The sun is starting to go down- over another Wednesday, here in my country. I did some pruning this afternoon. Nearly finished, and due to start on my own backyard trees. I find my higher power in the present moment these days. I manage to enjoy and to appreciate many things. I am contesting a by-election here for the local council- something I would have found impossible 6 or eight years ago.

Something I learned from the orchards- from the days where local kids and students picked most of the crops. One kid, one kid, two kids, three kids, no kids. I think that applied mainly to young teenagers.

I really appreciate the time I spent with others. Years and decades 'in the rooms' has given me a certain poise and confidence. More than I expected anyway. 

I hope to embrace truth and honesty- ideas I picked up as a kid. To spin mostly inside of my own hula hoop. To learn to mind my own business. My mum used to say:- let 'em stew in their own juice!" and so I get to stew in mine. Live and let live.  ...

Thanks. 

  Sunny winter morning here.

Our GSO, here in NZ came through earlier this year with a workshop. The theme was :- We are anonymous, but we are not invisible.

In my alcoholic home I think I did become invisible. The list of things i was not allowed, or able, to talk about grew longer and longer.

Until I clammed up altogether.

it has taken me years to reclaim boundaries, little by little, year by year. Sometimes i still stumble and fall.

In my new F2f group the other old-timer has been around the same time I have. In times past we had four flourishing groups 

amongst these hills and valleys. [Currently we have one.  ]

I think these days we are much more confident and self-assured.

We talk about people and times. Actually we are still in the process of catching up! .

But the content of people's personal shares is taboo. A no-go zone! 

One time I began to use -I- statements.

And found that was a good practise. So I can still talk about my own stuff- where it is relevant.

I was the only male in my local groups for 20 or 30 years.

So I have a degree of familiarity that many others may not.

There is very little in this world that would shock or surprise me.

But i still need to get familiar with people- earn and gain trust- before speaking from the heart.

Thanks this chance to share- it has been a very long journey- and a very painful at times.  ...

But very well worthwhile.  ...

 In our groups here- some members speak to the topic- but there is always an allowance for a member

to raise a topic of their own. If time allows.

Went to my F2F meeting last night. A great meeting.

After the meeting we had a cuppa tea, and chatted for another 90 minutes.  ...

Something I say in this group- because some meetings have the "no cross-talk' guideline.

We have greeting time- before the meeting- and some members come early- for that kind of catch-up.

And coffee time afterwards.  ...

One Day At A Time.