The New Year is upon us but I find myself looking backward.
I suppose I’m reflecting on the events of 2016 and wondering where the year
went. Each year passes by so quickly.
Some of the highlights of 2016 were health issues for me; viewing
the premiere of HBO’s Risky Drinking; going to New York City; spending craft
time with my great-grandkids; hiring an aide; and, Riley is still immortal.
I have plans for 2017. At the beginning of every year I make
plans. Lots and lots of plans. So many plans that no human being could complete
them in a series of New Years. I don’t do resolutions – I do plans. In short, I
bite off far more than I can chew. I’m going to try to be more realistic this
year. (Does that mean I’m making a resolution?)
In the year 2017 I will be working with a partner to create
a documentary film about living life inside the chaos of a loved one’s
alcoholism. It will be a collection of home videos from volunteers willing to
document the complexity of their lives. There will be more information
forthcoming. If you think you might be interested drop me an e-mail.
My blog posts will become a book. The posts will be indexed
by topic and date making it easy to find posts that will be relevant to you.
For those who want to “catch up” on the blog’s history, this will be an easy
way to look back and not have to search the blog for what you are looking for.
There will be more guests posts on the blog. These guests
will include rehab centers for my alcoholic readers. I’ll be lifting my
criteria that to accept a rehab center for a post they must have a family
program. However, I prefer rehab centers with some kind of unique draw to them.
I will attempt a webinar and seminars based on “Surviving
the Chaos” workbook. The workbook will be used in conjunction with the
presentations. Get your copy now so you can go through it before the date is
set.
2017 will be a year of fixing this old body. I’ll be having
four surgeries. So, while I’m recovering, I’ll be doing a lot of computer work
for The Immortal Alcoholic.
If previous years are any indication – Riley will remain
immortal – again.
I’m making an attempt at staying realistic, so I think I
should stop there.
Have no doubt… things will change. Things will be added and
deleted. If I’ve learned nothing over the past 68 years, I have certainly
learned that nothing is set in stone. All things are subject to change in the
blink of an eye. There will be change in 2017 and years after. It’s one of
those things that us humans cannot control.
On the other hand, some things won’t change – won’t ever
change. Those are the things that we must accept and work around, through, over
and under until we find a way to live with whatever the issue is.
Riley will not change. He will continue his slow, but
steady, downward spiral until his immortality runs out. This, I accept, as
something I cannot control.
The most important thing I will do in 2017 is to take time
for myself. Let my body heal after the surgeries. Let my psyche heal from the
stress of anything going on around me. I will take naps, go shopping, sew and
craft stuff, watch old movies… I will live my life and be happy to be alive.
What does your 2017 look like?
1 comment:
I found a post of yours from 2012. And Riley is still alive! I hate to sound cold and cruel... my father is off the wagon again, drinking a litre of brandy a day. Completely demented, vomiting and diarrhea. The stress on us is hurting. We are tired and he will never get off the bottle for good. I'm a horrible daughter to admit it but I hope it's quick. Before he loses his house, because none of us can take him in and I don't know what we will do. He's also been such a cruel person that we don't want to help! Anyway... Nice to have somewhere to talk.
Post a Comment