The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading in HFT speaks to our Alanon FAMILY. The bond that we feel with one another, for me--in may ways has been even more profound on this website where I have met exactly none of you in person yet feel so very close and connected because of the program.
Since coming to Alanon I have felt that this is the place where I can share every sorrow, anxious thought, joy, excitement, and everything in between and someone here will understand. When I come on to these message boards, without fail, every time, I see something to learn from, or that I can relate to, or something that causes me to consider my behavior or circumstances in a new light.
Today happens to be my exAH's birthday. As recently as two days ago I received a message all about how he dreams of our family being together again. He has been attempting to stay dry, and has gone to meetings sporadically--but consistently says he doesn't know if the program is for him. He told me had had a slip a few weeks ago (not too bad, just a few drinks!), but knows that staying sober is best for him in every way and only prays that if he stays sober it will lead to us being together again. I write all of this to say--if it were not for me getting to Alanon a little over two years ago, I am certain I would be clinging to every word, and hovering over every action, just as I did for the 22+ years of our marriage. When I came here I was at a breaking point. I wasn't living my life at all but only reacting to his. I felt that I was a shell of who I was supposed to be and I can say honestly that I have been putting myself back together with the support of the Alanon family every step of the way since coming here.
I am grateful for the program and each one of you as we are all moving forward, doing the best we can each day.
Great post Mary. I can relate to your share on many levels.
Alanon is giving me back! I am taking my power back from
the alcoholics and Dysfunctional people in my life. I am Getting
stronger and healthier every day. It is a lot of work and it takes
Honesty and willingness to change and grow. Letting God in
has been amazing and life changing for me. Thank you MIP
For helping me on my journey.
Hi Mary, thanks for the topic. Focusing on the word :"Family ",as part of the program is extremely important to my recovery. I do believe, that by attending meetings, having the courage to be vulnerable, being able to reach out in a compassionate empathetic way has helped me to understand the true meaning of family.
I know in my family of origin. I never receive the understanding, compassion and support that is available to me at each Al-Anon meeting. In my family, we were all expected to have the same opinions, pretend to be happy at all times, know how to do things without even being taught and only supported when people agreed with ourr actions. The idea of living by universal principles was clouded by believing and living by the families distorted principles.
I too can feel the connection and love. at each Al-Anon meeting and here on this board. I am truly grateful to my MIP family as well as my worldwide face-to-face Al-Anon family.
What a difference it makes to feel the love and support in the room, even when I'm sad or angry. Being offered, compassion and understanding without being told what to do is so enriched my life. It is a process and I am glsd that you can see the difference in your responses from a year ago. Good work
