I was so excited to see you are BACK! I so looked forward to listening to your weekly podcasts. It's funny but I finally felt like I was not alone living with an alcoholic. Whenever I felt down I would turn to listen to you. I finally at the age of 67 came to realize that I cannot change his behavior and that the only thing I can control is my happiness, thanks to you. Yes I am still married but living a life with boundaries. I thank you and with whatever platform you are on I will follow!!!
LOA transformed my life. It was an online program I paid for when I had nowhere else to turn bc no one else understood. I originally got it to stay in the relationship I was in bc I was holding on for dear life. Later through working the program and then also the stay or go...along with detaching with love, my life radically changed. It was an amazing program that helped me learn who I am, what actually was happening and what I actually had control over which was myself. I loved the way it was set up and had shared it with many others I have encountered with loved ones who suffered from addiction. I was sad to see it changed. I am no longer needing LOA so I haven't gotten into the new way it's going on but I truly appreciate how it was when I needed it. It saved my life and I am forever grateful. 💓
Hi Amanda, I truly appreciate the encouraging feedback, and I am so glad you hear you no longer need it. Maybe I should go back to the way it was originally set up? Hummm.... Sending you lots of love xo Michelle
Michelle-Believe it or not your voice is your power. When I decided to stay in my life with addiction as a partner, my moments of sanity and resilience are while listening to your voice, your encouragement, your program, while I drive to take a break from the chaos that keeps appearing. I celebrate with you in my passenger seat as you are talking to me and not judging me as I remember and reflect on your words. Thank you for being the friend that doesn’t judge.
Hi Michelle, I've missed your blog posts, glad to see you are back and looking for guidance. I am happy to oblige with my two cents. My current situation is not living with active addiction but rebuilding myself and a relationship with a partner who is newly recovered and witnessing his struggles and accomplishments as he builds a new life with AA and without self-medicating. I am encouraging painfully slow progress in our relationship, such as: identify and sharing emotions, stating needs in a non threatening way, and building a new partnership financially, and acceptance of our parenting styles. I am working through the painful journey of two steps forward and one step back, trying peel away my co-dependency to determine if he is to be my partner into old age or coming to terms when it may be time to wind it down. Would jump at any support that is offered!
Hi Michelle. First, you helped me save my life, so thank you. That’s not an exaggeration. You helped guide me out of these dark woods and into some sunshine.
My ex-AH (as of yesterday…first time I actually wrote “ex”) is attending these online rehab sessions 3x per week. It sounds like they have a specific topic or two that the leader introduces, and others get to share. So a little like an online Al-Anon meeting without the readings and such.
I wish I lived close enough to you to attend something live. I’d hug you for a long time.
Hi Mary, I loved being your guide back to the sunshine where it's warmer and brighter:) And I would hug you right back. xoxo Michelle P.S. Thank you for the suggestion of online meetups.
Your prior program was very helpful to me because it was interactive and felt personal. Your weekly podcasts gave us opportunity to hear your voice and have our rough raw edges soothed.
AlAnon teachings are great but since “cross talk” and advice are not allowed in the meetings, it doesn’t feel like connection. We spouses of addicts tend to feel isolated and disconnected, and having a forum where we can actually hear from you and talk to each other helps us to find the community and understanding we crave. AlAnon feels like a bunch of people sitting together but not really together, you know?
I really appreciated having the modules to work through and a forum to discuss what we were learning.
Zoom meetings would be a lovely addition.
You might consider having some knowledgeable coaches to help carry the responsibilities and to facilitate some meetings.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to share our input. ❤️
Wendy - I have felt that way AlAnon and other Recovery programs. I like the LOA program because we could"talk about" our experiences, what we were learnng, etc. It was practical AND personal and interactive
I've been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for you to resurface! Welcome back my friend. I joined LOA back in 2014, trying to find an avenue to better manage my marriage to my AH. After 7 years of marriage and two children, we have legally separated for 2 months. I would've never had the courage to let go if it weren't for you. While I am completely at peace with my decision, I would continue to accept any knowledge you have to give. I have young children with my AH (3 & 11 yrs old), so there is a long coparenting road ahead...HELP!
Michelle I can echo everyone else in these comments, you saved my life with your program and podcasts. Your calm loving non judgemental voice in those podcasts is such a God send. You have a real gift and I am in your corner supporting whatever you try next. My AH has now passed away and I am in AUS but I have directed so many to your content and shared my well worn handbook to many as well. You could write a book, but it is most definately your voice we need. I used to refer to it as my 'Michelle fix' and many times drifted off to sleep with your soothing voice.
Lucy, I am sorry about your husband. There are so many women in our community who have experienced what you're going through. I did a facebook video about it years and years ago (I think it's still on YouTube). I would love to revisit this. And I am so glad you're still "with" us here.❤️
Michelle, I would so love to meet you when you have the New York meeting. To say that you helped me, gave me a voice, made me fell less alone are all true but do not come close to thanking you for your inspiration, guidance, authentic voice. I am so very grateful! Please count me in!!
I too, loved the weekly podcasts. You have also helped me when I thought things were dark and hopeless. Just the sound of your voice was soothing when things weren't going well. Thank you and I am forever grateful for the work you do.
Echoing all my sisters on here. The day I found Love Over Addiction I cried so hard because I discovered I was no longer alone. I found a space where it was safe to be me. You taught us that we no longer have to cease to exist. We matter. And the solution to our AH getting better (or not) should never be at the price of our mental, physical and emotional health. Whatever your path takes you next, we are forever thankful for you opening your heart to us and allowing ours in.
I’ll chime in and agree with the podcasts. It got me through when my AH relapsed after 3 years of sobriety a few years ago. I’ve never connected with AlAnon and I’ve done therapy as well, but I feel I have my own strategies now and it’s expensive just to chat. The podcasts are awesome (especially the ones where you brought on other women to share their stories), as it is free and I can listen to while driving by myself or taking a walk. My only “comment” is to maybe include some perspectives of women who partners do get sober — while I know the statistics on this — the one piece I kind of felt missing was how to navigate short and long-term sobriety. Thank you for all you do, you’ve helped me so much through some of the most difficult times in my life.
Katie, this is such a good point. I think "free help" is always important. And I love the idea of sharing more from the perceptive of women who are in love with someone who does get sober. Great ideas! Thank you, thank you:)
Thank you for this, I responded via email but realized I never mentioned I was interested in the New York meet up. LOA has helped me more than anything else I've tried.
LOA notebooks saved me! So very thankful! Your podcasts I would listen to all of the time. You were an added voice in my head that was so needed. Thank you for what you do!
I LOVED the notebooks too lol. Making lists and being able to answer the questions helps me learn so I am with you - thank you for mentioning them - I'm def brining them back. 😊
Oh my goodness, I am so happy to hear from you and to know you are starting something back up. Let me do some brainstorming but off the top of my head, I loved the podcasts but I also love the idea of some live zoom calls. I live in Kansas but would love to attend a conference or some sort of meet up with you and all of the other lovely ladies. Welcome back Michelle!!! You have been so missed.
I was so excited to see you are BACK! I so looked forward to listening to your weekly podcasts. It's funny but I finally felt like I was not alone living with an alcoholic. Whenever I felt down I would turn to listen to you. I finally at the age of 67 came to realize that I cannot change his behavior and that the only thing I can control is my happiness, thanks to you. Yes I am still married but living a life with boundaries. I thank you and with whatever platform you are on I will follow!!!
LOA transformed my life. It was an online program I paid for when I had nowhere else to turn bc no one else understood. I originally got it to stay in the relationship I was in bc I was holding on for dear life. Later through working the program and then also the stay or go...along with detaching with love, my life radically changed. It was an amazing program that helped me learn who I am, what actually was happening and what I actually had control over which was myself. I loved the way it was set up and had shared it with many others I have encountered with loved ones who suffered from addiction. I was sad to see it changed. I am no longer needing LOA so I haven't gotten into the new way it's going on but I truly appreciate how it was when I needed it. It saved my life and I am forever grateful. 💓
Hi Amanda, I truly appreciate the encouraging feedback, and I am so glad you hear you no longer need it. Maybe I should go back to the way it was originally set up? Hummm.... Sending you lots of love xo Michelle
Michelle-Believe it or not your voice is your power. When I decided to stay in my life with addiction as a partner, my moments of sanity and resilience are while listening to your voice, your encouragement, your program, while I drive to take a break from the chaos that keeps appearing. I celebrate with you in my passenger seat as you are talking to me and not judging me as I remember and reflect on your words. Thank you for being the friend that doesn’t judge.
No judgment. All love Jennifer😊
Hi Michelle, I've missed your blog posts, glad to see you are back and looking for guidance. I am happy to oblige with my two cents. My current situation is not living with active addiction but rebuilding myself and a relationship with a partner who is newly recovered and witnessing his struggles and accomplishments as he builds a new life with AA and without self-medicating. I am encouraging painfully slow progress in our relationship, such as: identify and sharing emotions, stating needs in a non threatening way, and building a new partnership financially, and acceptance of our parenting styles. I am working through the painful journey of two steps forward and one step back, trying peel away my co-dependency to determine if he is to be my partner into old age or coming to terms when it may be time to wind it down. Would jump at any support that is offered!
I’m in a similar spot. I’m trying to get over things and appreciate the effort but I just… can’t. So I would love content like that
Yes that would be great content!
I love the weekly podcast. It has helped me a lot and I love being to play old ones too
Hi Michelle. First, you helped me save my life, so thank you. That’s not an exaggeration. You helped guide me out of these dark woods and into some sunshine.
My ex-AH (as of yesterday…first time I actually wrote “ex”) is attending these online rehab sessions 3x per week. It sounds like they have a specific topic or two that the leader introduces, and others get to share. So a little like an online Al-Anon meeting without the readings and such.
I wish I lived close enough to you to attend something live. I’d hug you for a long time.
