Ther-ART-py

Say It Out Loud Sunday: Dear Angelica

“Dear Angelica,
I’m tired. For real.

I’m the one that cleans up after the drinking, makes excuses for why he’s not at stuff, keeps everything going for these kids and still has to show up to work like nothing is wrong.

Some days I feel like if I sit down too long, I’m just going to cry and not get back up. I don’t even know what I need anymore, I just know I can’t keep doing this like this.”

My response:
First, nothing is wrong with you for feeling done. Anybody carrying what you’re carrying would be tired.

You’ve been in “hold it all together” mode for so long that your body is starting to say, “I can’t keep living like this.” That’s not weakness, that’s a signal.

This week, instead of trying to fix everything, I want you to pay attention to the moment you feel that lump in your throat or the heavy sigh. When it shows up, give yourself one small break even if that looks like sitting in the car, a walk to the mailbox, a breath where you say, “I’m doing a lot.”

It sounds small, but it’s you starting to honor you, not just hold everybody else.

If you’re loving someone with a drinking problem and want my perspective on your situation, you can text your anonymous “Dear Angelica” letter to 708‑314‑6864.