How do I support my loved one without losing myself?

Let's break it down with three golden nuggets of wisdom:

1. It's Not About You. (Don’t take someone's unhealthy personally)?I know it's tough, (this is the hardest nugget to accept) especially when emotions are running high. But remember, their struggles aren't a reflection of you. It's not your fault. We all have a little voice inside that wants to take on the world's problems, especially if we grew up in challenging environments. But it's essential to separate their journey from yours.?Because we’re social animals, wired for relationships, it’s hard for human beings to detach from the feelings of the people closest to them.
2. You Can't "Fix" Them. Love makes us want to jump in and save the day. But sometimes, the best way to help is to step back. Ask yourself: "Am I helping out of love or fear?" Reflect on past experiences. Did your efforts genuinely help, or did they just provide temporary relief? It's a tough pill to swallow, but understanding this can be a game-changer. This takes a long time to learn. Partly, because fixing others gets mistaken for love and compassion.
3. Be the Calm in Their Storm. (Model healthy behavior)?Instead of getting swept up in their chaos, focus on staying grounded. Ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" It might feel selfish at first, (it’s actually self-full)?especially if you've always put others first. But trust me, taking care of yourself is the best way to support her. Show her what healthy self-care looks like. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup. It means managing our own anxiety and helplessness in the most intelligent way possible. It means shifting our attention from outside to inside, from our struggling loved one to our reaction to that person’s unhealthy.

I'm a family addiction recovery coach and my mission is to foster family resilience and renewal in the challenging landscape of addiction. I am dedicated to providing both evidence-based and experienced-based guidance, unwavering support, and a holistic approach that empowers families to navigate the complexities of addiction together.

My mission is to create a space where families discover their innate strength, break free from stigma, and forge a path towards sustainable healing and growth.

Through compassionate expertise and personalized strategies, I aim to redefine the narrative surrounding addiction, inspiring families to transform adversity into newfound strength and unity.

Call to action: If you're interested in knowing more, let's connect.

Check out my website: www.familyaddictionrecovery.net