I attended my first alkathon on Thanksgiving evening with my friend.

There was alanon participation.

Unfortunately by the time we got there alanon was over and it was just AA. (My brother who did dinner had a broken oven and the turkey was done late)

So we stayed for the AA meetings.

The first meeting was on Intimacy, I will post the handout at the end.

The shares were interesting and scary and real honest.. Relationships in recovery, 13th stepping, working on ourselves. Things I needed to hear

The second meeting was on gratitude. The meeting leader shared on her background and all she had to be grateful for.

Then around the room, strong powerful shares of gratitude, Boy am I glad we went

I can see why they have an alkathon on Thanksgiving. So much dysfunctional families, temptations to drink to cope and drink like the rest of them, loneliness.

I am grateful to spend the afternoon with my family and my evening with my family of choice

In recovery Megan

Intimacy is a Peak experience

Some Characteristics of Intimates

Intimates fight, laugh, plan, share ideas and fill the relationship with high energy.

Intimates share authority in relationships. They take turns to provide times or situations where they take turns being the leader.

Intimates accept and appreciate change. They know that change and reality are closely linked, and little remains the same.

Intimates have enough self worth to know that they deserve closeness, care, and attention, and don’t have to play games to get attention

Intimates can be counted on for consistent behavior. That’s how they build trust..

Intimates develop their sense of humor. They have enough money, energy and time to play together and sometimes do outrageous things.

Intimates learn to ask for what they want and need and give up manipulation and whining.

Intimates can become “like children” with each other without embarrassment.

Intimates do not waste a day or night without some appreciation of each other.

SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION

Ben Sweetland