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Post Info TOPIC: first ODAT summary for Jan 26


~*Service Worker*~

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first ODAT summary for Jan 26


This is my first summary for the ODAT. Since I have been attending meetings for over 29 years I thought I might try tbis. It says that family members sometimes come to Al anon out of desperation. They think they are going to get the alcoholic sober. In reality the purpose of coming is to gain serenity & peace of mind. After awhile they see that once the alcoholic is sober they think that it is all great & they stop going to meetings. We all know that we will need Al anon & this our hope for a better life. In Today's reminder it basically that Al anon is for everyone whether the alcoholic is drinking or not. That the philosophy stands true. The one who gets the most of the program realize again that Al anon is the only true way to live s happier sane way of life. Serving others is mentioned in the quote. I believe that if someone truly gets the program they will be able to serve others & obtain serenity. It concludes that we will live better & if we help others to find a better life.

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Hoot Nanny


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Thank you for doing this today, Hoot Nanny. I appreciate the effort you expended on our behalf and for your reflection on the reading.

I was drawn in this reading to the reminder that Al-Anon is for all those who are living with an alcoholic, active or not. I don't live with an alcoholic. That stopped about 11 years ago. I have stayed in the program because I can see its benefits for me and how it affected me from childhood on much better than I did when I first entered the program. My program work is no longer due to my having active alcoholic family members or friends or inactive alcoholic family members or friends. It is something I do for me and me alone. It didn't start out that way though nor did I continue it for that reason. Quite a transformation of my thinking happened by staying with the program. I have pretty much removed myself from all things alcohol, but there is still a me in there who can be benefitted by continued work utilizing the program.





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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig



~*Service Worker*~

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Thanks Kathleen, I too came to alanon to find a means to get someone sober and was disappointed when told that the purpose of alanon was to help me. I stayed because I started to feel better after each meeting.

If I am ever tempted to walk away from .Alanon, this page reminds me that no matter how long I am in program, I will still need the support, and wisdom of the rooms.

I have learned and accepted that this is a "WE" program and as I travel this challenging road of life, I cannot walk it alone. . The First Step starts with "we" admitted. As I practiced this philosophy I have found that in order to keep growing spiritually and emotionally I must continue to attend meetings and share the journey with like minded others on the road.

Thanks for your service Kathleen

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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

Talmud
PP


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Thank you, Kathleen.  I have often thought this program would be beneficial for any and all.  



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Paula



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Thanks Kathleen. When I first attended a meeting my wife was active, but when I first really started to go to meetings my wife was in inpatient treatment, and in fact came out dry and has stayed dry for over a year. So my Al Anon work has all been done while she is sober.

I am so glad I joined Al Anon, because I have found behaviors I learned in reaction to my FOO that were totally obsolete and putting huge burdens on my marriage, and causing triggers for my wife. Once those have been dug out and in correction, our lives together with her sober have been much more peaceful than if I wouldn't have joined. In fact, there likely wouldn't be a marriage anymore had I not joined Al Anon.

It also has spilled into other areas of my life as well, that I am so glad I joined for me. And continue to go for me. It's really amazing when I go do something for me, that the result so often happens to be less turmoil with others.

 

Kenny



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~*Service Worker*~

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hotrod wrote:



I have learned and accepted that this is a "WE" program and as I travel this challenging road of life, I cannot walk it alone. . The First Step starts with "we" admitted. As I practiced this philosophy I have found that in order to keep growing spiritually and emotionally I must continue to attend meetings and share the journey with like minded others on the road.

*****************************************************
so agree, Betty.....i was alone all my life, even surrounded by my alkies and other dysfunctionals, I was ALONE until i came home to alanon....that first meet when i was too scared to say anything, and the other members hugged me and told me that I was acceptable and lovable AS IS....and the steps, and the on line meets,  board work here and others in the past.....i love that this is a WE program.....I was alone enough in my life.......and sharing my journey with "like minded others on the road"    Oh YEA!!!!!

 



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Live and let live and do it with peace and goodwill to all!!!! 



~*Service Worker*~

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After writing the summary I realized that I didn't share how I felt  & what I got out of the reading. I, too, was in &  out of the program for many years. I started dating alcoholics in recovery & still drinking. I even married two of them. At one pt. I was actually drinking w/ one of them. Then I realized that I needed to go back to the program, stay & get serious. I was very sick & didn't know it. I went back to meetings. I knew at one pt. that I would never get any alcoholic in my life sober.

Alcoholics have come & gone in my life since I came back but today I am married to a recovering alcoholic. My AH I am today is sober.

After attending meetings again, I realized that I  need meetings. I am going to need meetings for the rest of my life whether I have an active alcoholic in my life or not.

Today I feel I have a foundation for a better life. Also, my serenity level lasts longer & that I have a more peaceful way of life.

So, I didn't get anyone sober in my life but am pleased that my AH has been sober for a long time & is in AA. He got sober on his own. I had nothing to do w/ it.

I wouldn't change my time in Al anon for any reason. I found a home here & I am here for me.,

  

 



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Hoot Nanny


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Yes, I can relate to wanting to save my A's in my life and that's why I read the book "Getting Them Sober" by Toby Rice Drews, but along the way I found serenity in al-anon and want to sprinkle it everywhere on everyone. Thanks for this!

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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree

Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666

" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."

"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."



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Thanks Kathleen. I came to alanon 10 years ago to prove I didn't need it. How delightfully wrong I was.

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