When I was married to a good man who suffered from addiction, I made a list of things I could control vs. things that I needed to let go of because, after a decade of loving him, I was losing myself.

My wake-up call came when my friend from college was visiting for a weekend and tenderly said, "Michelle, I don't even recognize you anymore."

I was a shadow of the woman I once was. Addiction was stealing my husband's life, and slowly, like a thief in the night, it was creeping into my mind, heart, and soul to grab any self-confidence, self-respect, or self-love I had left.

And if I wanted to save myself, I needed to fight addiction head-on.

For some of us, this winter season feels like rock bottom, and The Time Has Come! Are you feeling a true sense of urgency? Is there a voice within yourself that wants to be honored and respected?  Are you ready to change the things you can control? 

Perhaps you feel that if you don't take control over your own life, the version of yourself that you actually love will continue to die a slow death and be replaced by a very sick person. 

If you need some loving reminders this winter season you can find more here:  

Love Over Addiction Newsletter: (MichelleAnderson.substack.com) You'll receive an essay via email (this is the same content as the podcast, just in written form - if reading is your thing). It's also a place where you can comment and gain insight from other women in our community. I will be hanging around the comments, too. Subscribe here. Please keep in mind your name will appear if you comment, so please make up a name or use your first name only if you would like to protect your privacy. 

Love Over Addiction Instagram: Not going to lie; my sabbatical from social media was lovely, but I think I've figured out some boundaries to help it feel slightly more healthy. Let's give it a try:) Follow me here.

My Personal Instagram - Michelle Lisa Anderson: Building a community is still my goal, so I must be willing to share my life on social - even if it terrifies me. If you're curious about my life, this is where you'll find it. Follow here.

My Facebook Page - Michelle Lisa Anderson: For all you Facebook lovers (hi, Mom!), I see you. I will be posting on the Love Over Addiction page. Follow here

Love Over Addiction Facebook Page - I will be posting here, too.

Love Over Addiction YouTube: For now, I will post recordings of the Love Over Addiction podcast. In the future, I may get a little more creative. But first things first:) Follow here.

It's a privilege and an honor to write and research for you. Thank you for trusting me. I am really excited about our future and what we will achieve together.