Hi y'all... 

                    A gratitude share...? But even more low-key than that. it is Friday morning here. Cool and overcast. Just finding a little space, in the rooms. Which is a bit of a joke- because there is no door, walls, or a roof!

I have been to 1000's of meetings... maybe tens of thousands. I recognise the person I was when i first set foot in the rooms. I recall the first open meeting I ever attended- in the city. I went along because I wanted to help alcoholics. I recall the young woman who took me aside at that meeting and spoke to me about Alanon. With great gratitude. She must have identified my need correctly. It was about 12 years before I attended my first meeting.

I most likely qualify for AA too. I had my last drunk at the age of 17- where I drank a quart of whiskey. It scared the living beyaysus out of me. I Went along to our local AA a few moths ago- and took in 3 or 4 meetings. Checked out where I stood. Not a lengthy drunkalogue between age 4 and age 17. At age 4 I clearly recall I was a petrol sniffer. And my overblown sense of wisdom worked well for me here. made me realise that I was going to be a sucker for every panacea and diversion known to mankind.

My experience with huge amounts of meds- at age 17- trying to get myself "better" innoculated me against the use of street drugs in the 1970's. My closest friends were junkies, but my girlfriends were lushes, mostly... a much more familiar culture.

ACA- the adult child programme gave me the help that therapy might have. Here- in my land and world expensive therapy was well out of reach. ACA ended up covering this base. ACA came into these valleys, about 27 years ago- in its infancy. But is was banned by Alanon here- through the district Rep. Sounds a but harsh- but that was the way things seem to work around here.  ...

I like the MIP boards, here, because all the 12 step groups work together- mostly putting our tradition 7 givings together. I tend to see this- as 'a way to go'. A guide towards the future.

Alanon is by far the biggest group here. It brings together extremely motivated people. And I believe it pulls together lots of group experience, along with the outreach and support for newcomers. When I first came to the MIP groups- I was immediately embraced by the members here- with Alanon and went through the Steps and Traditions. To pick up on anything I might have missed.

I was very lucky here- in my own home town. When the construction crews arrived, with their AA and Alanon members. We formed an open sharing meeting- and I went through the green 12x12 book three or four times. And the AA 12x12 was opened on the lap next me. This was an extraordinary experience... and created in indelible link between our two founding organisations, for me.  ...

... group issues arise- from time to time. This fundamental experience- gave me confidence- over what was generally approved and what the various guidelines actually were.

Though, within myself- i was hardly a happy confident person. I was a train-wreck!

This week I have been campaigning for a place in the local community board. I was a bit hesitant to do this. But y'all should know. I felt the same way about being a parent- and especially about becoming a life- partner.

Always bigger boots to fill... growing inwardly... in spirit, and in emotion... creating and growing boundaries... a life mission...  ...

...still so much to do. Catching up...!!!

Thanks for the opportunity to share, ya'll... ...     ...