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.
Step four is big for me too, Betty... I am chairing on the topic at a face to face meeting tonight. I looked that the checklist you pinned up below:-
"Am I generous and try to contribute to the group by volunteering?"
Oh I am not generous- I am needy and still willing to learn!
I wanted to pay my dues to Alanon... but to enjoy it, as well...
...I am a double winner- in ACA. A few years ago i tested the waters- when i met the Alanon CEO, of the time, named Rick B. He was supportive of our daughter movement. he talked about Claudia B. and her work- in setting up ACA.
i was always frightened in our local Alanon. I was trashed [in my view] by two double winners. The other side of the coin was that they walked all over me. And I was unable to defend my space with them.
Being with MIP, I have been able to work both programmes side by side. I did not have to do the steps all over again in ACA. Tweaking, here and there, certainly... but we do get credit for prior learning!
I am so proud being here.in most locations AA is by far the biggest group. But here Alanon is. And daughter ACA is the second biggest. All of us work closely here. And this is how it should be. ...
Life is going good for me now- much better than expected. I have had to deal with family- after our kid brother died last year- in Texas. But navigated that- without too many scratches and bruises. ...
Being in the present moment- is the best way to join forces with our HP, and with other people. ...
And ah believes that we'all kin do as much here, as in any F2F meeting... in our own way.
Greetings DavidG - love your share.....I am sorry that you were 'beat up' in F2F meetings, I have seen some of that and do my best to just be authentic, to give what I was taught - an example of how recovery works when we thoroughly follow the path, as designed. I know when I arrived, I felt utterly defeated and destroyed. I am grateful those I encountered first were very gentle, loving, giving creatures and not some of the 'controlling' black/white others I have since encountered. Had it been in reverse, I would probably have decided, on the spot, even with an insane mind, that Al-Anon was not for me.
I too believe in the power of recovery, any where, any time, with any format. I believe when 2 or more in recovery come together, to share ESH & 'life', we are working it. I believe God speaks to me through others, through me to others and that's not limited to a formal meeting setting. I also believe deeply in unconditional acceptance, kindness and love towards all people, no matter their path, journey, choices, etc.
I am grateful to be me, be present and be a Miracle in Progress - just for today! Thanks for your powerful share - clearly provoked some thoughts for me...(((Hugs)))
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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
I was pretty gutted when my home group broke up... and where you are you will have mixed it with the best and worst of groups...
My mantra here is that we don't always have the choice of groups- in rural out-of the way places... and in these situations we have to try and adjust...
...stand on our own two feet...!!! Easier said than done! ...
I also loved your share... I am glad that you are finding what "fits" you!
Peace!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
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