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 have this movie at home. I bought the DVD in the Wilson's own garage- at Stepping Stones. in NY state.
Early on I read "Lois Remembers". I was always interested in how our hope evolved... and manifested itself... with love...
foe many years I fancied Lois and Bill as my mum and dad. Bonded, rather than fixated. Visiting their home made me realise that I was a part of a world-side family- based on AA and Alanon groups. For me- it was 'a coming of age' rite of passage', for me.
I used to get into conflict all the time. Or I was backing off and isolating- badly. I did not know how to live in the world- successfully.
At the moment I seem to be able to cope. I had to learn to talk- and to learn to talk confidently. How to mix and meet, with other people.
the feel for this group- is like a big city group. How many active members- 40? 60? Maybe more? There are four or five I have regular contact with- mostly through facebook... and this just evolved over time. Because I belong to another 12 step group- I come here as a member. I have no aspirations past that point. I have taken notice to see what comes and goes in this group. The old me would have just barged in. Showing respect for other people's personal space and boundaries. I was okay with this- most of my life- because if i was uncertain I would just isolate. Now I have more confidence- and will step and do stuff I once thought impossible. Like making sure if a newcomer is okay and understood what we do here. Offering reassurance.
After all- in Alanon we deal with really heady stuff... I sometimes forget that... it has become second nature now.
It is Wednesday evening here now... sitting on the couch with my SO. I watch very little Tv these days. I merely enjoy a movie, or a really good show on Tv... I spend lots of time on my laptop- catching up on an education... about the world. And not all recovery stuff these days...
..."journey" is a cliche that we all use. But I think of the times we have all had around here. Despite the issues- that come forward here every day- there is also a lot of pride and joy mixed up with this...
...
...thanks...