Step number three is let go of your FEAR:
Again, I know, this is like asking for a miracle. I can hear what you are thinking because I’m psychic.
But, what if something happens to him/her And I’m Not There? What if he/she needs a ride somewhere? You know important shit like--What will he/she eat? Where—OMG—will he/she sleep-- If I’m NOT THERE? My son spent plenty of nights sleeping on the beach, under a tree, on a chair, or on the floor of some garage. And I in all my magical godlike powers was right there with him—WORRYING! Funny in retrospect, that doesn’t sound too godlike does it?
You can’t live their lives for them and you shouldn’t even try! I remember how I was at that age—you couldn’t tell me anything. I had to learn it for myself. What made me think that my child was any different?
LETTING GO OF YOUR FEAR will set you free. It will un-stick you, remove the paralysis that threatens to take you down and swallow you like quicksand.
I know that when I do something positive instead of worrying, like going to a meeting, for a walk, taking a yoga class, or volunteering, will help. Taking that first step, finding people in the same situation as yourself, and getting out there will take you out of your self-imposed isolation. It will restore you to sanity.
My take—on Al-Anon’s Courage to Change © 1992
I am proud of the fact that I am a survivor. I've experienced many struggles in order to arrive exactly where I am today. Today I know that I am much MORE than my troubles. I am a human being with dignity. I have a wealth of knowledge that I can share with others who are going through similar difficulties. I needn’t FEAR the challenges of the future. I know that I am a stronger person as a result of what I have been through. I am ready to pass it forward.
“When it gets dark enough, you can see the stars.”~ Charles A. Beard