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.
Sally what was suggested to me and what worked when I first got serious about finding a sponsor was to listen and learn from the elders for a while and then ask someone knowledgeable with time experience if they would be willing to help out. I also told them my story so that they would/could come to some understanding of who and what they were coming up to. There were and are parts of my story regarding this disease that others might/would not find themselves up to taking on. I also was conditioned to respect the Men on Men and women on women leadership which I didn't follow at first and got myself fired by the first sponsor a woman. She was good/great but lacked the courage at times of keeping me in line when it came to being responsible for my own program. She referred me to a very experienced and knowledgeable and willing male sponsor and I came to growth.
Interview anyone you feel that can help you and grow, grow, grow. Good luck...In support with the rest of our family. (((((hugs)))))
Welcome Sally! So glad to hear you are attending face to face alanon meetings where you live. I've actually attended alanon meetings in Atlanta, and Marietta, GA, and I still go whenever I am visiting, there on business, etc. I went as recent as January.
That said, question...if you are attending face to face meetings where you live...is there any reason you don't want to find a sponsor there, where you attend meetings? Just curious.
All the best.
__________________
Bo
Keep coming back...
God, grant me the serenity...to accept the PEOPLE I cannot change...the courage to change the ONE I can...and the wisdom to know it's ME...
Welcome to MIP Sally - glad you found us and glad that you shared. Feel free to ignore the question above if it bothers you - you are free to work recovery as you need to, in any way - there is no perfect process and I find it a bit out of line. A sponsor is recommended/suggested for all 12 Step recovery programs - local is preferred but not necessary.
I am glad to hear that you are attending (F2F) face to face meetings; that is where most of us start out. There are some who don't have access to them as they are not in every corner of the states or the world. MIP was designed by a man who felt we could all benefit from world wide sharing of (ESH) Experience, Strength & Hope to better serve each of our recovery journeys. He's passed on and we try to carry on as best we can.
Not certain where you are in your journey but hope you got a welcome package. I also hope those who attend helped you understand what Al-Anon is all about. Al-Anon is a safe place where friends and family come together to work on recovering from the affects of drinking in another - family or friend. Most of us have vastly different stories yet we share many of the same feelings, thoughts, obsessions, etc. It was suggested to me that if I keep an open mind and listen for similarities, I'll benefit greatly.
I learned as Jerry suggests - look for ESH that aligns with what you want. There's no hurry to pick a sponsor and you are welcome to post topics for ESH freely here, 24 hours a day. If that's not comfortable for you, you can click on any user's name and it should show you M/F (Male or Female) and there's an option to send a message, which is private.
If you opt to reach out to a member privately, don't be alarmed if you don't get an immediate answer - some visit daily and others visit less often. We do have members from all different parts of the globe, so all different time zones. Most of us do our best to share ESH and follow Al-Anon guidelines and the 'take what you like and leave the rest' is always an option.
Please keep coming back - many here are practicing social distancing, so aren't able to get to meetings right now. You are not alone! Glad you found us and joined in!
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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
