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.
I left work headed to my first Al-Anon meeting nervous as hell, but determined. It was a 20 minute walk with whipping winds, 37 degrees. I got to the church, found the directory, saw Al-Anon was being held in the 3rd floor conference room. Headed up in the elevator wanting so bad to just turn around and leave. On the 3rd floor I was faced with a maze of hallways with no signs and a lot of closed doors. I even mustered up the courage to ask two separate passers-by for some help on where to go. I finally reached the conference room to find it empty with the lights out, checked my watch, 2 mins till the meeting start time, I waited and no one ever came. Back to work I went.
I felt defeated, I actually started to feel stupid for even trying to go. It took a lot for me to force myself to go and I failed. But as I walked, I thought it through. s*** happens. I did not fail. The fact that there was no one at the meeting is no reflection of me, it's not my fault that I wasn't able to go to a meeting today, I just can't let this hiccup stop me from trying again. I enjoyed my chilly walk back to work. I plan to find a different meeting that I can try and give it another shot.
-- Edited by hotrod on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015 02:34:12 PM
-- Edited by CoopsMom on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015 02:36:20 PM
You did so great CoopsMom. Don't get discouraged, it took a ton of courage to go there today. Please try again though. Just going was a huge first step.
So sorry that you experienced this coopsmom. Congrats on having the courage to follow through on your decision.
You are correct, you did not fail. Today all that you needed to do was find the courage to get there. I would call the alanon hotline number and advise them of this situation.
Keep showing up You are worth it.
You did good. YOu went. can you contact your local council to find out what's going on?
I took my BFF by the hand and walked her to an Al-anon meeting Tuesday night. It was her first.. she said "do I have to share" and I said "no just come and sit and listen"
guess what... she shared. yes it's that safe!
__________________
-- ladybug
We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
You did great coopsmom. It does take bravery,
I was not afraid of the meeting but of sharing.
That takes courage to speak your truths in front
Of strangers. That took me a long time to do.
I just listened mostly you can pass or say
something real quick if need be.
Nobody expects new people to open up. It happens
But not that often. I was at rock bottom when i
Started there was one way only for me and that
was up.
One of my favorite meetings is a lunchtime meeting, and we certainly are a small group at times. (Well in general we are a small group, but some days, we say two people is still a meeting, and a meeting is a good thing.)
Keep trying, and maybe the area counsel knows of a date change. My meeting used to meet three days a week, and is now down to two. (I can tell, because one of the days has been cut out on the signs.)
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
You got it! If you reflected on the crappy situation, a and realized who was responsible for it, and that you were powerless over the situation, then I say you had a mini-meeting all by yourself! Better with other people, but you figured out an important lesson in boundaries tonight. So keep coming back, and keep going back!
I understand completely! Six weeks ago I heard about a meeting a couple of blocks from my house. I walked down there, afraid of what I would find. The building was locked and there were no cars anywhere so I walked back home. The next day, I tried another meeting on my lunch hour from work. I asked about the meeting that was not there the day before and they said it had been cancelled months ago. I found the right group though. A little more removed from my home, but easy to get to at lunch and a warm and wonderful group. This week I even participated in sharing for the first time. It was scary but I did it and I felt so much love from all. No judgement, just love...
Keep trying to get to a meeting. IMHO there is no replacement for a group of folks who WANT you to be there and WANT you to bring your trials and trade them for peace. I am excited now to begin a group studying the steps. I encourage you to accept what is offered at a face to face meeting.
__________________
Bethany
"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be." Abe Lincoln
Good for you for trying! I remember going to a meeting only to find it had been cancelled the month prior and it hadn't been updated online. It happens. Keep trying and things will fall into place. HUGS!
__________________
Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
Well done, it took a lot of courage to show up for you, please keep on showing up you are so worth it. I have been on al anon phone meetings for when I cannot get to face to face, they are good for me but I do love the face to face and seeing the real people. Love and hugs to you. xx
I can relate and got lost and went to the wrong Church for my first two meeting when I first moved here, they didn't change the information or update it until I finally found the group and let them know. There is a number to the hotline here at the end of my post, and they may know of other meetings in your area. Keep trying and I am glad you are determined! Sending you love and support on your journey!
__________________
Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
