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.
Yep service is a true gallant part of enabling others to enable themselves to recover. Bring the program to them and help them to understand and work it.
I did my morning meeting and there was a newbie there fresh to the room and old timers. He did what I finally learned to do at first...shut up and listen. I hope he comes back and surround himself with the fellowship. I voice support to him and then left cause I had several points of service to do as the Public Outreach Coordinator of our district. The service is to bring it to where it is needed and so this morning it was first the VA which is starting a new behavioral health program and are we not about learning new behaviors? and then across the street to the Hospital and its recovery program for individuals and family. How was I received? They know and know that they know what their clients need and they know that those who have done the work and found recovery are best examples. YAY!! Then too could we do talks to and with their cliental time to time?
The ending prayer for many of our meetings states, "When anyone anywhere reaches out for help...I want the hand of Al-Anon/AA to always be there and for that,....I am responsible"
(((Jerry))) - it sounds like a great day! For me and my recovery, service warms my heart and makes it smile. If others hadn't been there for me, I would not be the me I am today - a better version than before, yet a work in progress! Keep doing you - looks awesome on you!
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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
(((((((((((((((((Jerry)))))))))))))) I love your post...Sounds like a truly wonderful day!!!! and yea, helping another help themself is a grand feeling...
I find I help me when I give hope, ESH to another, or just being KIND out in the "wild streets" showing kindness, courtesies, compassion etc., makes the heart feel warm....When I first came here in recovery, I was sooo sick, my cup was empty...I had to borrow others love for me as I hated me, I had nothing to give..I was one very sick and needy and angry little lady....So.. how do I pay them back?? all that love and support??? By giving it away to others..encouraging....letting them know I relate to them, giving a hug (when safe) paying the love I got forward...Anytime I can put light on the darkness, I feel like I have put some meaning on my life...And, yea, I remind me every day...I am a work in progress..I am OK with my issues I struggle with, its OK to be fearful at times, angry when a memory comes up, its OK...I'm becoming OK with just being imperfect, albeit, sincere, willing ME!!!!!
Jerry, bless you for being a Public Outreach Coordinator. Al-Anon is one of the "best kept secrets," and it is a great thing to bring it into the light. I agree, service is so helpful to our own recovery.
Jerry, I truly love and welcome the part about "shut up and listen". As an oldtimer on here, I find that I have to watch myself on this one, as my natural 'fix-it' instincts want so bad to wade in and try to fix people, and magically make their lives better. Here on MIP, it is a problem if I don't practice some good old self-reflection and checking my motives.
As always, my friend, I bow to your wisdom in this great big complicated thing called recovery.
Mahalo,
Tom
"When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know, but if you listen, you may learn something new" - Dalai Lama
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
