1undone

We have an adopt a family here through the united Way, check into that! Also just have 15 minutes of planned quiet time each day ALONE to recharge!

ReadyAndAble

You're already giving your daughter the greatest gift she'll ever receive.

I'm a single parent, and in no way am I making light of your desire to give her material gifts, because I totally get that. But your recovery is the most valuable thing in the world to her. She may not know it now, but one day she will, and she will be very proud of you.

Threshold

I have been "catching" myself. Now instead of saying "I AM sad"or " I AM angry." I rephrase it (even just in my own head) to "I feel sad" or "I feel angry" because I need to be very clear that I am not my feelings, just as you say, they are things that pass through me.

Threshold

I accept that the situation is leading me to have stressful feelings. I remind myself that using is not the answer, I know this because I've tried it in every size, shape and color and it never fixed anything. So using is immediately off the table. Then I make sure I am addressing the parts of the issue that I CAN address.

By that I mean I do what I can to not make it worse...like I take care of myself, pay the bills I CAN pay, etc. And then I let it go. Having done what I can do, is all I am required to do, then I take the next step doing the right thing for the right reason.

I used to think my feelings were me, and got all "the sky is falling down" over things. A good bit of the time things are not quite the way my feelings make them out to be.

I am going through some stressful situations right now, hands down, not a soul would argue that my situations are not difficult, but...even though there are days I feel like my world is ending, a reality check proves otherwise. That perspective, which I lacked for the majority of my life is one of the gifts of recovery.

Once I get through a thing or two clean, I can't kid myself anymore, I KNOW I can get through something clean...and I can build on that.

LaFemme

The biggest thing I do in stressful situations is remind myself drinking won't actually help anything.

I just found out my dog needs surgery I can't afford. Drinking was an option that I discarded before it even finished forming because I know it doesn't help.

Practice makes it easier. I promise

ACOAHappyNow

It's so true, there is no stress that drinking won't end up making way worse. No problem that won't be made more horrible, by drinking.

I think the key must be, realizing drinking is punishment, not a reward.

DarrenW

Thanks for telling your story. I know you dont feel like this, but you are inspiring. Going to school, working full time, taking care of your child, and realizing you have a problem. This could be the beginning of a great movie. I'll look forward to hearing from you. The greatest gift you can give yourself and your daughter is sobreity and time. Nothing else matters long term. Good luck.

Dominica2

Wow. Lots of great advice and input. Thank you! It helps to know I am not alone. I know I will make it through, just difficult. You guys are awesome.