In l969 I began a new life in another city. Within a week of moving to Boston, Massachusetts, I was brutally raped and hospitalized. I never received help with this trauma and didn’t properly grieve until years later. I pushed down pain and was then, more than ever, resolved to create perfect life for myself, (as if it were in my hands?) This was made easy for me when Joey Haudel entered my life. He filled position of my “Knight in Shining Armour,” albeit, distorted. He was young, handsome, and alcoholic and had just been released from prison. We needed each other like ducks need water. We bonded in a codependent relationship that lasted 12 years.

Our experiences together were astounding. What I learned about myself was profound. Our journey is almost unbelievable. I have told this story in a dramatic narrative, I Survived: One Woman’s Journey of Self Healing and Transformation on DVD. It is filled with dark world of illness and moves to light of wellness. I reached my bottom after years of suffering. I was contemplating suicide but was saved by Grace of God and dear voice of a telephone operator who kept me on phone for over an hour.

I spent years in recovery; beginning with Al-Anon meetings in 1973, several series of Adult Children of Alcoholic Therapy Sessions, individual therapy with numerous therapists and devouring self help books. I had courage to look within and face demons. It wasn’t easy and many times I wanted to quit. I often felt I was too crazy to get well. One step at a time I forged ahead and never looked back! I visualized a healthy prognosis. Today I am living that beautiful picture!

I am happily married to a man 19 years my junior. I am older than his mother. We just celebrated our 17th anniversary and continue to share most fabulous life. We have one child, a precious daughter, who we adopted at birth 8 years ago. I was 54 at time. I am grateful that I am able to be a good parent and relish every moment I spend with both of them as a family. Sometimes I almost gasp for air when I realize I am living a balanced life. Each day I thank God for gifts I have been given. Sadly, Joey wasn’t as fortunate as I. He died at age of 42. My dear friend Debra took her own life in 2002. She too was alcoholic. I feel their presence; they are angels guiding me in my mission to inspire people to their own healing and recovery. Let’s continue to get well. We are all loving souls on an enlightened path of a new way of being, HEALTHY. www.isurviveddocumentary.com

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Try this exercise: ~ On a blank piece of paper draw lines dividing paper in four equal parts. ~ In first section, jot down all incomplete projects you have started. Include projects from home and office. ~ In second section, jot down all projects for both home and office you have been thinking of doing but haven't started yet. ~ In third section jot down things you aren't doing but really would like to start. Make sure to include things that would give you some special time for yourself. Like reading a few chapters a day or practicing your watercolor painting. ~ In fourth section jot down things you would like to change or remove from your busy life.

Review sections of your paper and pick one thing to work on every two weeks. If it is small choose a second thing and begin working on that. You will be impressed with how much better you feel. I know I do.

~~~ Resource Box ©BZ Riger-Hull. http://www.in-spiros.com For valuable free articles, assessments, & practical success tools mailto:A1@smartautoresponder.com Certified as a Success Coach, “Four Agreements” Facilitator, & Tele-Course leader We help you communicate powerfully, reduce stress, Strategically Attract success, & increase your financial well-being.