Kathleen S., Author at Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families

Grape Hyacinths

by Kathleen S. | Jul 15, 2024 | ComLine, Voices of Recovery

When my father sold the family home after her death I found the rusty trowel in the garage, duga few from the front yard and dropped them into a plastic bag. We lived on Willow Drive back then and when I openly wished for a willow tree for the front yard I only heard...

Restored to Feeling

by Kathleen S. | Nov 15, 2023 | ACA Toolbox, ComLine

Step Two is an action statement. When feelings do not exist: “We do not miss what we do not know is possible”, a member commented. Do “blanked out” states—lack of interest or desire—suggest that conditions diagnosed as depression or mood disorders may point to...

I AM POWERLESS

by Kathleen S. | Nov 1, 2023 | Voices of Recovery

Here’s an exercise that unifies all the Steps from Step One through Step Seven. It takes just a few minutes to sum up the gradual progress we have made, spiritually, in recovery. Check how it feels, in the centered place where our ribs come together to form a...

STEP FIVE IS STAYING REAL

by Kathleen S. | Oct 15, 2023 | Voices of Recovery

Honest and fearless is a way free from shame. Domestic life for predators. In life—including in recovery—security is a “first thing first”. We remember that the word “domestic” means “in the home.” Home is where we feel safe. We need a nest—a den—a place secure where...

Feelings Lead; Thoughts Describe

by Kathleen S. | Oct 1, 2023 | Voices of Recovery

“I don’t belong here!” is a statement of how it feels to be wherever it is I have checked in with myself. Psychologists may call this state of mind “alienation” or “dissociative.” They use words to describe sensations that are not themselves captured in the words....