Recovery is a Great Way to Honor Thy Father
June 19th is Father’s Day and is a wonderful time to thank your father or the person in your life who has fulfilled a paternal role. Often, we do not know what to say or cannot seem to put into words the immense gratitude we may feel. This may be especially true in instances when we may have given our fathers a hard time while growing up, or as adults created all types of havoc in their lives, including placing pressures upon them due to gambling problems we experienced. While the best present one can give their fathers, whether they are suffering from a gambling addiction or another compulsion, is the gift of recovery, there is no better time than now to take the first step. One call to Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine can help you put a plan in place with comprehensive supports. Best of all, services are free to Florida residents and supports are available for anyone experiencing difficulties due to gambling, whether the gambler or a loved one who is adversely affected, such as a family member or friend.
In some cases, our relationships with our fathers may be strained, due to their own gambling problems, or of our own. Regardless, Father’s Day presents an opportunity to make amends, to let things that occurred in the past remain in the past, and start anew. While this can be incredibly challenging for various reasons, there is no time like the present to begin the work necessary to repair the relationship. Making amends is about accountability and taking responsibility for one or more things you have done, so it’s different than an apology, in that it requires some type of action or behavioral change on your part. Most importantly, it’s essential to remember that recovery is a process and making amends is a necessary component to healing one day at a time.
Some ideas for making amends with your dad on Father’s Day include:
- Be clear going into the conversation about what you want to say. Practicing can help.
- Be direct and loving with your message and present from a place of calm.
- Do not be defensive or place blame. This is an opportunity to accept responsibility, not a time to point fingers.
- Be clear about what you want. You need to know what you want going into the conversation.
- Be ready for whatever unfolds. Be grateful for the process and the chance to express yourself without reservation.
Think positive! Abandon making judgments, be grateful, and focus on the good things in your life!
Some ideas for things you can say or express in a card as a means of displaying your gratitude this Father’s Day follow. Keep in mind these are suggestions, so feel free to express yourself from the heart in any way you are comfortable.
Thanks for:
- Always being there for me
- Never giving up on me
- Lifting me up when I’ve been down
- Setting a great example
- Enabling me to feel safe and secure
- Being a wonderful father
- Listening to me, even when I might not have made sense
- Providing the best advice
- Telling me what I needed to hear vs. what I wanted to hear
- Loving me unconditionally
If you or someone you know is struggling with difficulties due to gambling, the best gift you can give or receive is one of recovery. To start your journey and begin the healing process, call 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), text (321-978-0555), email (fccg@gamblinghelp.org), live chat (gamblinghelp.org), use the 888-ADMIT-IT App (https://landing.appypie.com/888-admit-it), or reach out on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
