You've set out on a noble path, this path of healing.
There are changes.
Some of the things you used to do almost unconsciously don't work any more.
Some of the things that do so well for you now you'd never even heard about a month ago.
You're dealing with things pretty darned well.
Rolling with the punches.
You're willing to go wherever you need to go, be whoever you need to be, do whatever you need to do ...
to get your life on track.
Yourself well and healthy.
To get the balance back.
So why do your friends and family insist on trying to drag you back? It's not like you made up the symptom; you didn't.
It's not like you aren't coping; you are.
But like it's not enough to deal with your own demons through all this, sometimes it feels like you've got to carry everyone you know along with you -- on your nickel! As a healing arts practitioner and wellness coach, I've heard so many stories like yours.
Let's dig a little deeper to see what might be going on.

• First, your family and friends may feel threatened by your success.
  "If he improves his life too much," they may fear, "then he won't want to hang around with us any more.
  " Well, you know that is possible.
  If you grow and they don't, you could want to make some new friends.
  But more than likely, you'll be happy enough to keep the current ones, too, so long as you can still be yourself inside those relationships.
  Reassure them as best you can that you still care.
  
• Your family and friends may feel that you're not giving them as much of your time and energy as you used to.
  This may be true.
  It may also be necessary.
  If you've been a consistent "over-giver," part of your healing process involves protecting your time and energy.
  Just because your family is used to having you jump in and "fix" everything, that doesn't make it a good idea.
  Let them stretch their wings a little.
  If they value your well-being, they'll adjust.
  Here's the thing that both you and your loved ones need to really appreciate.
  If you have been taking responsibility for things that your loved ones should learn to do for themselves, that situation absolutely cannot continue.
  Despite their fussing, they're going to have to muddle along.
  It serves no one to have you martyr yourself on their behalf.
  Not you, not them.
  Schedule time to spend together connecting and sharing.
  Reassure them that you love them just as much as you always have.
  Resist the temptation to become the family servant, hero or martyr.
  
• Your family and friends may feel guilty that they aren't ready to make the same changes you're making.
  They may admire your changes, but they don't feel ready to make them, too.
  Healthy food changes, exercise, and not smoking are key factors here.
  Reassure your family that you aren't judging their behavior; you're simply doing what you feel you need to do for yourself.
  You don't expect them to [quit smoking, go to the gym, become a vegetarian, quit drinking, or whatever] just because you have.
  What they do is up to them, just like what you do is up to you.
  
• Your loved ones may question your judgement.
  Sometimes even the most well-intentioned loved ones feel the need to "save you from yourself" when they don't have the same information or perspective as you have.
  This is particularly true if your favored solution is costly and not covered by your health insurance.
  Talk with your friends and family.
  If there's a particular bit of information that brought you to the choice you made, share it with them.
  If you're feeling better as a result of the treatment, let them know.
  Listen, too.
  Hear their concerns.
  Some may be well-founded, as your friends are more objective than you at the moment.
  This should indeed be a two-way conversation! Don't be shy about bringing in an uninterested third party, like a counselor or social worker, if you think it might help.
  
• Your perception may be off.
  Yep, this is good.
  The client tells me, "Everyone relies on me.
  They just can't get by on their own.
  I can't get a moment's rest, because they expect me to give all of my attention to serving their needs.
  " Meanwhile, a family member calls their bluff.
  "He thinks he has to be everybody's hero.
  It drives us crazy! Why can't he see what he's doing to himself by acting this way?" In real estate, it's "location, location, location.
  " In an enlightened healing process, it's "communication, communication, communication.
  " Talk with your loved ones.
  Yes, you'll feel vulnerable.
  You're worth it, and so are they.
  

Ultimately, getting through the friends and family issue is an important part of your healing process.
It doesn't always go the same way.
Sometimes, families are brought closer together as a result of the honest sharing and healthier patterns that evolve from a healing journey.
That's always nice.
Other times, however, an unfortunate set of dysfunctional relationships was part of the problem to begin with.
If you happen to be involved with a controlling partner who insists on asserting his or her views to the exclusion of yours, for example, that situation must change.
If you find yourself in this situation, please get support for yourself during the process.
One good option is to ask your clergy person or doctor for a referral to a sympathetic, no-nonsense counselor who can help you sort though the process of learning to stand up for your own needs.
Bottom line, have the courage to stand up for yourself.
Sure, the friends and family may fuss.
They'll either come around or they won't.
If they don't, then perhaps it's time to find some new friends.