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.
A post in another thread got me thinking about this. Have any of you ever been to a roundup? They are like big meetings, with both AA and Alanon. The ones I have been to have varied from just one day (usually a Saturday) to a whole weekend. In the course of a day there amy be five or six meetings where people get up and share. Usually they 'qualify', that is, tell the story of how things used to be, what happened, and hows things are now. Sometimes there will be a theme for the meeting. Then, in the evening, there will be an AA speaker, and an Alanon speaker, both of whom speak of an hour or so. These are usually very good, people who have some time in the program, and who can speak well. There are meals, and sometimes a dance. (a dance without any drinking - it's amazing!)
I never thought, before this program, that I could get up and share in front of a hundred people, but it's actually easy, just like being in a meeting. Of course, if you get called and don't want to speak, you don't have to.
The thing that I find is, that after listening to A after A tell his/her story, they are all the same story. Over and over they say the same things, until you really have to believe - these people are different than I am. Something happens between them and alcohol that does not happen to me, or to any non A. It's not will power, or being a bad person, or morals, or anything liek that. They are just Different. I found that so helpful - it meant that I really didn't have to judge my husband, or myself for loving him. It is just a disease, heartbreaking like any disease, but not anybody's fault.
I have also heard many A's at these conventions say how much they appreciate hearing the alanon side of things. They are so wrapped up in their own suffering that they tend to forget that the pain gets spread around. It's good for them to hear what it's like growing up in an alcoholic home, and the damage that is done to someone who loves a drunk.
Summer is the season for these, if there is one near you, I really urge you to go, even if only for a few hours. You don't have to register or anything, just show up and pay what you can.
Sounds intriguing how or where would you find out of there is one of these in your area? Would make a fun social event for me and A as so many events revolve around alcohol. Thanks for your input. Your friend in recovery, Lisa
I'd try your local AA groups,. they could point you towards any in the area. I just googled "AA roundup" and found a whole bunch of them, if your local area is posting it on the net, that would be a good way, too. If there is a phone number in your phone book, the person at the other end would have information, I bet.
Any that I have gone to I have found out about through the local AA network. Even really small places have them - our town is only 5000 people, and we are the biggest place for an hour's drive in any direction. We host a roundup every year at a a local campground, just rent the group campsite and have a potluck dinner. I hope you find something - the positive energy is terrific
Yes, even if you are only able to attend one day of a three day event. This is what I did, called ahead, asked what I could pay for the day. Because of limitations, I couldn't handle 3 days at a time. Do what you can do for yourself, and just show up! The rest will fall in place.
For me, we had 3 meetings in One Day! I found it overwhelming, but others really loved it!
There is a great roundup every year up in Aspen, which we have been to once about 7 years ago I guess it was. As you can imagine this one is usually well attended because it is in the Rocky Mountains in the fall which is one of the best times to go up there with all the color of the leaves changing.
