I just want to testify to the magic that happens in f2f al-anon meetings. My home group meeting was tonight -- the topic was a page in Hope for Today (August 17th) about keeping the focus on ourselves and figuring out who we are. It was a great meeting. We laughed, we cried, we spoke about our fears and control issues and getting to know who we are today, we talked about our childhoods. As each person spoke, the rest of the group listened silently. This is such a gift to me. A whole group of people can listen to me, attend to me, and I can say what I'm scared of, I can cry, I can confess ugly things about myself -- and no one tries to fix me or tell me what I should do or should have done instead. I had trembly voice tonight -- I realized some stuff about my childhood as I was talking -- no one laughed at me or put me down. I listened to men and women, people older and younger than me, people who were children, partners, and parents of alcoholics, and I learned about myself from hearing them share. Some people passed and didn't say anything. And at the end of the meeting, I felt like a million bucks.
I am so grateful for the gifts of the program -- sponsorship, literature, this wonderful web site, speakers on youtube -- but for me, the most important part is the face to face meetings. So grateful for everyone in this beautiful fellowship.
Ceelee said
Sep 22, 2016
Thanks for sharing that. Alanon is a beautiful fellowship! So glad you had a great meeting.
GAgal said
Sep 22, 2016
EIM, I was thinking the same thing on my way home from a f2f meeting tonight. Someone did a last minute topic by "fickle finger of fate" out of a book. It brought up topics that people responded to, but slowly, and very thoughtfully. By the second share, I was weeping- that kind of quiet cry where the tears just roll down... because I knew I was in the right place tonight, with people who will listen and not judge, people who are human and just get it. Here O know I am not alone. All were strangers when I arrived, but I know I am loved unconditionally by the time I leave. It's an amazing thing that happens in the room.
"Keep Coming Back, It Works If You Work It And You're Worth It"
Iamhere said
Sep 22, 2016
Great topic and marvelous shares! On Wednesday, our topic was 'unacceptable behavior' and we talked about how we can respond vs. react, walk away, call someone, etc. Choices I heard over and over and over again, and not a single one suggested we hate our A or join in at their level or punish or ..... It was all about choices we have to do different, be different and love others in spite of their behavior, disease, etc. I so agree that there is magic in meetings!
One gal that relocated to our area about 6 months ago talked about our group and our meeting being her true home with her true family. She spoke as you have - knowing she can be who she needs to be, say what she needs to say and nobody is going to judge, offer advice, or give shoulda/coulda statements. I love my meetings and love my group. Much of my growth has come from the messages my HP sends during meetings in the voices of those present.
(((Hugs)))
hotrod said
Sep 22, 2016
Thanks E I M i agree
Calm Lady said
Sep 23, 2016
Lovely share. Thank you. Our program is such a miracle.
el-cee said
Sep 23, 2016
Thank you for sharing this, Im glad you got so much out of your meeting. Isnt it funny we are so surprised when we are listened too and not put down? Imagine that!. Living with my ex I couldnt expect that type of courtesy, Im not sure I was that good at giving it either if Im honest but today I try hard to listen to people and to not put them down and I dont put up with it in anyone either. In fact I hadnt realised how much I was put down before and how downtrodden I had become. I was looking at photos of the old me and Im wearing black, Im not really smiling, kind of forced, Im not wearing make up Im overweight, Im a smoker, Im hunched over with shame, Im miserable plain and simple. The pictures of me today are so different, I wear make up every day, I take pride in my appearance, I walk with my head up, Ive lost weight, I dont smoke, Im proud of me and no-one has the power to put me down because I have tools to deal with me.
I just want to testify to the magic that happens in f2f al-anon meetings. My home group meeting was tonight -- the topic was a page in Hope for Today (August 17th) about keeping the focus on ourselves and figuring out who we are. It was a great meeting. We laughed, we cried, we spoke about our fears and control issues and getting to know who we are today, we talked about our childhoods. As each person spoke, the rest of the group listened silently. This is such a gift to me. A whole group of people can listen to me, attend to me, and I can say what I'm scared of, I can cry, I can confess ugly things about myself -- and no one tries to fix me or tell me what I should do or should have done instead. I had trembly voice tonight -- I realized some stuff about my childhood as I was talking -- no one laughed at me or put me down. I listened to men and women, people older and younger than me, people who were children, partners, and parents of alcoholics, and I learned about myself from hearing them share. Some people passed and didn't say anything. And at the end of the meeting, I felt like a million bucks.
I am so grateful for the gifts of the program -- sponsorship, literature, this wonderful web site, speakers on youtube -- but for me, the most important part is the face to face meetings. So grateful for everyone in this beautiful fellowship.
Thanks for sharing that. Alanon is a beautiful fellowship! So glad you had a great meeting.
One gal that relocated to our area about 6 months ago talked about our group and our meeting being her true home with her true family. She spoke as you have - knowing she can be who she needs to be, say what she needs to say and nobody is going to judge, offer advice, or give shoulda/coulda statements. I love my meetings and love my group. Much of my growth has come from the messages my HP sends during meetings in the voices of those present.
(((Hugs)))
Thank you for sharing this, Im glad you got so much out of your meeting. Isnt it funny we are so surprised when we are listened too and not put down? Imagine that!. Living with my ex I couldnt expect that type of courtesy, Im not sure I was that good at giving it either if Im honest but today I try hard to listen to people and to not put them down and I dont put up with it in anyone either. In fact I hadnt realised how much I was put down before and how downtrodden I had become. I was looking at photos of the old me and Im wearing black, Im not really smiling, kind of forced, Im not wearing make up Im overweight, Im a smoker, Im hunched over with shame, Im miserable plain and simple. The pictures of me today are so different, I wear make up every day, I take pride in my appearance, I walk with my head up, Ive lost weight, I dont smoke, Im proud of me and no-one has the power to put me down because I have tools to deal with me.