A head full of injuries and a heart full of despair often accompany the new member to an Alanon meeting, and are sometimes what fuel the content of first shares. 

 Good it is that a new member finds the group that hears these first pain-focused expressions graciously, as it allows the newcomer to process thoughts and listeners to remember their own journey. 

 Even better, says todays reading, is the group that does not get stuck at that stage but helps all move toward the goal and focus of Alanon: moving beyond the fear and pain toward learning and practicing new tools for spiritual recovery.

 Reminder: Alanon meetings are not intended to be alcoholic horror story recitals or victim reinforcement exercises. They are intended to focus on learning and exchanging ways to use Alanon Steps and principles to rise above the events and challenging circumstances we may face. 

 "The more I immerse myself in Alanon teachings, the more I will get from them and the more I can help others." - Unattributed

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I am grateful that my first exposure to Alanon was in meetings that kept a healthy focus on experience, strength and hope; solutions rather than things outside my control. It was a good model of what a spiritual view strives for. 

Sometimes I may need to acknowledge frustration, sadness, or loss briefly among Alanoners who I know will understand. Good reminder to let it begin with me and not endlessly blame someone else