“Why can’t you just flush the toilet? (This still kind of bothers me, but I mostly just flush and hope that once they move out of the house, they will have picked up this important life skill.)”
This made me laugh! I have many of these with my kids. But it truly speaks to how we can lighten our reaction to these “disturbances” because, does this really warrant a rant on our kids?
Such a beautiful essay, Josh. And so, so familiar - both when I reflect on my own path with drinking and sobriety and as I think back to my parents, and how they were unwilling and/or lacked the capacity to offer my sisters and me what you’re offering your girls.
I also love what you mention about quick repairs - that has been such a gift of sobriety for me, and has had a transformative impact on my relationship with my partner. Wow, is marriage better and more easeful this way!
Yes, that repair thing really is a game changer. And I’m leaning in to give myself grace that I’m giving our girls as much of me as I can in the best way I can. Thanks, Dana.
Good for you on choosing yourself and this life without alcohol. Thank you for reading and sharing. I’m always glad to hear I’m not alone, and comments like this remind me we’re in this together.
“Why can’t you just flush the toilet? (This still kind of bothers me, but I mostly just flush and hope that once they move out of the house, they will have picked up this important life skill.)”
This made me laugh! I have many of these with my kids. But it truly speaks to how we can lighten our reaction to these “disturbances” because, does this really warrant a rant on our kids?
🤣 I just cross my fingers and hope they flush outside the home…Definitely wouldn’t have been my reaction back in the boozing days.
What. He. Said.
Great read! I was the “functioning” husband, Dad & breadwinner for years but rarely was I truly present.
Thank you. It’s funny that I thought I was “present” all those years and I guess I was in body, but not much more.
Such a beautiful essay, Josh. And so, so familiar - both when I reflect on my own path with drinking and sobriety and as I think back to my parents, and how they were unwilling and/or lacked the capacity to offer my sisters and me what you’re offering your girls.
I also love what you mention about quick repairs - that has been such a gift of sobriety for me, and has had a transformative impact on my relationship with my partner. Wow, is marriage better and more easeful this way!
Yes, that repair thing really is a game changer. And I’m leaning in to give myself grace that I’m giving our girls as much of me as I can in the best way I can. Thanks, Dana.
I'm farther in my life path, but about in the same place as far as time without drinking. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences.
Good for you on choosing yourself and this life without alcohol. Thank you for reading and sharing. I’m always glad to hear I’m not alone, and comments like this remind me we’re in this together.