I believe everything is a learning lesson if we choose.
It says,Thank you so much for writing about your life and being so clear and grounded.
I touched briefly on my past.
Kristina Paukshtite
I come from a long line of alcoholism in my family as well as mental illness.
Sadly, what also runs through my family tree is shame, blame, and denial.
I lost my greatest friend.
Someone that had been with me from the very beginning.
He was only 39.
I could be bitter.
I could be angry.
But those emotions serve no purpose except to keep me stuck.
That is not good for me, my own family nor would my brother want that either.
I am as comfortable speaking of addiction and mental illness as I am any topic.
But on March 15th I went completely outside my comfort zone.
I never write out of hate or spite.
I dont think there is anything more important than family.
You have the right to choose YOU.
When I finished the article, I bet I re-read it over 50 times.
Is it too harsh?
Am I being mean?
Will people hate me?
Now dont get me wrong, I write about addiction, we do not all have the same beliefs.
Somehow the blame shifts, and it gets pointed fiercely in the daughters direction.
We instantly, without anyone knowing any details, become the ungrateful, bad, mean, hateful daughters.
Something incredible happened that I was not expecting.
Our World in Data estimates that there are over 107 million people globally that have alcohol use disorder.
The World Health Organization states that 800,000 people a year die due to suicide.
I have never been more humbled and grateful to be in a community of people in my entire life.
Its not praise I am looking for.
And the knowledge that I am not alone.
And to let others know they are not alone either.
I know that most people could not possibly fathom not speaking to their mother.
I am one of those people so hey know I, nor anyone else came to that decision lightly.
And try not to judge us as we all experience different things in life which certainly affects our path.
But what I believe with all my heart is that we gain so much more.
So, I didnt get to this healthy place in my life alone.
I know now that narcissists use guilt to make us behave in a certain way.
It is their form of control.
You are allowed to live your own life.
You have a right to do what is best for YOU and your family.
If we had the same key in of boss, people would tell us to quit our job.
I want you all to stay strong, know who you are in your heart.
Give yourself the compassion and understanding that you need.
Lets all remember today, and coincidently Mental Health Awareness Month, to be kind.
You never know what someone else has been through so be open-minded and empathetic.
Sometimes kindness means looking after yourself.
And that friends, is not only ok but necessary.
