We Are Not Broken: a True Story of Abuse, Alcoholism and Anxiety

By Angelica Alton

We Are Not Broken: A True Story of Abuse, Alcoholism and Anxiety is an inspirational and uplifting read of learning from lifes journey through the eyes of the author.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jul 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781504384643

Angelica Alton

Angelica Alton is married and has 2 four-legged children. She has been with her husband for eighteen years. Angelica has received several academic degrees and certifications including her Doctoral Degree in Business Administration and is currently working as a chief executive for a government. Her life experiences, however, and the growth from these experiences are what actually gives Angelica the credentials to write “We Are Not Broken: A True Story of Abuse, Alcoholism and Anxiety.”

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Copyright © 2017 Angelica Alton.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The information, ideas, and suggestions in this book are not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before following any suggestions contained in this book, you should consult your personal physician or mental health professional. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising as a consequence of your use or application of any information or suggestions in this book.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-5043-8452-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-8453-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-8464-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017911172

Balboa Press rev. date: 07/15/2017

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Abuse

Childhood

Lessons Learned

Alcoholism

Anxiety

Stress

My New Journey

Today

Steps That Worked For Me

Awareness

Acceptance

Surrender

Action

Gratitude

Patience

Responding To Others

Faith

Hope

Meditation

Health

Saying No

Being Selfish

Listen To Your Body

Inner Voice

Coaching

To Be Continued

About The Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank those who have helped me to be who I was, am, and will be. I thank my mom for teaching me to be strong. I thank my husband for loving me for who I am. I thank my trainer who helped me begin my spiritual journey. I thank all those that have come into my path as a positive light, including my family and friends. Last but not least, I thank the universe for its guidance and healing. We Are Not Broken: A True Story of Abuse, Alcoholism, and Anxiety is an inspirational read of life through the eyes of the author’s experiences.

INTRODUCTION

First, I am not a therapist or life coach. I am simply a thirty something-year-old woman who has learned from many experiences, and you may be able to learn from them also. This story applies to anyone and everyone. We all have our own story. We all have had our ups and downs. Some life experiences are worse than others. Whatever the situation is though, I truly believe none of us are broken. We all have experiences that contribute to our life’s journey. I was fortunate to learn from the experiences that peppered the earlier part of my life’s journey thanks to child abuse, alcoholism, anxiety, stress and a calling for spiritual guidance. I am sharing this story not only to get it in on paper so I have a record of my paths traveled thus far, but so at least one other person can realize he or she is not broken and not alone. I empathize with all of you, no matter your story, and give you lots of love. It is my hope that you will realize that all of your experiences have made you who you are today. You are a special and unique person full of gifts and the ability to learn more. Be hopeful and live life to the fullest.

Thanks so much for being a part of my story.

ABUSE

Childhood

Where to begin? I do not remember most of my childhood. There is literally a large mental gap or amnesia related to events that took place from when I was a child until the age of twelve or thirteen. I wonder why this mental gap happens. I have heard that the mind sometimes represses memories related to traumatic events as a form of protection. I do not remember Christmas and most birthdays. I remember tidbits of my childhood; I remember loving to visit with my family and eating all kinds of good Southern cooking. I remember being good at riding horses; I remember learning to ride and stop my bike. I remember being happy when I wasn’t with my mother.

Most of what I remember, however, is being mentally and physically abused. I do not want you to feel sorry for me, as I know plenty of children have it worse. My mother beat my bare behind with a paddle until I was black and blue. I don’t even remember what I did to deserve this, except one time it was because I lost a magic marker. She would often send me to the basement with soap in my mouth for lying. I could not drip any soap or saliva on the floor, or I would get in more trouble. To this day, I refuse to buy Ivory soap. I would often take the blame for things my little sister had done to protect her, including taking the beatings. My mother called me names for licking my lips or for walking too hard. What I remember clearly is growing up very fast, making dinner for the family, getting work clothes ready for Mom,