These are definitely updates to go back and read again. I think you will find them continually insightful. I’m just on first coffee this morning. Spent most of the night tossing and turning with relationship questions on my mind. I’d love to go back and comment on each post but instead of playing catch up I’ll try and summarize.
comments re your “Nazi” brother in law – i would have likely retorted that he must be making an appointment to self euthenize seeing as COPD is a chronic and eventually life ending condition. I do have a sharp tongue as well as my very good nature. But, I too know what it is like to deal with relatives that have unsavoury opinions! So I would likely have just bit my tongue to save the peace.
Mcdonalds – yes, it can have that reaction
Your sons – they are your blessings, and children really are true blessings (and a possible means of heartbreak, but worth the risk). If you get the slightest urge to gamble their gift, I would suggest that they not put such large sums at once. Our sobriety is worth the price of a little bit more embarrassment having to ask them to do that.
Family – It sounds as though your family is very fractured. Lots of hurts to heal. Your children as described seem to have a lot of your common sense and insight. All seem to be on a path of self exploration and healing with you. Your children want to be with their siblings and mother at Christmas too? Yours may have to learn to share you.
Pete – Your son moving in and Pete moving out would likely be a breath of fresh air. And between Gordon Moody and a job offer you won’t be home a lot anyway. Positive vibes can’t hurt.
GA and dry gambling – yes dry gambling can be like the whetting of the appetite. Because that’s all it ever did was warm us up for the real thing, or tide us over between binges when the funds ran out. But it’s just a dull copy and won’t satisfy. Just pique the urges. If you choose to go back to GA I would not do the steps right now. I’d hold off til you go to the GM program. If it is a group that allows you to listen and only talk if you want to, then it could be beneficial. In that context I got a lot out of GA. If we wanted when our turn to speak we could just say something like I’m glad to be here tonight instead of out there. Or even say I think I’ll pass tonight. It should not make you feel like you self whipped by the time you leave 🙂
It’s so good to have you back Monica. Stay safe. And enjoy having the freedom of money in the bank again.
Laura