Working this program is going to be the hardest, yet the most rewarding thing you will ever do in your life.
Anyone who has truly worked this program is not going to tell you what you should do. The only thing(s) they are going to tell you, is to come to meetings. To listen to the stories shared by others. To find a sponsor. There is a pamphlet about sponsorship to explain it, to tell you how to choose someone. Basically it is by listening to their story, feeling a connection, and wanting what they have. What do they have? If they've worked the steps with their own sponsor, they have serenity. They share hope. They share peace. They share strength.
Get the literature. Whether you buy it from the Al-Anon website ( http://ecomm.al-anon.org/shop ) or find it at local meetings or in a thrift store (found many of my books there), get what you can! Local meetings have free pamphlets that are excellent. They should also offer a Newcomer's packet with a phone list of other members you can call.
Go to conferences. They're fun! You learn a lot too.
Volunteer your services. Whether it be setting up the chairs, making the coffee, holding a position (treasurer, book monitor, etc.), chair a meeting. The more involved you get, the more you learn. Plus it gives you another reason to be at the meeting - you've made a commitment. (That got me to my meetings at first when I didn't feel like going.)
Read the Al-Anon Promises post that is always at the top of this forum.
Learn about the disease of alcoholism. This helps with compassion. It also helps with the "giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic" part of our Preamble.
And Keep Coming Back! You'll be glad you did!
Freetime said
Feb 5, 2017
Kismet, thank you for explaining this so beautifully. I believe it will help many who come here.
luv123 said
Feb 5, 2017
Thanks for posting that -great basics for newcomers to get familiar with...
hotrod said
Feb 5, 2017
Thanks Kis Great and informative post
Iamhere said
Feb 5, 2017
Great share Kismet - spot on, informative!! Thank you!
Jerry F said
Feb 5, 2017
And it keeps getting better as you listen to the many shares K best extension to my morning meeting. (((hugs)))
Working this program is going to be the hardest, yet the most rewarding thing you will ever do in your life.
Anyone who has truly worked this program is not going to tell you what you should do. The only thing(s) they are going to tell you, is to come to meetings. To listen to the stories shared by others. To find a sponsor. There is a pamphlet about sponsorship to explain it, to tell you how to choose someone. Basically it is by listening to their story, feeling a connection, and wanting what they have. What do they have? If they've worked the steps with their own sponsor, they have serenity. They share hope. They share peace. They share strength.
Get the literature. Whether you buy it from the Al-Anon website ( http://ecomm.al-anon.org/shop ) or find it at local meetings or in a thrift store (found many of my books there), get what you can! Local meetings have free pamphlets that are excellent. They should also offer a Newcomer's packet with a phone list of other members you can call.
Go to conferences. They're fun! You learn a lot too.
Volunteer your services. Whether it be setting up the chairs, making the coffee, holding a position (treasurer, book monitor, etc.), chair a meeting. The more involved you get, the more you learn. Plus it gives you another reason to be at the meeting - you've made a commitment. (That got me to my meetings at first when I didn't feel like going.)
Read the Al-Anon Promises post that is always at the top of this forum.
Learn about the disease of alcoholism. This helps with compassion. It also helps with the "giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic" part of our Preamble.
And Keep Coming Back! You'll be glad you did!
Kismet, thank you for explaining this so beautifully. I believe it will help many who come here.
Thanks for posting that -great basics for newcomers to get familiar with...
And it keeps getting better as you listen to the many shares K best extension to my morning meeting. (((hugs)))