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 learn a lot in the rooms from the fellowship and am beyond grateful for the program AND sticking around after the meeting and getting into another meeting with individual members one or one or in small groups just shines my chrome. Got into one after my morning group with an inquisitive new comer and some others with major experience and I just related to both sides of the discussion. I was a newcomer at one time so I knew where this guys was coming from and why he was saying what he was saying. Tricky words and phrases, denial and excuses which reminded me of how my own ego shucked and jived in early years. Then being quiet and listening to the experienced others at my side reminded me of how I learned what worked and how along with reminding me of the requirement of humility, commitment and willingness to go to whatever was required to get my brain handed back to me in one piece along with my life. Thank you God for this journey of recovery. (((((hugs)))))
That was one thing I have lacked and missed are the meetings after the meeting because during the meetings people especially new comers are more reserved at those after meetings those are so special because you can really find out where people are at and how things are rolling.
Anyway, .. I know what you mean .. I experienced more of those with AA than I did with Alanon .. I think it was just the time of the meetings that got in the way.
Hugs S :)
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Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do "faith". - Brene Brown
"Whatever truth you own doesn't own you" - Gary John Bishop
I just laughed outloud at the 'shines my chrome'.....I had never heard that one - so - a new phrase for my extensive vocab!!!
I too love the meetings after the meetings. I too remember all too well how awkward and broken I felt in the beginning. I am so grateful that lovely members were kind enough to smile, and ask me personally to keep coming back. I try to do the same as I've been taught that we have to give it away to continue to grow!!
Thanks Jerry for my new phrase - I can't wait to use it!!! LOLOLOL....
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Anytime Iamhere...its right in line with what Serenity and you fed back. I also call it personally "family talk". I believe that HP smiles and smiles and smiles when we do this. ((((hugs))))
Thanks for the share Jerry. It's those meetings after the meeting that made me realize what a resource Al Anon is. I've had people I JUST met in a meeting offer me their couch and open their home to me after finding out I was divorcing. Do you think my therapist ever offered me his couch? :)
LLM, My therapist hasn't offered me their couch yet, either! And I've had some very good therapists
I also treasure the time after the meeting. I wish we had more of it, sometimes. My meetings are in the evening, and it seems people usually have to rush home afterwards. I really appreciate how Al-Anon is a good partner to other supportive things in life (therapy, friends, etc.)
Just this past Friday I went to an alanon meeting and was accidentally late but heard just what I needed to. After the meeting all these women who had no idea who I was gave me hugs and encouragement and phone numbers. I felt so much love and the shame I was feeling faded a bit. Connection with people who know where I'm at and after the meeting especially is where healing will begin again for me. My loved one decided to drink again and I found that I needed to find alanon again and will keep going. Another meeting today....
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-youfoundme
Let go and let God...Let it be... let it begin with me...
Welcome back youfoundme! (((Hugs))) to you and glad you found some peace and acceptance at your Al-Anon meeting! May that continue as you continue on your journey!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene