat...he's used to being in charge.)
These might seem like small changes, but they are important to me in terms of living the life I want to live. I'm able to speak up & out when I feel it's appropriate. I don't have to keep quiet.
Doggie Girl & Cindi, I've always admired spunky women (which I think you both are). I'm sort of introspective by nature; however, I've found my voice (in my own way).
Thanks everyone, Mary
The insights & benefits of sobriety continue to pile up as the alcoholic fog clears. I wanted to share one w/all of you. I grew up during the "children-should-be-seen-&-not-heard" era. I learned to assert myself as I grew older, but it does not come naturally to me. When I started to really drink heavily (during the last 3 - 5 years), I totally lost my ability to speak up for myself. If I was drinking, I was afraid I'd be slurring &/or incoherent. If I was between drinking bouts, I was guilt-ridden & ashamed. I'm gradually getting my voice (& life) back:
-I've had a calm discussion w/hubby about the unequal division of work here at home. I do more than my share.
-I've reached out to friends that fell away during the drinking years.
-I've taken charge of my car & have been driving everywhere. (Hubby's not terribly comfortable in the passenger seat...he's used to being in charge.)
These might seem like small changes, but they are important to me in terms of living the life I want to live. I'm able to speak up & out when I feel it's appropriate. I don't have to keep quiet.
Doggie Girl & Cindi, I've always admired spunky women (which I think you both are). I'm sort of introspective by nature; however, I've found my voice (in my own way).
Thanks everyone, Mary
c: :heart:
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