When I first found Al-anon over a year ago I was a mess, but thought I had the answers for everyone else (distraction) and I told a few people they should go to Al-anon since I had found it to really help me. I have since learned not to should on people, because I could be pushing them away. I look for opportunities and only offer information if asked or led to gently. I have a new best friend since I joined Al-anon since I joined most my unhealthy friends have become more like aquintances. My new best friend won't go to Al-anon in the small town we go to and so I give her ESH when she asks and she has been very happy to get literature from me. I pass on the information to people who ask me or seem to want my ESH, but no longer push advice on people.

I use my tools in work relationships and set boundaries with people right away especially to let them know I will not gossip and I am a private person. I can still be easily frustrated and wish I was more relaxed, but I have come a long way and I know it is about progress and not perfection. Changes are occuring in every aspect of my life, because I have the courage to change the things I can and better my life for my kids and I.

I used to keep doing everything I could for everyone and always put myself on the back burner. I was miserable and chaotic. I didn't know I could say no to people and I was a mess. Now I listen to my voice within and give myself enough rest, love, exercise. I take better care of myself in every way Spiritually, physically, emotionally and I am better for it. When I need to slow down I do it, when I need a meeting I get to it, when I need a bath I take it and relax, when I need a friend I call my sponsor. I feel like a new person and I am moving and starting a new life with my HP whom I call God leading the way. I am confident, stable, focused and fun. I still have my moments, but I now accept my humanness since I am human!

My recovery has helped me to get my head on straight and to live in the moment and accept everyone around me right where they are at knowing they are doing the best that they can. I now see my life as a journey and not a race to a destination. I let go of my expectations of others and dettached from my A's. My sponsor, MIP and meetings have been priceless in my growth!

I have gone to church and had organized religion in my life the last few years which it took me awhile to come to since I rebel at first against most things naturally. Spiritually I have awakened and feel a different sense of God in my life, one that works in me and through me and gives me what I need, when I can't do things on my own or have the right words to share. I have also grown Spiritually in knowing others have to find their own HP and it is for them to define and may be different than mine and I don't judge it, just happy they have it!

I have found myself to be a wonderful person, Mom, friend, employee and child of God. I do my best everyday to be the best person I can be and at times I make mistakes and I am accountable and move through them and get over them all in the name of growth. I do not feel like a victim of my life any longer. I feel like a strong determined woman, who has a good head on her shoulders and I am striving to live this life to the fullest and best of my ability! I am finding time for enjoyment and laughing more and will never live my life walking on egg shells and afraid to believe in myself. I have faced my fears and defects and came out better for it all. I am a hard worker and dependable and have so much hope for my future knowing what I know now after diving into Al-anon and the steps with my sponsor over this last year! I am a forever grateful member of Al-anon and am a great example of what it can do for you and your life! I am a different person with a positive attitude about life and that makes all the difference!