It is important to accept where we are when we love an addict. Self-Care is the most important goal to have – it will help you and it will become better role-modelling for the addict you love. Increasing your Self-Care is truly the best thing you can do for yourself and for everyone around you – a true win-win! … [Read more...] about Accepting “What Is”, Even When It’s Difficult
Self-care
What Do I Need Right Now?
How self-aware emotionally do you allow yourself to be? When you know what you’re feeling, you’ll be more able to give yourself what you need. Ask yourself “Am I hungry / angry / lonely / tired?” and become willing to give yourself a meal or a snack; talk to someone about your anger (or sadness, boredom, fear); arrange a playdate with a friend; or enjoy an exquisite nap. Becoming self-aware of how you’re feeling—and then doing something self-caring about that—can help you feel refreshed and … [Read more...] about What Do I Need Right Now?
What are you role modelling for the addict you love?
When we role model self-care and self-respect, rebuilding our own lives instead of putting everyone else’s needs ahead of our own, the addict in our lives sits up and takes notice. As you begin to experience more joy and satisfaction in your life, different choice by different choice, you open the possibility for your addicted loved one to choose to do the same thing in their life. Is there a better example of a win-win than that? … [Read more...] about What are you role modelling for the addict you love?
The Changing Face of Self-Care
For those of us who grew up in dysfunctional families, practicing holistic self-care and putting our own needs first was fleeting at best. That’s because, as children, so much of our time had to be spent on staying “safe” – and this often meant that we had to focus on making others feel good. As adults, we can shift that today. When we become aware of needing to caretake someone else, we can change direction and begin to focus on ourselves so that WE can feel good. … [Read more...] about The Changing Face of Self-Care
From Fantasy to Reality on Valentine’s Day: Loving Yourself with Healthy Self-Care
Ah, Valentine's Day, the fantasy-filled holiday that comes right after we've managed to get ourselves through another year of Christmas and New Year's Eve! Have you ever wondered whose bright idea it was to have those three holidays in a row? For many people, the 3-month period of December through February can be the most difficult and depressing time of the year, and this is especially true for those whose significant relationships are problematic. For people with addictive behaviours, as well … [Read more...] about From Fantasy to Reality on Valentine’s Day: Loving Yourself with Healthy Self-Care
