Last night at my home group meeting, we had a newcomer, and this was only her second meeting. She is trying to understand what Al-Anon is all about.
She asked a question, "So, is the meaning of this program that we can all become better people?"
I thought that was a great way of looking at us. What do you all think?
JerryF said
Jan 28, 2019
Ahhh great question Freetime and I believe the answer is definitely YES!!It works when we work it. (((((hugs)))))
Jill said
Jan 28, 2019
I've become a better person to myself. I'm kinder and more accepting of me. I know I deserve better behavior from others than I was willing to accept.
I like the newcomer's insight.
mamalioness said
Jan 29, 2019
i've become a better person, too...to me...to SAFE others....I'm in a better place all around mentally , emotionally, and even physically thanks to program and the steps, showing me how I can reclaim the lost me, the real me and to better tame the false self
Iamhere said
Jan 29, 2019
Great topic freetime - I would also say Yes to the question. For me, there is a huge 'sanity' element too. For so, so long, not only was I unauthentic, I blamed 'it' on others and their behaviors around me. As I've gotten saner, I can see that how I respond and feel are a direct reflection of my thinking, and the saner my thinking, the more authentic I can be.
I believe truly that we are all created to be imperfect people who compliment each other as part of a master plan. I will never be perfect and that's great - however, I can continue to grow, improve and mature when I align with others living their best life. Thanks for making me consider/think about this....brings gratitude to mind for Al-Anon and those who came before me working it with me!!
PosiesandPuppies said
Jan 29, 2019
Hi Freetime! Great thread.
Since I have to work on my perfectionism, I tend to shy away from the semantics of "better" or "more perfect." I love to think of this program as a sanity-restorer. Along the way, I have begun to look at, and treat myself better. As IAH said above, a more "authentic self." The "side-action" of this program is that we figure out how to apply all that we learn in our everyday lives...we treat ourselves and those around us in a more compassionate way. So yes, we do become better people!
-- Edited by PosiesandPuppies on Tuesday 29th of January 2019 10:31:28 AM
Lyne said
Jan 29, 2019
FT-Your question is so interesting because sometimes AlAnon comes up in discussion with my 8 yr old granddaughter. She asked me what AlAnon was? I told her I meet with a bunch of people to learn how to become a better person! Lyne
El said
Jan 29, 2019
What I like is that it keeps the focus on ourselves! Great topic to share!
El
canadianguy said
Jan 29, 2019
I fully concur, as I DO think that I am a far better person, for having gone through Al-Anon, etc...
I often say - I would not wish the 'need to go to Al-Anon' on my worst enemy, but it was a complete blessing to have learned so much in those rooms in particular, and recovery in general.
One of the 'tools' from my recovery was an amazing 6-day program called "Insite", which was basically group therapy for those of us living with or around active alcoholism.... Just like Al-Anon, I think most of us entered it, thinking they would teach us skills to deal with our A's, but instead, they taught us skills to deal with, and value, ourselves. My cousin used to work at that Recovery facility, and they had a (wise) rule that all instructors have to first go through the Insite program..... she said, emphatically, that ALL people should have to take such a program - so many life skills taught there, that are much more than simply Al-Anon / addictions specific. I think the very same about Al-Anon.
Good topic
Tom
DavidG said
Jan 30, 2019
Thanks Freetime, and y'all...
...they say- 'progress not perfection'... but beside that- I still have dreams and ideals. Principles I want to live out in my life.
Life can be tough sometimes, cruel too... ...but we just have to swing in- with the serenity prayer, or petition. [I changed the first word- in my serenity prayer- to -please- because it is more direct.]
Nice to pick up, on the first impressions, of a new member. ...
TrishaNorth44 said
Jan 30, 2019
Tom
I too went to a week long Insite program at my son's rehab place. In fact it was a requirement that a family member went. I remember how exhausted I was at the end of those days but it truly changed my perspective. They highly encouraged me to follow up in Alanon and am so grateful for having had both. I see you are from BC and I took this course in Nanaimo, maybe the same place. It is a beautiful province for sure!