Hi Mary, I loved being your guide back to the sunshine where it's warmer and brighter:) And I would hug you right back. xoxo Michelle P.S. Thank you for the suggestion of online meetups.
Your prior program was very helpful to me because it was interactive and felt personal. Your weekly podcasts gave us opportunity to hear your voice and have our rough raw edges soothed.
AlAnon teachings are great but since “cross talk” and advice are not allowed in the meetings, it doesn’t feel like connection. We spouses of addicts tend to feel isolated and disconnected, and having a forum where we can actually hear from you and talk to each other helps us to find the community and understanding we crave. AlAnon feels like a bunch of people sitting together but not really together, you know?
I really appreciated having the modules to work through and a forum to discuss what we were learning.
Zoom meetings would be a lovely addition.
You might consider having some knowledgeable coaches to help carry the responsibilities and to facilitate some meetings.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to share our input. ❤️
I love this idea and agree with AlAnon not be quite what some of need. I would love Zoom meeting la or Group chats. Just things to support each other.
Wendy - I have felt that way AlAnon and other Recovery programs. I like the LOA program because we could"talk about" our experiences, what we were learnng, etc. It was practical AND personal and interactive
This is really helpful Wendy - thank you 💗
I wondered where you went. Glad you reached out.
Well said, I agree 💯
I've been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for you to resurface! Welcome back my friend. I joined LOA back in 2014, trying to find an avenue to better manage my marriage to my AH. After 7 years of marriage and two children, we have legally separated for 2 months. I would've never had the courage to let go if it weren't for you. While I am completely at peace with my decision, I would continue to accept any knowledge you have to give. I have young children with my AH (3 & 11 yrs old), so there is a long coparenting road ahead...HELP!
Always love hearing from you Erika, and I am really happy for you.💛
Michelle I can echo everyone else in these comments, you saved my life with your program and podcasts. Your calm loving non judgemental voice in those podcasts is such a God send. You have a real gift and I am in your corner supporting whatever you try next. My AH has now passed away and I am in AUS but I have directed so many to your content and shared my well worn handbook to many as well. You could write a book, but it is most definately your voice we need. I used to refer to it as my 'Michelle fix' and many times drifted off to sleep with your soothing voice.
Lucy, I am sorry about your husband. There are so many women in our community who have experienced what you're going through. I did a facebook video about it years and years ago (I think it's still on YouTube). I would love to revisit this. And I am so glad you're still "with" us here.❤️
Michelle, I would so love to meet you when you have the New York meeting. To say that you helped me, gave me a voice, made me fell less alone are all true but do not come close to thanking you for your inspiration, guidance, authentic voice. I am so very grateful! Please count me in!!
Yay! I'll keep you posted. It will be sometime after the holidays.
I too, loved the weekly podcasts. You have also helped me when I thought things were dark and hopeless. Just the sound of your voice was soothing when things weren't going well. Thank you and I am forever grateful for the work you do.
Echoing all my sisters on here. The day I found Love Over Addiction I cried so hard because I discovered I was no longer alone. I found a space where it was safe to be me. You taught us that we no longer have to cease to exist. We matter. And the solution to our AH getting better (or not) should never be at the price of our mental, physical and emotional health. Whatever your path takes you next, we are forever thankful for you opening your heart to us and allowing ours in.
Awww thank you Jill.😊
I’ll chime in and agree with the podcasts. It got me through when my AH relapsed after 3 years of sobriety a few years ago. I’ve never connected with AlAnon and I’ve done therapy as well, but I feel I have my own strategies now and it’s expensive just to chat. The podcasts are awesome (especially the ones where you brought on other women to share their stories), as it is free and I can listen to while driving by myself or taking a walk. My only “comment” is to maybe include some perspectives of women who partners do get sober — while I know the statistics on this — the one piece I kind of felt missing was how to navigate short and long-term sobriety. Thank you for all you do, you’ve helped me so much through some of the most difficult times in my life.
Katie, this is such a good point. I think "free help" is always important. And I love the idea of sharing more from the perceptive of women who are in love with someone who does get sober. Great ideas! Thank you, thank you:)
Your podcast helped me so much! Also enjoyed the FB community. Love your transparency and heart to share. I’d be interested in a SC meet up
Thank you for this, I responded via email but realized I never mentioned I was interested in the New York meet up. LOA has helped me more than anything else I've tried.
LOA notebooks saved me! So very thankful! Your podcasts I would listen to all of the time. You were an added voice in my head that was so needed. Thank you for what you do!
I LOVED the notebooks too lol. Making lists and being able to answer the questions helps me learn so I am with you - thank you for mentioning them - I'm def brining them back. 😊
Yes, I liked the notebooks.with specific lessons with room for our own responses.
Oh my goodness, I am so happy to hear from you and to know you are starting something back up. Let me do some brainstorming but off the top of my head, I loved the podcasts but I also love the idea of some live zoom calls. I live in Kansas but would love to attend a conference or some sort of meet up with you and all of the other lovely ladies. Welcome back Michelle!!! You have been so missed.