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I’ve been thinking a lot about risk lately. Just the word used to cause a shudder in my body from head to toe. Risk. I knew I needed to take it when growing up in my family if I was going to change anything. You see my father was an alcoholic. All the dysfunction you might imagine came with it. Rage, violence–verbal and physical intimidation–the codependent mother trying to keep the peace, and my sister and I, left to carve ...
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THREE GUILTY FEELINGS WHEN TRYING TO BECOME INDEPENDENT
There are several memories that flash through my head when I remember moments that I disappointed my family. I don’t know why I hold onto them so tightly. Are these the things that keep us wound up?
It’s harder to forgive myself than it is to forgive others.
My grandmother was dying. I didn’t know it, but she was. Her last few months of life were spent at my parents’ house. She ...
Continue Reading →HOW I STAYED DETACHED FROM DAD’S ALCOHOLISM
What are the adventures we create to enter an alternate world of joy, love, and a healthy family when we are only children?
For me, it was making friends, real and imaginary.
My neighbor was my best friend. I hopped the fence to play at her house any time I could. She was real. Her parents knew about my dad, but never talked about it. They saw him passed out ...
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Transition. It’s a word that can strike fear in all ages, and both sexes. When we’re young, it can mean facing the decision of an adult. When in our early 20’s, it can mean embracing a more mature life and making serious career or relationship choices.
Women of transition — what does this mean? It begins at 35 or so, when that first lip line or wrinkle or sag in the eyelid becomes noticeable. But beyond the ...
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Nicky Young is a child of alcoholism who doesn’t know how to have deep relationships. She has friends, she’s paved her way to college, and will escape her nightmare soon, but opening herself to be vulnerable and truly feel and reach for intimacy . . . she has no clue. She often uses her journals to write poetry. This is one of her poems.will escape her nightmare soon, but opening herself to be vulnerable and truly feel and reach ...
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