Out of the Darkness… Into the Light
When we allow ourselves to feel it all, to allow our hearts to carry this mix of messy human-ness, we are able to move through it.
VOICES – Self Care and Support
There’s truth to the old adage If mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy. But the one that says You’re only as happy as your unhappiest child, is false. The truth is, I can be as happy as I allow myself to be. And so, I choose happiness.
Getting it Right
I’m great at the love part, but I suck at boundaries. Let’s keep walking together in hope and love. We might get it right yet.
Rules of the ‘Holiday Road’
How to navigate the bumps and potholes of the holidays in the midst of a family substance use disorder.
4 Unexpected Ways Setting (and Keeping) Boundaries Sets You Free
Boundaries are one of the surest paths to personal freedom.
Six Reasons Why Detaching with Love Is Good for You
Addicts aren’t the only ones who benefit when we detach with love. Detachment has an equally positive impact on those of us who love an addict.
Breathing Lessons
I was getting caught up in all the arguments—I needed to get back to self-care. And stepping back. And taking a breath.
Walls or Bridges?
What does it mean to build bridges, not walls? From what I’ve learned in recovery, it’s about learning to set healthy, workable boundaries.
5 Mindful Ways to Tame Your Anxiety in Stressful Times
If you’re feeling stressed by the current global crisis, you’re not alone. After all, our sense of normalcy has been upended almost overnight.
You CAN Learn to Contribute to a Loved One’s Recovery
The path is neither simple, nor is it easy. But it is one that can be learned, practiced and mastered.
5 Unexpected Ways Setting (and Keeping) Boundaries Sets You Free
Although boundaries involve setting limits, they’re one of the surest paths to personal freedom.
5 Simple Things to Help Your Child Change
Each day, someone new decides to live in long-term recovery. If you suspect your child is using substances, here are some tips that can help.
Getting Through Grief at the Holidays
The joy of the holiday season—the excitement, caroling, baking and celebrations—reminds us that despite the sorrows many of us live with, life is still worth living. We can try to be happy.
Giving Thanks
When someone we love is in the throes of addiction, it can be hard to remember that we have much to be thankful for.
Worry Buttons: Do They Serve a Purpose?
Worrying robs us of enjoying the only time we have: the present. I really prefer to disconnect my worry button. It’s had a lot of use. It’s worn out.
You Are Not Alone – Getting Support
My husband called one morning, asking if I could take the garbage out to the curb, because he’d forgotten. Now, on any normal day, this is no big deal, right?…
Staying in My Lane
A great analogy for working our own program and staying out of the way of our addicted children, who are finding their own paths: stay in my own lane.
Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First: Self-Care
Dealing with a child struggling with addiction can be an emotional, physical, and financial drain. Here are some suggestions to help in dealing with the stress.
Support Comes in Many Forms: Did I Need It?
It wasn’t support I was seeking when my son became mixed up with drugs and alcohol. I just wanted professionals to help him because my methods weren’t working.
Tidying Up and the Twelve Steps
We are embarrassed to let others see our messes. However, they will never go away unless we find the courage to face them.
How to Preserve Your Marriage
We never seemed to be on the same page, which usually resulted in us arguing daily.
When Love is Not Enough Hope Steps In
As important as love is—everything really—it isn’t enough to stop someone from drinking or doing drugs. But it does allow us to let them find their own personal power.
Mother’s Day: Together We Are Stronger
As Mother’s Day nears, our tender hearts seem to become even more so. As moms with addicted children, this day doesn’t feel or look the way it’s supposed to.
Mother's Day: Together We Are Stronger We can find strength and comfort in each other—and in the enduring blessing that is motherhood. And we can celebrate that. Posted by Sandy Swenson on Tuesday, May 8, 2018
The Opposite of Love: Understanding Unhealthy Attachments and How to Move Forward
It’s hard to allow our addicted loved ones to live their own lives…..but the truth is, they are doing it anyway. Learn ways to change unhealthy attachment behaviors.
Love, Hope and Recovery
Creator of the ‘Rise Up Mom’s Support Club’, ‘Treatment Talk’ parent coaching (CRAFT) and blog, and works with ‘Partnership for Drug Free Kids’.
An Antidote to the Stress Response
Help for those times when coping with an addicted child pushes your stress level to the limit.
Cathy Taughinbaugh Chats with Sandy Swenson about Just Dandy: Living with Heartache and Wishes
My biggest powers are acceptance and unconditional love.
Facing the Holidays When Your Child is Addicted
Let’s open our minds, hearts, and eyes to new ways of navigating the place where love and addiction meet that will bring peace and joy to the holidays.
Taking Care of Difficult Emotions
There are so many emotions when dealing with a child’s addiction, often changing day by day, minute by minute.
Mindfulness and Cognitive Distortions
Transform your suffering into liberation and prioritize your peace of mind.
Responding vs Reacting When Emotions are High
Using mindfulness to regulate stress and respond helpfully.
You Are Not Alone
Author of Stay Close, Libby and her son Jeff speak about the shame and guilt surrounding his fourteen year heroin addiction, and his ultimate sobriety. Special thanks to Schoolhouse Farmhouse Studio.
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