WendyP said
Jan 30, 2019
Hi there, I am Wendy P. I haven't done this for some time, so am all over the place, I am still learning my Computer skills, this worked so I started here. The Thing is that I know I need help. I am doing this, reaching out, to be kind to myself. What I am asking is it at all possible to get a Sponsor online? as I know I really need one, I need someone who will work with me, one on one. I am a long term member of Alanon, and I thank God, everyday, for giving me the Greatest Gift of all, when He gave me Recovery, and have never, ever, let it go. Between God, and My Programme, it has helped me keep my Head above, water. Sometimes, I feel that I will be alright, as long as no one splashes.
I am a Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother of a large Family, one who has been very affected by the Disease of Alcoholism, and I really need help to help me deal with the fall out from all of it. I don't have any access to any meetings, this programme is my life line. I feel so alone, within my Family, trying to be part of the Recovery, not the problem. I do have another Family member who works the programme, for which I am grateful for, but it's hard being the head of the Family, trying to stay positive. At the moment I am trying to recover from a very bad reaction from Medication, because of the tablets I am taking, and the rash, that I have all over my body, I am feeling very down, but God planted the seed for me, to tell me that I need help, it is too much for me to do it alone, and I don't have to. That is why I am reaching out for help, today.
So shall close for this time, and put my request out there for someone to help me.
Love You All Lots, and Hope You All Have a Wonderful Day.
Love, Wendy.
Iamhere said
Jan 31, 2019
(((WendyP))) - so glad that you have returned and reached out. I might suggest that you attend some of the online meetings here - they really saved me when I was unable to get to meetings as often as I needed. You can also ask there for a sponsor and hopefully between here and there, you'll find some support. For the online meeting schedule, look to the top left and you'll see the times and the links to the chat/meeting room.
I am not a fan of online sponsorship for a variety of reasons yet do understand that not everyone has access to meetings and local resources! You can send me a PM anytime and if I have ESH, I'll certainly share with you!
I hope you heal quickly from your medication reaction and that you keep coming back! You are not alone...
canadianguy said
Jan 31, 2019
Trisha - yes, we went to the same awesome facility - Edgewood in Nanaimo, BC - my ex-AW got sober there (she is sober now for 16+ years), and while she was in Treatment, I went to Insite!)
Wendy - you might get more views is you start a new posting with your request for an online sponsor (top rh corner of your screen), rather than when it is a reply to another thread
Tom
WendyP said
Feb 3, 2019
Hi there, "I am Here", Thank you for my Smiling Faces, just wanted to let you know that I am still hanging in there, went to the Doctor, this morning, feeling like Death Warmed up, though, but since taking a New Blood Pressure Tablet, can feel a bit of relief. The Doctor is marvellous, and together, we are working to see what medication is going to work for me, and not react. Starting very low and working up to a safe level. Please God. So it is really, A Day at a Time,, Easy Does It. Thank God for my Programme, My Higher Power, and all You Guys online. I will get back to you, and have a bigger chat, but just want to see if my head will clear a bit better, and feel better than I do now. I need some time. So Please keep me in Your Prayers, and Hope things are good with you. I am starting to feel much more confident with my Computer Skills, as well. Many Thanks, Love You, WendyP.
Last night at my home group meeting, we had a newcomer, and this was only her second meeting. She is trying to understand what Al-Anon is all about.
She asked a question, "So, is the meaning of this program that we can all become better people?"
I thought that was a great way of looking at us. What do you all think?
Ahhh great question Freetime and I believe the answer is definitely YES!!It works when we work it. (((((hugs)))))
I like the newcomer's insight.
I believe truly that we are all created to be imperfect people who compliment each other as part of a master plan. I will never be perfect and that's great - however, I can continue to grow, improve and mature when I align with others living their best life. Thanks for making me consider/think about this....brings gratitude to mind for Al-Anon and those who came before me working it with me!!
Hi Freetime! Great thread.
Since I have to work on my perfectionism, I tend to shy away from the semantics of "better" or "more perfect."
I love to think of this program as a sanity-restorer. Along the way, I have begun to look at, and treat myself better. As IAH said above, a more "authentic self."
The "side-action" of this program is that we figure out how to apply all that we learn in our everyday lives...we treat ourselves and those around us in a more compassionate way. So yes, we do become better people!
-- Edited by PosiesandPuppies on Tuesday 29th of January 2019 10:31:28 AM
What I like is that it keeps the focus on ourselves! Great topic to share!
