Thursday's Thirteen....

Today, in her blog, my sister shared her thirteen thoughts as she sat through her first Alanon meeting.

In a similar vein, I would like to share thirteen things that I learned growing up in our alcoholic family.

I believe that most of the behaviors listed below are experienced by nearly every (adult) child who has lived in a home damaged by alcoholism.

If you recognize yourself in this list, might I suggest to you that there is another way? It is possible to heal the deep wounds inflicted by our alcoholic parent(s). It is possible to change, to be healthy and whole.

I know this because with God's help, and with the help of other loving women, I myself, am living and loving my way to wholeness.

Contact your local Alanon office. If there is an ACOA group in your area, contact them. Failing that, contact a therapist familiar with the issues of ACOA's. Or do all of the above.

The point is, help is available. Get help.

You are worth it!

Thirteen Things erroneous ways of being I learned growing up in an alcoholic home.or...Thirteen reasons why alcoholism is called the "gift that keeps on giving". 1…. Feelings are bad. 2.... I am bad. I am no good. I am worthless. 3.... Don't trust others or myself. 4.... If I make a mistake, I am a mistake. 5.... Promises mean nothing and chaos is normal. 6.... Don't rock the boat, or you will get the shit kicked out of you. 7.... Doing things perfectly is the only way to protect myself. 8.... Denial is a good thing. (Example: My childhood was/is normal.) 9.... Physical and emotional abandonment happens to me because I am damaged goods, unworthy, worthless. 10... No one will ever love me. 11... Love isn't real anyway. 12... Negative self talk is normal, affirming and loving. 13... It is normal to subordinate my own wishes, needs and desires to accomodate everyone else. (Can anyone say, "co-dependency"?)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants