THANK YOU MICHELLE. I'm currently in the middle of a horrible nasty contentious divorce from a 7-figure (!) earning, C-suite exec who is addicted to everything -- while I'm having to put groceries for myself and our two kids (daughters 9 and 6) on credit cards. I'm left to maintain the marital home since I had him removed due to an Emergency Order of Protection, yet I'm a stay at home mom with zero income and he makes over a million/year. The hundreds of thousands of $$ dissipated marital funds spent on alcohol, drugs and women (while claiming he was sober and I was crazy) are sickening to think about when I know the psychological, emotional, mental and financial abuse I've suffered for more than a decade. You summed it up when you said "Addiction is expensive, and it’s really effing hungry."
I don't know why I am sharing all this except to say...it's nice to remember we aren't alone and I'm grateful for you and your kindness and wisdom.
You are not alone! God is near! Build a community and know that there are others just like you going through a viscous divorce but there will be and end and JOY to follow.
I loved it too. I also am charging groceries for my five children, one bonus son, and myself. I work two jobs. Still not enough. Divorce from addicts is impossibly difficult, and nauseatingly expensive.
Wow! I pulled up your email and worried about reading it because it would usually end and since I never subscribed it would feel like a teaser. I scrolled all the way down and realized it was complete in the email. So I read it. All the way. And was brought to tears. You are amazing and will probably never know how many people you have helped. I found you on YouTube years ago. I have never signed up for any of your programs or posted a comment before. In my darkest days of living with a man I still love deeply that I had to finally divorce before addiction ruined me, you were there. You didn't know how much I appreciated you back then. I am glad I am finally telling you how grateful I have been for you. No one else in my life understood or understands what it has been like for me. You are an inspiration. I can't really even find the words to express my deep gratitude. With all my love! Heather
Lisa, we are all here for you. 👭 Without judgement. Just encouragement to lovingly remind you - you and your son deserve to feel safe and have the lights on. 💝
Thank you. I have such a long story, and I have been following you since LOA from several years ago (which totally saved my sanity). I too am grateful for your generosity, but please know that the seven dollars a month is the best money I spend. I am firmly rooted in believing you are an angel on earth. LOA and this subscription have shown up for me at some crucial times. Thank you so very much!
I cannot tell you how EXCITED I am. I’ve missed your writing, your insight, your wisdom, & your words that inspire me to keep moving forward. I was unable to afford a subscription, and relate SO much to your story. Thank you, thank, thank you for your generosity!
Michelle, it’s been a while. 7 years ago, I came across an addiction video you had made as I sat lonely and defeated in the middle of the night. A year (ish) later I purchased your program/therapy 😊. Fast forward a year, at my rock bottom, I called into a your podcast as my drinking was getting out of control. These words of yours saved my marriage “Ann, if there is any hope for your marriage you must stop drinking now.” That was my last day drinking.
Those words opened my life to freedom! By the grace of God and your wisdom/support, I am 5 years sober. Little did I know my husbands life would also drastically change. Without my prompting, pushing or pulling; my husbands last drink was two weeks after mine. We are both celebrating 5 years of sobriety.
It did not come without walking into the darkness, letting go of control, caring for myself and surrendering to God. All very scary, but all very worth it ❤️.
A friend recently asked, “do you miss drinking?” I told her that our lives have so drastically changed for the better, our marriage is in a honeymoon stage after almost 20 years. There is absolutely no comparison. We are free. And going back is would be terrifying.
Thank you for what you continue to do. Your voice was often the only thing in my 24 hour day that brought a moment of peace and sanity. I know I’m not alone in my gratitude.
Michelle, You are an angel on earth; a light in the darkness. I know you are not looking for kudos or have expectations, however, you must know, you saved me through the darkest time of my life. You taught me self respect and enabled me to find joy again. I set a firm boundary from the man I loved because he was hurting me emotionally, verbally and physically. Married for 33 years feeling confused and in codependent love with a man who struggles with addiction. I was a victim of bread crumbing and considered it enough, all the while questioning my sanity and his lack of commitment to our marriage. I am 4 years apart and 8 months divorced. I never stopped repeating your podcast as your soothing voice would bring me to a safe space. Your undying commitment to your sudo family is admirable. You taught me to be open, honest and loving with my adult children, and to forgive myself in order to heal. Your generosity of heart and soul is a gift I cannot express in words. Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and to your family for sharing your unwavering friendship, generosity and wisdom. In addition, thank you for returning to this community. You are a gem.
Use away! And thank you for acknowledging:) I came across the bread crumbing reference on line. Lil morsels that made me question feelings in a very transactional relationship. My ex is narcissist which added to self deprecation. No contact is the best safe space:)
You are a natural at speaking truth about addiction and thank you again for allowing me a voice. You make me smile and literally lol when you make yourself laugh. Keep up the great work!
While I am able to pay for this subscription and happy to do so, I also empathize with those who find it difficult. I am in complete awe of your generosity - financial as well as your time/effort. You have such a warm heart and a very kind soul! I am so grateful to be part of this wonderful group that you’ve created. It’s a kindred sisterhood. Looking forward to hearing your Podcasts again! Yay!! They helped me through so many times when I felt completely alone. Thank you, Michelle. 💗
Michelle! You have such a beautiful heart, and I am so grateful for your words over the years. I took the Stay or Go course after years of listening to your podcast...and 4 months ago I packed up and moved me and the kids out! Thank you for empowering me to make my own decision and to visualize my future.
Wow! Tuned in to this podcast and it’s almost parallel for my struggles. Only difference is I am still living with him, but so encouraged by all your stories. Tears, fear and yet a glimmer of happiness. Could it really be? Kids are adults now and left home, so it’s up to me. 30 years in and the last 20 have been ……idk how to describe. It’s so comforting to hear everything I feel comes to life and knowing I am not alone in this addiction of emotional roller coaster.
I’m now catching up with this group again after a hiatus. Thinking of accomplished LOA. Needless to say I’m in deeper than I was before when I found Michelle. Gosh I’m questioning everything I’ve done, every choice I’ve made along the way. It is however always good to hear from others in their struggles and pain.
Michelle! Thank you. Truly, thank you. You have helped me navigate through these rollercoaster years since 2018, and continue to be a constant compass. I appreciate all the hard work you do and your generosity.
I can't say it more or better, so I will just say THANK YOU and hope you feel the gratitude behind it.
You inspire me, and I would like to help other women in this situation. I am fortunate (for the time being) to be able to afford to pay. I want to find a way for those of us who can to get our $7 to women who just need milk for their kids, a prescription, or a winter hat.
I don't want you to have to manage all that (what you do daily is very time-consuming, I know); but I want to help THESE women. Those who are suffering through this journey and have decided to seek (and contribute to) light on the path.
I will be thinking. If you have thoughts, please share. I don't know if it's even possible. But I'd like to find a way.
Tara, how kind. I am working on this idea behind the scenes. It would be great if we found a way to help one another financially and emotionally. I've read 7-8 books about starting non-profits but gosh, it's a ton of work and lots of red tape. Looking for other options and will report back.
Oh Michelle - this made me tear up. Thank you so much and I am so excited to have you back on podcast!!! I have missed your soothing voice. I shared a story about you recently. I dreamt that I was lying in bed feeling depressed and you walked into my bedroom in a beautiful blue dress and said in your calm, sweet voice ‘it is time for you to get up and start taking care of yourself my friend’.
It felt so real because I went to bed that night worrying about some things and feeling kind of sad that my two adult daughters were moving out. I had been struggling to get myself to do basic things that I have always enjoyed before. I guess my subconscious decided to tell me what to do in the form of Michelle since I like to listen to you and not myself! Hahaha.
I am stunned by your offer. I am an older lady 54 years married to an alcoholic. I can relate to the grocery story. I still get $200 a week but charge food and other things. Just today I told him I wanted to refinish the tub and get the grout cleaned and he started to give me some lip. I told him I never questioned the money he spends on his cars. Wow such an eye opener. Any other older gals in the newsletter? I am in calif.
There’s women here who are in their late 70’s and women as young as 19 who are in relationships with someone suffering from addiction. Lots from California and also from 53 different countries. 🌎
I’m 62 and ridiculously scared knowing I should go, try to plan an exit strategy and fail because I have no idea where to go immediately! I ask myself, do I leave completely? Do I just take some clothes & toothbrush? All those internal dialogues are making me nuts! I know people leave and are happy but whats the first step? I’m very frightened of how to get there.
THANK YOU MICHELLE. I'm currently in the middle of a horrible nasty contentious divorce from a 7-figure (!) earning, C-suite exec who is addicted to everything -- while I'm having to put groceries for myself and our two kids (daughters 9 and 6) on credit cards. I'm left to maintain the marital home since I had him removed due to an Emergency Order of Protection, yet I'm a stay at home mom with zero income and he makes over a million/year. The hundreds of thousands of $$ dissipated marital funds spent on alcohol, drugs and women (while claiming he was sober and I was crazy) are sickening to think about when I know the psychological, emotional, mental and financial abuse I've suffered for more than a decade. You summed it up when you said "Addiction is expensive, and it’s really effing hungry."