El
I fully concur, as I DO think that I am a far better person, for having gone through Al-Anon, etc...
I often say - I would not wish the 'need to go to Al-Anon' on my worst enemy, but it was a complete blessing to have learned so much in those rooms in particular, and recovery in general.
One of the 'tools' from my recovery was an amazing 6-day program called "Insite", which was basically group therapy for those of us living with or around active alcoholism.... Just like Al-Anon, I think most of us entered it, thinking they would teach us skills to deal with our A's, but instead, they taught us skills to deal with, and value, ourselves. My cousin used to work at that Recovery facility, and they had a (wise) rule that all instructors have to first go through the Insite program..... she said, emphatically, that ALL people should have to take such a program - so many life skills taught there, that are much more than simply Al-Anon / addictions specific. I think the very same about Al-Anon.
Good topic
Tom
...they say- 'progress not perfection'... but beside that- I still have dreams and ideals. Principles I want to live out in my life.
Life can be tough sometimes, cruel too... ...but we just have to swing in- with the serenity prayer, or petition. [I changed the first word- in my serenity prayer- to -please- because it is more direct.]
Nice to pick up, on the first impressions, of a new member.
...
Tom
I too went to a week long Insite program at my son's rehab place. In fact it was a requirement that a family member went. I remember how exhausted I was at the end of those days but it truly changed my perspective. They highly encouraged me to follow up in Alanon and am so grateful for having had both. I see you are from BC and I took this course in Nanaimo, maybe the same place. It is a beautiful province for sure!
Hi there, I am Wendy P. I haven't done this for some time, so am all over the place, I am still learning my Computer skills, this worked so I started here. The Thing is that I know I need help. I am doing this, reaching out, to be kind to myself. What I am asking is it at all possible to get a Sponsor online? as I know I really need one, I need someone who will work with me, one on one. I am a long term member of Alanon, and I thank God, everyday, for giving me the Greatest Gift of all, when He gave me Recovery, and have never, ever, let it go. Between God, and My Programme, it has helped me keep my Head above, water. Sometimes, I feel that I will be alright, as long as no one splashes.
I am a Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother of a large Family, one who has been very affected by the Disease of Alcoholism, and I really need help to help me deal with the fall out from all of it. I don't have any access to any meetings, this programme is my life line. I feel so alone, within my Family, trying to be part of the Recovery, not the problem. I do have another Family member who works the programme, for which I am grateful for, but it's hard being the head of the Family, trying to stay positive. At the moment I am trying to recover from a very bad reaction from Medication, because of the tablets I am taking, and the rash, that I have all over my body, I am feeling very down, but God planted the seed for me, to tell me that I need help, it is too much for me to do it alone, and I don't have to. That is why I am reaching out for help, today.
So shall close for this time, and put my request out there for someone to help me.
Love You All Lots, and Hope You All Have a Wonderful Day.
Love, Wendy.
I am not a fan of online sponsorship for a variety of reasons yet do understand that not everyone has access to meetings and local resources! You can send me a PM anytime and if I have ESH, I'll certainly share with you!
I hope you heal quickly from your medication reaction and that you keep coming back! You are not alone...
Trisha - yes, we went to the same awesome facility - Edgewood in Nanaimo, BC - my ex-AW got sober there (she is sober now for 16+ years), and while she was in Treatment, I went to Insite!)
Wendy - you might get more views is you start a new posting with your request for an online sponsor (top rh corner of your screen), rather than when it is a reply to another thread
Tom
Hi there, "I am Here", Thank you for my Smiling Faces, just wanted to let you know that I am still hanging in there, went to the Doctor, this morning, feeling like Death Warmed up, though, but since taking a New Blood Pressure Tablet, can feel a bit of relief. The Doctor is marvellous, and together, we are working to see what medication is going to work for me, and not react. Starting very low and working up to a safe level. Please God. So it is really, A Day at a Time,, Easy Does It. Thank God for my Programme, My Higher Power, and all You Guys online. I will get back to you, and have a bigger chat, but just want to see if my head will clear a bit better, and feel better than I do now. I need some time. So Please keep me in Your Prayers, and Hope things are good with you. I am starting to feel much more confident with my Computer Skills, as well. Many Thanks, Love You, WendyP.