Author Topic: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?  (Read 22707 times)

reallyME

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #60 on: September 15, 2006, 06:55:08 PM »
I CONGRATULATE YOU ON A GREAT CHOICE, KELLY!

You are taking back control of your own life and identity!  way to GO!

Al-Anon is a wonderful step for you too!  I did the Codep Anonymous years ago for the people addiction I used to have.  It helps MUCH!

Blessya,

Laura

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #61 on: September 15, 2006, 07:09:21 PM »
Well, as far as what I am going to say?  It depends.  If it is tonight, I'll say "there's the door."  If it is tomorrow, he'll apologize.
Kelly

"The Best Way Out is Through........and try laughing at yourself"

Plucky

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #62 on: September 15, 2006, 09:28:40 PM »
Well Kelly,
sounds like you know just what to expect!  I think you have a powerful personality and you will get through this and be so dynamic!
I will be here along with everyone else with you for support on your journey.

I heard a great saying which was attributed to Winston Churchill.  "When you're going through hell, keep going."
Plucky

Certain Hope

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #63 on: September 15, 2006, 09:30:53 PM »
(((((((Kelly)))))))

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you and your family the very best.

Love,
Hope

Brigid

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #64 on: September 15, 2006, 11:31:26 PM »
Kelly,
I'm sorry for what is happening.  Good for you to reach out to Al-Anon.  I'm sure that will prove to be a great help.  Children generally do see and hear what is going on despite our best efforts to hide it.  Many blessings as you move through this next phase and take back control.

(((((((((Kelly))))))))))))

Brigid

Gaining Strength

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #65 on: September 15, 2006, 11:40:51 PM »
((((((((((Kelly))))))))))

My heart is with you - whatever choices you make. 

An old Al-anon saying - "Keep coming back!"  One of the nice things about Voicelessness is the meeting is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week - everytime you need it.  Take care - GS

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #66 on: September 16, 2006, 11:04:11 AM »
Funny.  I went to the therapist to help with my mother.  And even though I minimized the importance of what he said, it made quite an impact on me.  So the "champion the inner child" made a leap from my mother to my husband.  When I got home yesterday (he was off all day and was working on building a fence.......) and he was drunk off his butt.  When I told him I was going to Al-anon he started threatening me about leaving me.  Then today he said "did I say something I am going to regret?"  I said yes.  He is trying to hug me, etc.  I told him I was through.  No more drinking.  No more blah blah blah (drunken rage rant)

So, tomorrow I plan to go to my first Al-anon meeting.  He told me he is going to quit drinking - we'll see (remember THAT thread??) 

Bad thing is, I am going to go watch the football game at my parents with several people.  I invited husband but he won't go.  That's part of our problem, too.  We don't do anything as a couple unless we are with his friends/
Kelly

"The Best Way Out is Through........and try laughing at yourself"

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #67 on: September 16, 2006, 11:22:00 AM »
Boy, I am so jumpy.  I heard the door open up and I sent that last post before I was done.  I was afraid my husband was going to "catch" me online airing our dirty laundry!! :shock:  Isn't that stupid??  If I am afraid, what does that mean???

I told him that I told both of my girls that he is a drunk.  He said, "Why did you do that?"  And I told him because I wasn't going to hide his alcoholism anymore.  I was going to tell everyone that he hides in the garage or in the shed so he can drink.  We have a real nice deck with a cement patio under it.  Wooded lot.  It would be a great place to sit and have a beer.  But it is not about having a beer.  It is about getting drunk.  So I believe there is a huge difference.  I like a couple beers.  A glass of wine, but the thought of getting drunk is so 20 years ago - momentary lapses sometimes................but I catch myself and stop.
Kelly

"The Best Way Out is Through........and try laughing at yourself"

Gaining Strength

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #68 on: September 16, 2006, 05:01:05 PM »
Quote
Isn't that stupid??  If I am afraid, what does that mean???

That's not stupid.  Not at all.  It means that you are not safe! It means you are not free to honor your own needs.  Your marriage is not just about him, it is about you as well.  You can't address your needs in a troubled marriage without discussing your husband.  When my husband was drinking he blamed me.  I knew his drinking was his responsibility but he was very angry if he "caught" me talking to anyone about it.  He was not at all happy when I went to an Al-anon meeting.  He refused to quit drinking and within 7 months of an intervention that went no where - he died.  I get why you are scared.  This is seroiius stuff.  My heart is with you and I send you courage for whatever decision you make.  Take courage.  your friend - Gaining Strength

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #69 on: September 16, 2006, 06:10:33 PM »

Thank you!!  He is totally irrational and I was walking on eggshells last night, tip toeing around, having my kids close by so he couldn't lambast me.  Today he is avoiding the subject and as far as I can tell, he hasn't drank anything today.  He says he wants to go to church tomorrow - problem is we go once and then the next week he always has an excuse for not going.  So we go as a couple about once every six weeks.  I go about every other week.  I hop between my mom's church and ours.  I like ours better but I don't know a lot of people and when he is not with me a feel all alone.  Well, my church is the one with the Al-anon meeting so I am looking forward to making that trip and joining other people who are in the same boat.  I am sure my husband is freaked a bit because if anyone knows me, then they will figure out that he's an alchy....

