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.
Saturday past, I played tournament softball here - the metro area does sober softball and the tournament is how we end the year/season. Of course, there is recovery everywhere and both sides of the fellowship are well represented. There are games, kids, spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, games, raffles, food and more!
The teams were structured that each had to have a minimum of 2 gals. I have a personal philosophy that I will never let a softball team play short, which is what happens if they don't have the minimum gals - they have to defend a huge field with less players. So, I was asked to play with another club and readily agreed - service work and fun....why not?
There was one other gal in the dugout and me being me (I talk with everyone every where - in/out of the program - just the way I roll) asked her what fellowship she was from. She suggested she was an Al-Anoner from xxx fellowship. She shared she was reasonably new to the fellowship. I told her about how when I was new, I went to one group - it didn't gel well with me so I went to another and it was a better fit.
Her issue (smaller kids) was she'd gotten a new job and that the commute was such that she was having issues getting to her home group meetings. Long story short, she works within 5 miles of my area, and I told her I'd go with her to a club close to work if she wanted me to!
She did text this morning, and I met her for a noon meeting at a different club. It was so awesome to ...
1. Meet another ball player, esp. an Al-Anoner.
2. Go to a meeting beyond my scheduled ones.
3. Meet a new group of people, attend a new meeting!
4. Just see how this whole thing works.
Who in the world would have expected someone with a need for a friend to attend a new group in a different part of the city to meet a willing person in the dugout at a softball tourney in yet another city in our metro? God does work in mysterious ways and I'm so grateful for how this unfolded!!
No matter how much time you got in this fellowship, most people from one/both sides will go with you to a meeting, step outside their comfort zone and/or just provide an ear when it's needed. Never be afraid to ask for help and never be unapproachable for one who needs help. The miracle of recovery for me works so, so well when I can just be open to what may unfold each day in spite of me, my will, my plans and my wacky thinking brain!
Thanks for being here and thanks for being a part of my journey!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Gracious HP ...affirmations from my soul sister from another mother. Just got back from my morning AA group to read your ESH which duplicated the thoughts, feelings and behavior share I experienced there. The 12th step confirmed. I'm supposed to be here. ((((Hugs))))
(((Hugs))) Jerry - I truly am humbled by the way HP works in recovery.....the more open I am, the more I feel, see, hear and experience these miracles! Happy Meeting Day Dear Brother from another mother!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
