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.
On Christmas Day, I chaired a zoom meeting in my district. Until recently, I haven't chaired any al-anon meetings but one day I put on my big boy pants and tried it. Wasn't too bad. I do it regularly and now I'm beginning to feel more a part of that group. It's not my home group. My home group has not held meetings since the pandemic began. I searched for a replacement and located the one I attend now. The faces are different but it's the same serenity prayer, the same slogans, the same steps, the same topics. I think what I mean to say is that we are all learning to adapt during this crisis. Chairing meetings is a way for me to express my gratitude. Someone once told me that gratitude isn't about having everything I want; it's about wanting everything I have. I might chair one New Years Day, because New Year's Eve is my wedding anniversary and I'll have a lot of gratitude that day. Take care now and be safe.
__________________
Not all my days are priceless, but none of them are worthless, anymore.
Always great to see you Wolfie! Happy Anniversary (early) and thanks for the share. I am forever grateful that I came to recovery before the pandemic began...I might be one of the crazier, ill-adapted humans during this otherwise.
I miss my F2F meetings as well...yet, am willing to adapt for safety! Keep doing you - it's always good when you stop by!
__________________
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
Good Morning Wolfie and Iamhere. I am also very grateful to have found MIP before the pandemic. I found a F2F group shortly before the shutdown(s) and was blessed with a sponsor. Without her guidance, my fears and frustrations would have increased exponentially. I am experiencing a new way of living which is solving many problems( I thought) I had. I just do what I can to stay safe for myself and loved ones. I appreciate MIP for kickstarting the process and my sponsor for leading me through the steps to develop and maintain a strong relationship with my Higher Power....HP is the only constant in my life in these uncertain/chaotic times. Thank you for keeping me in gratitude mode.
Wolfie, thank you for your service. Chairing at a group meeting always aids my recovery, even though sometimes it is emotionally difficult, depending on what I'm sharing.
I've had a couple of different home groups over my 7 years in Al-Anon so far, and no matter where I attend -- whether on Zoom or in person -- I feel that I belong, that I am part of the group, at least for that meeting. If it's a group that is new to me -- I feel that I and the other members know each other, even if we haven't met before, because we all share a common history, a common pain, and a common "seeing the light" of recovery.
Attending/chairing on a holiday is extra special to me. I am grateful to whoever makes a meeting possible -- especially on holidays. Wolfie, if you share on New Year's -- I'm sure that will bless whoever gets to hear you.
Yes Im very grateful for the group experience Ive had with alanon, which started with MIP about 10 yrs ago, and my F2F group which is now on zoom. There is a core group of us, about 5 members, whom Ive been meeting with for 8 yrs now. There is a bond with those 4 other people that is so special. Now on zoom, we have many visitors from all over the US and at times from other countries. We love having all the new folks! Some come back for awhile, its always changing, and its all very good.
One advantage brought on by the pandemic is having to go to online meetings instead of in person meetings. As you know, I'm in both fellowships (AA and Ala-anon). I've been to zoom meetings in my area (eastern Canada), New Jersey, Hawaii, and a few other places. I have met people I wouldn't have otherwise met. I even have a group I go to tonight that I chair. Its all good.
__________________
Not all my days are priceless, but none of them are worthless, anymore.
I agree Wolfie - the pandemic has imposed a 'new normal' and I've also been to a variety of meetings across the globe! A gal I know found a great group of folks from across the pond - she stays up/gets up early to attend because it's been so good for her recovery.
Keep doing it - I agree - it's all good!
__________________
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