Well, he made his bed..........I have been with him almost five years and he has had hills and valleys.  Most of the time he's a weekend drunk - including Thursdays...

On another note, I was talking to my mom today and she illuded to talking to a man who had just sold his business................that is good news.  That means she is looking into selling...........I hope and pray she sells.  I think the guy who buys it will probably hire me back......might get paid a bit less and have to work a bit more, but it will be worth it to work for someone who knows my value and allows me to do a great job!!!

And GS, how did your h die?  Was it alcohol related???





Kelly

"The Best Way Out is Through........and try laughing at yourself"

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #70 on: September 17, 2006, 12:06:35 AM »
Quote
And GS, how did your h die?  Was it alcohol related???

Not directly, but had his friends been able to talk him into treatment I feel certain that he could be alive today.  He had a heart attack.  Drinking was not his only problem he also had bulimia but he was completely secretive about this.  It was a complicating factor in his life and his death.  The craziness that is often related to addiction is what fractures the family in pieces and the spouse often feels crazy scrambling to pick up all the fragments to try to piece together.  (I actually think the craziness is not addiction related but is from the broken humanity and the craziness usually lead to addiction but that is immaterial here.)

Keep an image in your mind of this man buying your business and hiring you back.  Hold this image for 5 minutes several times each day and believe in this image.  I'll be glad when you are out from under your mother.  What remarkable progress you are making.  All because you opened your heart to healing.  Keep that in mind.  Things are changing because you have opened your heart.  Trust that the healing has been set in motion.  It will be a frightening period at times but trust that you are on your way.  Do not get detered from this belief.  Your confidence in this will help guide you through the darkness.

Your friend - Gaining Strength

gratitude28

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #71 on: September 17, 2006, 09:00:24 PM »
((((((((((((((((((((((((KELLY)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. AND SO PROUD OF YOU.

I don't usually shout, but you made such a huge step!!!! Your husband needs to take responsibility for his drinking... whether he quits or not. I doubt he will be able to do it on his own. Maybe once he sees that you are enjoying Al Anon, he will think about trying AA for himself. Drinking is a VERY selfish disease, and it takes us a while to see how selfish we were/are.

You are wonderful Kelly! And you are making soooooooo much progress.
Please keep posting!!! You made my day.
Love, Beth
"There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable." Douglas Adams

Hopalong

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #72 on: September 18, 2006, 01:38:02 AM »
Kelly, woman, my Lord, what a determined person can do in one week.
I am AWED.

I know you're scared but I just want to say:
I am SO glad you cried at the counselor's. And he sounds sane and okay. Hope you'll keep going.
I am SO glad you named reality with your H. You have just opened your shared cell door and you are going through. Up to him whether he comes too.

Please expect good days and rough days and don't forget we are here through them.

I am so awed you're going to Al-Anon. One key I've heard is please, please, go six times before deciding whether it's for you.

A last thougt: your church is YOURS. Maybe you can find a group to open up to there, some safe people.

Sending love and courage...
Hops
"That'll do, pig, that'll do."

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #73 on: September 18, 2006, 06:11:18 AM »
Boy oh boy, you guys!!  Thanks for all the support.  I wouldn't be walking through this tough journey without it.

Went to my first Al-Anon meeting at MY church last night.  It was great!  I don't have that anonymity stuff very good, however.  The other people were saying things like "my alcoholic" and I was saying "my husband."  My voice cracked but I didn't cry until another new gal burst into tears.

These people were very supportive.  I loved it.  My h wasn't too happy, however.  He asked me when I was going to divorce court.  I told him that if he continues this way, I will go to the divorce court.

So, things are looking up.

At church yesterday the pastor preached on keeping our bodies healthy.  This is another thing I need to work on.  When I am stressed (and that is a lot) I eat.  So I am 50 pounds overweight.  Was about 20 but in the past five years I've added another 30!!  Even my h told me I eat too much (yesterday - he was trying to deflect the conversation from HIS drinking........)

So I have joined WW and I bought one of those monthly passes - and now I just need to follow the program!
Kelly

"The Best Way Out is Through........and try laughing at yourself"

Brigid

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Re: Is Guilt an Appropriate Feeling?
« Reply #74 on: September 18, 2006, 09:12:07 AM »
Kelly,
Wow, you are taking some serious control of your life.  Congratulations!  I'm glad to hear that the Al-Anon meeting went well and you found support.  I'm sure it gets easier after a time.  Your h will have to find his own way and decide if he wants to be included in yours.  WW is great too.  A wonderful program with the best success rate.  I wish you all the best.

Hugs,

Brigid