I apologize. I promised to update this blog weekly and fell short of that goal. I apologize also for losing sight of my promised purpose.
The past two months, I was overwhelmed by busyness in life. I began to drown in commitments and once again, chaos reigned. Though I was not attentive to this blog, it was never far from my heart. During this time I reflected on my original purpose. I had planned to provide a place for spouses of addicts to find information and support. This blog was purposed to be a roadmap from chaos to peace.
Preparation for my book includes reading blogs and articles on addiction. I am usually annoyed within the first paragraph. They all seem to reference the "disease" of addiction. Labeling addiction a disease alleviates the addict of accountability and choice. It also adds an unnecessary burden to the addict's spouse and family. Reframing the choices made by the addict into symptoms of a disease guides the response of the spouse toward guilt if they choose a difficult path. Spouses are indicted for "enabling" or painted as villains for not supporting a "sick" individual.
That said, during my hiatus I posed a Facebook question regarding narcissism. The response was overwhelming and alarmingly similar to responses from addict spouses. I realized that narcissists exhibit similar behaviors associated with addiction. Their family members told of lying, infidelity, financial irresponsibility, and overly controlling relationships. Processing this information and observing behavior patterns of addicts in my sphere, I developed a fresh direction for this blog.
I realize that I drifted from my purpose. I strayed from substantial biting information that may seem controversial to some, in favor of soft feel-good posts that I deemed more palatable for the masses. However, that left me cold and the posts flat. I cheated my myself and my audience.
From this point, this blog will contain my truest opinions, in my most authentic voice. I have strong opinions and welcome discussion. Please join me and know I will honor my purpose.
The past two months, I was overwhelmed by busyness in life. I began to drown in commitments and once again, chaos reigned. Though I was not attentive to this blog, it was never far from my heart. During this time I reflected on my original purpose. I had planned to provide a place for spouses of addicts to find information and support. This blog was purposed to be a roadmap from chaos to peace.
Preparation for my book includes reading blogs and articles on addiction. I am usually annoyed within the first paragraph. They all seem to reference the "disease" of addiction. Labeling addiction a disease alleviates the addict of accountability and choice. It also adds an unnecessary burden to the addict's spouse and family. Reframing the choices made by the addict into symptoms of a disease guides the response of the spouse toward guilt if they choose a difficult path. Spouses are indicted for "enabling" or painted as villains for not supporting a "sick" individual.
That said, during my hiatus I posed a Facebook question regarding narcissism. The response was overwhelming and alarmingly similar to responses from addict spouses. I realized that narcissists exhibit similar behaviors associated with addiction. Their family members told of lying, infidelity, financial irresponsibility, and overly controlling relationships. Processing this information and observing behavior patterns of addicts in my sphere, I developed a fresh direction for this blog.
I realize that I drifted from my purpose. I strayed from substantial biting information that may seem controversial to some, in favor of soft feel-good posts that I deemed more palatable for the masses. However, that left me cold and the posts flat. I cheated my myself and my audience.
From this point, this blog will contain my truest opinions, in my most authentic voice. I have strong opinions and welcome discussion. Please join me and know I will honor my purpose.