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.
First, to Dittie, well said. I always think about how nice it is to have an oasis here- one where we are not judged based on our bodies or appearance, our social standing or finances, a place where we can be ourselves and connect with others. It is nice to have a place where we can come and bask in the laughter and tears, and soak up the experience, strength and hope of others while we offer our own words and kindness to each other.
It is also comforting to have a place where our anonymity is not only respected by others, but embraced- as this is the first brick in the foundation of our programs. We come and go, we hug and receive hugs, there are no unreasonable expectations to meet, the demands are few, and we treat each other with the dignity and respect that is so deserved of every human being.
I just want to remind everyone (including myself) that, even though the friendship and fellowship we share is very real, we are connecting using cyberspace. Sometimes, things get lost in what we say, as we cannot see each others' facial expressions or body language, or hear subtle changes in the tones of each others' voices. While this carries many positive aspects, there are a few downsides. It is so easy to forget that our forum requires us to step lightly and listen with our hearts.