Summary: <br> How is acceptance a gift of recovery for me?<br> <br> <br> <br> In March, 2021, I gave a talk at an online conference. I tried to follow this outline.<br> <br> <br> <br> What is acceptance? What is it not? <br> <br> <br> <br> * Not “giving up”* Not saying “this is ok”* Recognizing reality<br> <br> <br> <br> How do I use acceptance?<br> <br> <br> <br> * Not “crying against the night”* Opening possibilities for change.* Doing the “next right thing”* Reduce expectations & resentments<br> <br> <br> <br> Early acceptance: Step 1: Powerless over my loved one’s alcoholism. <br> <br> <br> <br> Recently: accepting my parents’ aging and illness.<br> <br> <br> <br> Dementia: triggering because memory problems reminded me of the active drinking days.<br> <br> <br> <br> Grief: losing the parents I had known for decades (all my life!)<br> <br> <br> <br> Denial: it’s not that bad.<br> <br> <br> <br> Actions:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Wanting them to move into assisted living.* OK, now what?* Learning to enjoy the time I had with the people they were becoming.* Photo albums & videos* Caring for them physically<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Feedback<br> <br> <br> <br> How have you experienced the gift of acceptance? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email <a href="mailto:feedback@therecoveryshow.com">feedback@therecovery.show</a> with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.<br>
