Do you feel stuck? Ever felt like your past is affecting your present? You’re not alone. I’ve been there many times throughout my life, and I’m here to share the five game-changing habits that helped me and countless other adult children of alcoholics (ACoAs) on our healing journeys.
Habit #1: Begin with Belief in Your Healing
Ever catch yourself thinking, “My past left me with too many issues; I’m stuck with this baggage”? Kick that self-sabotaging mindset to the curb. Healed ACoAs start with a firm belief in their ability to heal and transform their lives. Embrace this positive, outcome-based mindset as you dive into healing. Books and resources are your allies. Remember, what you believe becomes your reality. You absolutely can heal, just like countless ACoAs before you. I am living proof that your life can become what you cannot imagine.
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Habit #2: Prioritize Yourself
If you’ve spent your life putting everyone else first, welcome to the club. It took me nearly three decades to realize my primary job is taking care of myself. I’d been tangled in codependency, trying to fix problems that weren’t mine. Healed ACoAs prioritize themselves without guilt. They make decisions by asking, “Is this good for me? Is it someone else’s responsibility?” Setting boundaries becomes second nature.
Habit #3: Never Stop Learning
Healing from a challenging upbringing and ACoA Syndrome is a lifelong journey. Over time, you’ll make immense progress, but there’s always more to learn. Healed ACoAs understand the importance of continuous growth. They keep reading, attend therapy, join support groups, and engage in personal growth activities. Why? Because stopping your education can lead you back to old destructive patterns. Stay committed to your growth.
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Habit #4: Practice Self-Compassion
Healed ACoAs show themselves love and kindness. They understand that healing is a process with ups and downs. Instead of being overly critical, they offer themselves compassion and support during tough times. Remember, you’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
Habit #5: Cultivate Healthy Relationships
Healing involves surrounding yourself with supportive, understanding people. Healed ACoAs build strong, healthy relationships that uplift and empower them. They let go of toxic connections and embrace those who truly care for their well-being.
So, there you have it, the five habits of healed adult children of alcoholics. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Countless ACoAs have faced terribly difficult times as the child of an alcoholic, but they broke the cycle and created the lives they wanted. With effort, belief, self-prioritization, continuous learning, self-compassion and healthy relationships, you can, too. Keep going, keep healing and keep growing.