I don't know why I am sharing all this except to say...it's nice to remember we aren't alone and I'm grateful for you and your kindness and wisdom.
I loved 🥰 that you shared this with me Jennifer.
🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
You are not alone! God is near! Build a community and know that there are others just like you going through a viscous divorce but there will be and end and JOY to follow.
"...there will be an end and JOY to follow." Clinging to that today, Lisa!
I loved it too. I also am charging groceries for my five children, one bonus son, and myself. I work two jobs. Still not enough. Divorce from addicts is impossibly difficult, and nauseatingly expensive.
Thank you for sharing this Jennifer...you are not alone! Hugs and prayers! 🤍🙏🏻
Wow! I pulled up your email and worried about reading it because it would usually end and since I never subscribed it would feel like a teaser. I scrolled all the way down and realized it was complete in the email. So I read it. All the way. And was brought to tears. You are amazing and will probably never know how many people you have helped. I found you on YouTube years ago. I have never signed up for any of your programs or posted a comment before. In my darkest days of living with a man I still love deeply that I had to finally divorce before addiction ruined me, you were there. You didn't know how much I appreciated you back then. I am glad I am finally telling you how grateful I have been for you. No one else in my life understood or understands what it has been like for me. You are an inspiration. I can't really even find the words to express my deep gratitude. With all my love! Heather
We definitely understand Heather. And thank you for telling me 💕 I’m so proud of you.
Lisa, we are all here for you. 👭 Without judgement. Just encouragement to lovingly remind you - you and your son deserve to feel safe and have the lights on. 💝
Thank you. I have such a long story, and I have been following you since LOA from several years ago (which totally saved my sanity). I too am grateful for your generosity, but please know that the seven dollars a month is the best money I spend. I am firmly rooted in believing you are an angel on earth. LOA and this subscription have shown up for me at some crucial times. Thank you so very much!
I cannot tell you how EXCITED I am. I’ve missed your writing, your insight, your wisdom, & your words that inspire me to keep moving forward. I was unable to afford a subscription, and relate SO much to your story. Thank you, thank, thank you for your generosity!
I’ve missed you too. Truly.
Michelle, it’s been a while. 7 years ago, I came across an addiction video you had made as I sat lonely and defeated in the middle of the night. A year (ish) later I purchased your program/therapy 😊. Fast forward a year, at my rock bottom, I called into a your podcast as my drinking was getting out of control. These words of yours saved my marriage “Ann, if there is any hope for your marriage you must stop drinking now.” That was my last day drinking.
Those words opened my life to freedom! By the grace of God and your wisdom/support, I am 5 years sober. Little did I know my husbands life would also drastically change. Without my prompting, pushing or pulling; my husbands last drink was two weeks after mine. We are both celebrating 5 years of sobriety.
It did not come without walking into the darkness, letting go of control, caring for myself and surrendering to God. All very scary, but all very worth it ❤️.
A friend recently asked, “do you miss drinking?” I told her that our lives have so drastically changed for the better, our marriage is in a honeymoon stage after almost 20 years. There is absolutely no comparison. We are free. And going back is would be terrifying.
Thank you for what you continue to do. Your voice was often the only thing in my 24 hour day that brought a moment of peace and sanity. I know I’m not alone in my gratitude.
Michelle, You are an angel on earth; a light in the darkness. I know you are not looking for kudos or have expectations, however, you must know, you saved me through the darkest time of my life. You taught me self respect and enabled me to find joy again. I set a firm boundary from the man I loved because he was hurting me emotionally, verbally and physically. Married for 33 years feeling confused and in codependent love with a man who struggles with addiction. I was a victim of bread crumbing and considered it enough, all the while questioning my sanity and his lack of commitment to our marriage. I am 4 years apart and 8 months divorced. I never stopped repeating your podcast as your soothing voice would bring me to a safe space. Your undying commitment to your sudo family is admirable. You taught me to be open, honest and loving with my adult children, and to forgive myself in order to heal. Your generosity of heart and soul is a gift I cannot express in words. Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and to your family for sharing your unwavering friendship, generosity and wisdom. In addition, thank you for returning to this community. You are a gem.
"bread crumbing" - used as a VERB! Sue, I hope you don't mind by I am going to use that. Congratulations on the divorce my friend.
Use away! And thank you for acknowledging:) I came across the bread crumbing reference on line. Lil morsels that made me question feelings in a very transactional relationship. My ex is narcissist which added to self deprecation. No contact is the best safe space:)
You are a natural at speaking truth about addiction and thank you again for allowing me a voice. You make me smile and literally lol when you make yourself laugh. Keep up the great work!
