Learning From Scratch: Building a healthy, happy life when no one taught you how with JODY LAMB Hey, Reader. Can we talk about that critical voice in your head for a second? You know the one. The one that notices every mistake. That replays that awkward thing you said three weeks ago. That tells you everyone else has it together and you're the only one falling apart. Yeah. That one. For years, I thought it was just...me. Like I was wired to be hard on myself and other people got the...
21 days ago • 3 min read
Learning From Scratch: Building a healthy, happy life when no one taught you how with JODY LAMB Hey, Reader. You might notice something different. I renamed this newsletter. It's now called Learning from Scratch because that's what we're doing here. Figuring out how to live well when no one handed us the blueprint. Same me. Same emails. Just a name that fits better. Okay. On to the real stuff. I want to tell you about a trait I didn't realize I had until my 30s. I'm calm in a crisis. Like,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
THE EMPOWERED PATH FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS with JODY LAMB Dear Reader, This week, I turned 43. My husband, my sister, and her fiancé took me to one of those old-fashioned dinner places. There was an emcee with a microphone. Before the guy could even finish asking, “Is anyone celebrating a birthday?”My tablemates pointed at me and shouted, “She is!” in perfect unison. He was at our table instantly. “What’s your name?”Mic. In my face. No escape. “Jody.” “Everyone meet Jody—turning 21...
3 months ago • 4 min read
THE EMPOWERED PATH FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS with JODY LAMB Hi, Reader! Quick story before we dive in. Someone in our community sent me a message recently. They said they want closer friendships, but every time someone tries to get close…BOOM. Wall goes up. Heart says no. Nervous system jumps out a window. And I thought:“Oh, yes. The familiar trust issue.” Because guess what? I had barbed wire around me for several years. Years ago, I had a coworker who invited me to hang out THREE...
3 months ago • 3 min read
The Empowered Path for adult children of alcoholics healing & growing with JODY LAMB Hi, Reader! Thanksgiving is next week, which means we’re stepping into the start of the holiday season here in the U.S. And if you grew up with an alcoholic parent or in a chaotic home, this time of year can stir up a lot—pressure, old wounds, emotional landmines, and expectations you never agreed to. If you’re already feeling that, you’re not alone. I’ve lived this, too. The holiday season used to break me...
4 months ago • 4 min read
The Empowered Path for adult children of alcoholics healing & growing with JODY LAMB Hey, Reader. If you’re working on healing from a childhood shaped by alcohol or dysfunction, you already know that this isn’t an easy path. It takes courage and patience. When I first began my healing journey, I made a lot of mistakes. Honestly, each one taught me something valuable. But if I can help you skip the detours, that’s what I’m here for. Here are five mistakes I made on my healing journey so you...
4 months ago • 3 min read
THE EMPOWERED PATH FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS with JODY LAMB Hey, Reader. Have you ever met someone and just felt they’ve struggled with the same things you have without saying a word? At my job, I can often sense when someone’s lived through similar stuff, too. They over-deliver. They apologize for everything. They anticipate everyone’s needs. They’re the “go-to” person when something goes wrong and they wear exhaustion like a badge of honor. That used to be me. They’re also constantly...
4 months ago • 2 min read
THE EMPOWERED PATH FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS with JODY LAMB Hi, Reader. You know those times when you think you’ve made real progress in healing? You’re calm, grounded, sticking to your boundariesand then one moment knocks you off course? Maybe your parent calls, and suddenly you’re right back in “fix-it” mode.Maybe you go quiet to avoid conflict.Or you find yourself saying yes when every part of you wanted to say no. Then that voice shows up: “You’ll never change.” I’ve been there....
5 months ago • 2 min read
THE EMPOWERED PATH FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS with JODY LAMB Hi, Reader. Have you ever had someone say to you:“I adore you, but what the heck?! You’re so confusing sometimes!” If you grew up with an alcoholic parent (or in a similar kind of dysfunctional home), odds are you’ve heard something like this before—from a friend, coworker, or even a romantic partner. That’s because while we’re often dependable, problem-solving people, we also carry traits that leave others scratching their...
5 months ago • 3 min read