We can’t be perfect parents all the time that’s for sure. I was a little short tempered yesterday myself. Still not sleeping well and it’s really hard but if our kids can see that we can admit when we didn’t handle things as well as we’d like and we can learn from it to handle things better next time then it’s an opportunity to grow together. Glad things settle down and you got to have bath and story time 
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Incredible!!! I’d like to check it out! I was diagnosed with Borderline many years ago. I did DBT which I really liked but I didn’t really practice too often what was being taught there cuz I was still using also. But the DBt thread that @Its_me_Stella created has helped alot! I would like to check that book out that u recommended. It’s funny lol bcuz, lioe urself, I have worked in mental health field also for 12 years in diff capacities. Mainly with regards to corrections snx mentla health as a Residential Counsellor and then now as a complex needs specialist for adults who have a combination of mental health and intellectual disabilities. When I have gone to see a therapist or counsellor or psychiatrist in the past etc I can see what they are trying to do by their phrases or how they approach a situation I am bringing up. Honestly it makes it difficult to get the true full effect of the session when u can predict what’s going to be said. It was hard for me to put what I know aside so that they can help. I had no idea u were involved in the mental health field also!
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I’m a mental health RN and have worked in gerontopsychiatry since I graduated from nursing school 11 years ago. But would very much like to work in addiction care still. And started looking seriously for other work just now.
If you’re interested in how schema therapy itself works, here’s the comprehensive home page for it: https://www.schematherapy.com/
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Checking In
Clean Time: 21 Days
Today has been bad so far. Family issues. Crying & feeling bad about it. I have work & I really need a mental health day, but honestly if I take it I could lose my job due to how often I called out in active addiction. I’m still struggling with my untreated ADHD which makes work much harder for me. I also work with people who are extremely negative. I am not really worried about using. I just feel very drained mentally/emotionally. I want to crawl into my bed and watch some Netflix. I have horrible financial stresses right now after I spent $8,000 in two weeks while in active addiction & now have only $0.69 in my bank account and when I get my paycheck itll all go to rent. I have no money for food. Just… keep me in your thoughts/prayers today. 
I need it.
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I’m sorry ur having a rough day 
it’s truly an awful feeling not be able to do the things we want to do to take care of ourselves. I can relate to that also. Do u get breaks at ur job? Any sort of a chance to be alone and deep breathe or listen to some relaxing music like nature sounds, etc? Also, when for food… do u have any organizations or resources that can deliver a food/toiletries hamper for u? I have used them often (in and out of addiction). Sometimes u can go online or call for an emergency hamper. Also… if u have Facebook and search for “free food in your area”, sometimes there are groups that are strictly for helping others with food. People help others with food from their homes or they have better suggestions for organizations that can help. I actually met a very sweet woman who has helped us out with food when we really needed it. Idk about ur area but I feel like they would have something like this. Alot of people need help with food now and again. Sometimes bills are too high or there are unexpected expenses or they don’t work enough hours. There should be organizations to help when u need them 
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Checking in on day sobriety day 325. I was asked by my boss to teach one last class to my college ROTC students today as I’m signing out from the Army tomorrow. I was happy to oblige. It was a great last opportunity to share my experiences with the next generation of Army leaders. Couldn’t have asked for a better last work day in uniform. It’s a great day to be above ground and sober.
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Day 25
I’m in a bad mood today. My Hashimotos doesn’t let me loose weight, my body is swollen thanks to pms, I’m cold, I’m tired … everything 
Aaaargh!
I know this will pass.
Going to prepare yummy food now (pasta with mushrooms) and chill on the couch, sober
Have a beautiful sober day team
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Hi Chris, I know you didn’t ask me. But I see a lot of me in you, with the monkey brain all over the place.
I started with the book Buddhism for mothers (helped me immensely with my anger)and eventually read all of Brad Warner’s books. He is a Zen Buddhist monk. Little bit different from most. He started out as a hardcore punk guitarist. And is anything but high-and-mighty. His information is straight up and was exactly what I needed to learn how to sit. What the other person said was right-on though. It is practice. I fail every day with it 
but still get back on my cushion (so-to-speak) and try again.
ETA: checking in at 89 days (as of tonight at 1900)
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I struggle with adhd as well like super bad which you can probably see in my post. I just ordered a couple new thing that I am going to try they have amazing reviews for adults with adhd and are not stimulated if they help me I will gladly keep you updated
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@Lisa07 I know you’re not having the best of days, but, yay!!! I caught it
One day at a time folks, but I do like some numbers more than others. It’s just for my amusement! 
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Nice one ! 
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Day 18.5
LOL
So this is what was wrong with that squeaking sound from rear bridge of my truck…
Little STONE!!
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Checking in again because I have to process all these feelings of pride for my boy 
We have just had his first proper parents evening at his new school and he is flying. Such lovely feedback, so very proud of him. He faced so much in his early years. He had a stroke as a toddler, and then didn’t talk until he was 4, before having to have intense speech therapy at a specialist nursery as he had verbal dyspraxia. The two were unconnected, he was just very unlucky. He has handled all of that so well, and gone on to thrive. I spent his early years frantically worrying and researching and now I have been given permission to relax for a while.
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Yeaaaahhhhhh 
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Day 166. I am in better spirits took yesterday as a learning experience I know my negative post can be very off putting and honestly it’s like I can feel it. Like I’ll notice so many start skipping past my post and just not liking it and my mind will say see mike even they think your drama filled bs. Which honestly feelings are not facts I know but my mind says it. I know it’s not all truth but I do promise to keep better spirits. Looking down at my feet i see I’m right where I’m supposed to be in this moment, nothing is a mistake I’m where I’m supposed to be. But in moments like yesterday I need to learn to be in the moment with mh girls and be in the moment with them all the time. Time goes by so quick and I’m missing out on so many precious moments. No more anger. Guilt, resentment or trying to force I’ve come along way in these last almost 6 months
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500 days! That ‘s So awesome Charlie ! Congratulations !!
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@Charlie_C 500 days, awesome!!
@anon53116147 Glad you’re feeling better, but never be shy about sharing. That’s what we’re here for.
On break now, the new job glow is fading fast. Break is too short. Be back in a few hours. 
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Thank you! Yes I really am enjoying it, I really feel the difference.
Yet I miss it sometimes, but not everything around, to have to have it and not be abel to stop.
I love going to bed sober, to be present for my kids, going to work and actually function normal not just hanging on by the tread, making dinners, keeping the house tidy, not run out of money counting pennys and so much more. And the best part : I love waking up sober!
I can see the positiv list for not drinking is much longer then the one for drinking.
Thank you for your messages
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Checking in. Day 4. Still hurting emotionally and physically. No cravings. Just wanting to lay in bed all day but I didn’t call out of work and am almost through my shift. Going to rest afterwards. Drink tea and play Mario kart.
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