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.
Hi. I am just returning to Al-Anon after about 8 years of trying to do this by myself. I have done almost nothing during that time period but isolate. I have gone for a week at a time without talking to a single human being.
I recently had foot surgery and have been unable to get out and about. It has pointed out to me how isolated I have been.
It is really scary coming back to Al-Anon after all these years. I am ashamed and have not had the courage to ask for any phone numbers at the one meeting that I went to Friday night.
Glad there is this online so that I can at least have some contact when there is no meeting available to me.
Welcome back! The online support you get here is great - lots of people with lots of great ideas for you to take care of yourself.
Don't beat yourself up about the 8-year absence. We all try and try, and there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. What's important is that you're reaching out. At the meeting you went to on Friday night - do you think those people would give you a hard time, the way you are doing to yourself? If they do, they are not the Alanoners I've come to know and look up to.
We're here for you, and we are happy that you've decided to improve your outlook and your life. Make it about you! Read the literature, go to meetings, and come to the board - when you are able. If you are not, know that you are still in our thoughts. Pretty conceited of me, speaking for everyone like that, but I do believe that the support of all of the kindred spirits has helped me in these past weeks, and has given me some peace in my life. It's there - you're reaching out. It's yours to take!
Take care, Marion
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit ("Bidden or not bidden, God is present") - Erasmus
Greetings from San Antonio! Please come back here often. You will find caring people who understand. There is a schedule of on-line meetings here too.
I tried to do it myself for a long time. "I am so strong," said I....well, here I am. I am strong all right, but couldn't conquer this one alone. We may never "conquer" it, but having loads of friends here who share together is a great start.
Kindest wishes,
Diva
-- Edited by Diva at 13:11, 2007-08-05
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Welcome back, Shellsmom! There are no failing grades or excommunications for Alanon members :D. If there were, I would have had to petition the Pope or someone similar to "rejoin" Alanon like I did in February this year. No one gets a score card on how many phone numbers or tools you use. All we have to be is affected by someone else's drinking or drug use.
Please share your story with us when you'd like to.
This board is an excellent adjunct to actual Alanon meetings, it's very active every day, and you can always go back and read older posts and watch the progress being made.
You aren't alone, and never were, even with little human contact. I'm glad you're here, and hope to see your posts and thoughts in the near future :) Kim
Welcome back. The beauty about recovery is that you can start it all over again any time you want. You'll remember how to do it. Be gentle on yourself. This journey of recovery is about progress not perfection.
Love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I am pretty new to this board, but already it has helped me so much! I have not been to an Alanon meeting yet, and can definitely relate to being shy about asking for numbers. I hope to get the courage to go soon.
This board is awesome because no matter what time of day I can go here and read when I'm feeling alone- and always leave with a smile on my face.
Welcome back from Canada! Glad you came back, no need to be shy, we who come here or attend Alanon face to face meetings have been or are exactly where you are now, and we understand, where others dont. These effects of alcoholism can leave or creep back at any time, and that is why the Alanon doors are always open!
Hi, no need to be ashamed , those people will be so glad to see u back it will be like old times . Your not the only person who tried to do it alone and you won't be the last . Forgive yourself and recover . Louise
Glad you joined here...this is a wonderful site. It's amazing how someone post something that speaks right to my heart at times. Keep coming back...and again...welcome home.
