lillamy

I spent more than my allotted time with my counselor yesterday.
At the end of it, she said:

"You have to understand that for someone to get through what you did -- living with an addict, finding the strenght to get away from that toxic relationship, and moving on with your life -- that makes you incredibly strong and capable. Don't ever doubt that. It's one of those things you should be able to look back on as a diploma from the School of Hard Knocks. You graduated with honors, and whatever else life throws you, whenever you feel down -- just think of the mountain you've already climbed."

I'm not sharing that to brag -- just to share with everyone else who's left and who feels exhausted and spent. We just summited Mt. Everest. We should be tired. But also proud of our accomplishment.

And for those who are still in relationships with addicts -- don't see this as putting you down, please. I spent 20 years unable to leave. Had my AXH chosen recovery 10 years ago, there's a chance we'd still be together. You climb the mountain when you're ready. Or the mountain moves out of your way.

But I'd still recommend mountaineering training: Al-Anon.

Tuffgirl

This is awesome, lillamy! And I agree - I look back and feel a sense of courage that I took the leap of faith anyway, even though it didn't work out. And when I knew it wasn't working out, I was able to take another leap of faith in myself to fix it. It is a very empowering feeling to know I can handle classes in the School of Hard Knocks.

Thanks for sharing!
~T

m1k3

To be honest I think we all have advanced degrees from that school.



Your friend,

GettingBy

OH Lillamy... I needed to read that so badly today. I was just having one of my "I'm so freakin' exhausted... when does this get easier!" temper tantrums!!!

I'm so tired... and as you put it, rightfully so. I've climbed a mountain and am now trudgin' my way down the single parent road... which of course, is even more complicated by trying to handle the sporatic co-parenting attempts from my XAH.

mrsbrownie

so much for sharing this.

peace and hugs to you.

lillamy

GettingBy, that's where I was at walking in there yesterday, too.
Someone said to me the other day that it doesn't get easier, but you get stronger.
I'm hanging my hat on that one...

theuncertainty

Thank you, oh, thank you for sharing this.

LuvMySis

Thank you, and good job, Lillamy.

SoaringSpirits

Thank you so much for posting this!!!

OpeningMyEyes

Thank you I sooo needed to read that. It gives me hope.

Learn2Live