We find the more one member of the family demands that others concede to him, the more resentful they become.
Is it not because each wants to play the lead? Is he not consciously trying to see what he can take from the family rather than give?
"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some extent ill."
The family of an alcoholic longs for the return of happiness and security. They remember when father was romantic, thoughtful and successful.
Though old buildings will eventually be replaced by finer ones, the new structures will take years to complete.
"… experience is the thing of supreme value in life."
Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worthwhile to us now.
Cling to the thought that, in God's hands, the dark past is the greatest possession you have...
We do talk about each other a great deal, but we almost invariably temper such talk by a spirit of love and tolerance.
We alcoholics are sensitive people. It takes some of us a long time to outgrow that serious handicap.
The head of the household ought to remember that he is mainly to blame for what befell his home.
They may be jealous of a God who has stolen Dad's affections.
We have come to believe that He would like us to keep our head in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth.
Father may have laid aside for years all normal activities – clubs, civic duties, sports.
Father will necessarily spend much time with other alcoholics, but this activity should be balanced.
We absolutely insist on enjoying life.
We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders.
But those of us who have tried to shoulder the entire burden and trouble of others find we are soon overcome by them.
So we think cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness.
...why shouldn't we laugh? We have recovered…
Everybody knows that those in bad health, and those who seldom play, do not laugh much.
We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.
But this does not mean that we disregard human health measures. God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitate to take your health problems to such persons.
…we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist.
...the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctor's advice. He thought all alcoholics should constantly have chocolate available for its quick energy values at times of fatigue.
Couples are occasionally dismayed to find that when drinking is stopped the man tends to be impotent...There should be no hesitancy consulting a doctor or psychologist if the condition persists.
One of our friends is a heavy smoker and coffee drinker. His wife is one of those persons who really feels there is something rather sinful about these commodities. Here we have three little mottos which are apropos:
First Things First
Live and Let Live
Easy Does It