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.
C2C reading for October 2 speaks about serving in the various service positions at an Al-Anon group meeting.
The reading suggests that when we volunteer and assume one of these responsibilities to the group, it often brings us in frequent contact with newcomers. This contact is extremely important for both, the new comer feels welcomed and we get practice in talking about the principles of the program .The reading also suggests that we can get caught up in our own trivial problems and forget the principles of the program, so that by talking with newcomers,we can get back into the reality of this disease and the powerful tools that it offers,
Other ways of service are:We can set out literature, chair a meeting,become someone a newcomer might approach.
Today we can see how much to be grateful for.as we need to remember how far we've come in recovery. Service helps us to remember.
The quote is from In All Our Affairs; "God did for me what I could not do for myself, He got me involved in service work, it saved my life my family and my sanity.
I've been in program for many years and have held different service positions. I can always remember the first time that I spoke at a meeting and how terrified I was. The topic was the Eighth Step. I, practiced and practiced for days before the meeting, and when I entered the room I forgot all the speech that I had practiced and was able to share from my heart. Actually that is how the program works.
Since that time I chaired meetings, been the treasurer, secretary and literature person and they gave all been very rewarding and promoted my growth in program. In this fellowship of equals it has been a "Win-Win" all around.
Thanks for this Betty.
It's funny how most all of us start out saying "Oh, I don't have enough recovery, I don't think I have anything to offer anyone new" and then when you do throw yourself into a service position and find your feet, it's so healing and such a two way street. There's a lot of self-esteem to be gained through service; al-anon is kind of magic that way, isn't it? I'm always hesitant and often shy away from it because I think I don't have enough to offer but on the occasions that I have tried to reach out to help, it's been a tremendous growth opportunity for me.
Thanks for the reminder, AND for your service!!! (You offer so much to others, you must have grow a LOT lol)
Hi Ms.M I agree with your response I forgot an important piece about service. Sharing on this Board helps so many and we all get to witness Miracles in Progress You my friend are a great example
You see we all have a great deal to give and due to the problems of living with this disease-- we forget.I love how alanon is a fellowship of equals.What wisdom in these principles!!
You are a server Betty and I for one am grateful. I love your share this morning and it reminded me of the simple words I got when I first arrived and after I asked "How does this work and what do I do"? I was told early on and among many other suggestions to come, "Trust God...Clean House...Help Others". Help Others...isn't that what I had been trying to do which led me to the doors of Al-Anon yet I didn't know there is a huge difference between those who want and need help and those under the influence of drugs and alcohol and are so self centered. I was taught by how I was treated and the lessons continue. Thanking God daily and accepting opportunities to give back. Gonna chair this mornings group myself and put myself in position to be served in return. Mahalo for the share. ((((Hugs))))
I too am grateful for the service you offer here @ MIP Betty! I learned early on that the best way for my mind to obsess less is by doing service work. I can do simple things like make coffee, set out chairs, literature, etc. or more committed things - service positions. What I have always loved about serving the group and the fellowship is that there is never a need to look far - service is always there for anyone who wants to get out of our own minds, thoughts, obsessions and fear.
Welcoming new members is fun for me.....I am one who no longer looks down when I go to a meeting. I am often excited to be there as I know I will leave feeling better than I arrived. Meetings are such a great tool for so many reasons. So grateful for how the program works - I too learned, "Trust God - Clean House - Help Others". I took it literally some days - when anxious, stressed or uncertain - I would 'clean house'. Still love the results of cleaning - it's a renewed energy in me and for me!
Make it a great day all!
__________________
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
