Ever Ruin Things When They’re Going Well? Here’s Why

The Empowered Path for Adult Children of Alcoholics

By Jody Lamb

Reader,

You’re your own worst enemy.

Anyone ever say that to you?

When things finally start going right...do you somehow mess them up?

Does self-sabotage arrive on cue and suddenly, you’re right back where you started?

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re a lot like me, Reader.

I used to be really good at sabotaging my life. Like, if self-sabotaging was a sport at the Olympics?

I’d be a gold medalist.🥇

Why do we do this to ourselves?!

Well, my friend, I figured out the very real reason and how to get un-good at it.

🧠 Why We Self-Sabotage

If you grew up in chaos, especially in a home with a parent who abuses alcohol, peace can actually feel…completely…fully…UNCOMFORTABLE.

Why?

Because it’s unfamiliar.

Our brains are wired for survival.

They crave what they know, even if it’s unhealthy.

That beautiful, brave brain of yours?

It just wants to keep you safe.

So when life finally feels peaceful and you're succeeding...

You panic.

"This can't last."

"I don't deserve this."

Then you kick into self-sabotage mode:

Procrastinating
Pushing people away
Quitting too soon
Rejecting help

Sound familiar again?

✨ How to End Self-Sabotage

Here’s how to break it:

✅ Recognize that you are NOT your past. You deserve good things to happen.

✅ Sit with the discomfort of things going well. As you do, your nervous system will adapt. This is such a critical healing step.

✅ Receive. Allow yourself to receive the joy, success, and love you deserve without pushing it away.

You are worthy of a life that feels good, Reader.

Are you done self-sabotaging?

Ready to claim the life you deserve?

👉 Hit reply and write “ready!”

To breaking the cycle—

Rooting for you always! 💛

Jody

Resources & Recommendations

🛑

How to Stop Self-Sabotaging as an Adult Child of an Alcoholic

Read it

💬

How to Find the Right Therapist for You

Read it

✨

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adult Children of Alcoholics

Read it

🤝 Social & Sharing

If you find my content helpful, sharing it with a friend means the world. It helps me reach more people. 💙

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I'm rooting for you!

💛 Jody

Quick Reminder

👋 Hey there! You signed up for this email because you're on a journey of creating a life you love. I’m here to support you along the way.

I’m Jody Lamb, a personal growth author dedicated to helping adult children of alcoholics break free from the past and build healthy relationships, confidence, and joy.

In this newsletter, you’ll find relatable stories, empowering insights, and practical tips to help you navigate boundaries, self-care, and the challenges that come with growing up in a dysfunctional home.

I’m so glad you’re here. 💛