While I am able to pay for this subscription and happy to do so, I also empathize with those who find it difficult. I am in complete awe of your generosity - financial as well as your time/effort. You have such a warm heart and a very kind soul! I am so grateful to be part of this wonderful group that you’ve created. It’s a kindred sisterhood. Looking forward to hearing your Podcasts again! Yay!! They helped me through so many times when I felt completely alone. Thank you, Michelle. 💗
Lynn, you’ve walked with me on the LOA journey for a long time. Thank you for being a loyal friend ⭐️
Yes, I do feel like friends! Thank YOU 😊
Michelle! You have such a beautiful heart, and I am so grateful for your words over the years. I took the Stay or Go course after years of listening to your podcast...and 4 months ago I packed up and moved me and the kids out! Thank you for empowering me to make my own decision and to visualize my future.
I look forward to the podcast coming back!
So proud of you Kathie.
Wow! Tuned in to this podcast and it’s almost parallel for my struggles. Only difference is I am still living with him, but so encouraged by all your stories. Tears, fear and yet a glimmer of happiness. Could it really be? Kids are adults now and left home, so it’s up to me. 30 years in and the last 20 have been ……idk how to describe. It’s so comforting to hear everything I feel comes to life and knowing I am not alone in this addiction of emotional roller coaster.
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I’m now catching up with this group again after a hiatus. Thinking of accomplished LOA. Needless to say I’m in deeper than I was before when I found Michelle. Gosh I’m questioning everything I’ve done, every choice I’ve made along the way. It is however always good to hear from others in their struggles and pain.
Thank you for sharing!
Michelle! Thank you. Truly, thank you. You have helped me navigate through these rollercoaster years since 2018, and continue to be a constant compass. I appreciate all the hard work you do and your generosity.
So, so welcome Natasha 😊
I can't say it more or better, so I will just say THANK YOU and hope you feel the gratitude behind it.
You inspire me, and I would like to help other women in this situation. I am fortunate (for the time being) to be able to afford to pay. I want to find a way for those of us who can to get our $7 to women who just need milk for their kids, a prescription, or a winter hat.
I don't want you to have to manage all that (what you do daily is very time-consuming, I know); but I want to help THESE women. Those who are suffering through this journey and have decided to seek (and contribute to) light on the path.
I will be thinking. If you have thoughts, please share. I don't know if it's even possible. But I'd like to find a way.
🩵
Tara
Tara, how kind. I am working on this idea behind the scenes. It would be great if we found a way to help one another financially and emotionally. I've read 7-8 books about starting non-profits but gosh, it's a ton of work and lots of red tape. Looking for other options and will report back.
Me too, checking things out.
I wouldn’t be in the good place I am today without you, Michelle. You are a best friend I’ve never met.
Awwww Wendy - it's been years of knowing each other and I am so glad you're in a good place.
Oh Michelle - this made me tear up. Thank you so much and I am so excited to have you back on podcast!!! I have missed your soothing voice. I shared a story about you recently. I dreamt that I was lying in bed feeling depressed and you walked into my bedroom in a beautiful blue dress and said in your calm, sweet voice ‘it is time for you to get up and start taking care of yourself my friend’.
It felt so real because I went to bed that night worrying about some things and feeling kind of sad that my two adult daughters were moving out. I had been struggling to get myself to do basic things that I have always enjoyed before. I guess my subconscious decided to tell me what to do in the form of Michelle since I like to listen to you and not myself! Hahaha.
Thank you so much! This actually brought happy tears to my eyes. I have missed your podcasts. They brought so much hope and light into my life.
You seem to always touch my heart!! How very generous of you💕💕
I am stunned by your offer. I am an older lady 54 years married to an alcoholic. I can relate to the grocery story. I still get $200 a week but charge food and other things. Just today I told him I wanted to refinish the tub and get the grout cleaned and he started to give me some lip. I told him I never questioned the money he spends on his cars. Wow such an eye opener. Any other older gals in the newsletter? I am in calif.
There’s women here who are in their late 70’s and women as young as 19 who are in relationships with someone suffering from addiction. Lots from California and also from 53 different countries. 🌎
Hi Leslie, I am 52. Older, but not necessarily wiser. Lol! Nice to meet you!
Nice to hear from you too. I still haven't figured out all this technology. It's nice to know we are not alone
I’m 62 and ridiculously scared knowing I should go, try to plan an exit strategy and fail because I have no idea where to go immediately! I ask myself, do I leave completely? Do I just take some clothes & toothbrush? All those internal dialogues are making me nuts! I know people leave and are happy but whats the first step? I’m very frightened of how to get there.
I cannot believe I called the tub guy. Then called a painter and now I have a beautiful bathroom