On Christmas Day, I chaired a zoom meeting in my district. Until recently, I haven't chaired any al-anon meetings but one day I put on my big boy pants and tried it. Wasn't too bad. I do it regularly and now I'm beginning to feel more a part of that group. It's not my home group. My home group has not held meetings since the pandemic began. I searched for a replacement and located the one I attend now. The faces are different but it's the same serenity prayer, the same slogans, the same steps, the same topics. I think what I mean to say is that we are all learning to adapt during this crisis. Chairing meetings is a way for me to express my gratitude. Someone once told me that gratitude isn't about having everything I want; it's about wanting everything I have. I might chair one New Years Day, because New Year's Eve is my wedding anniversary and I'll have a lot of gratitude that day. Take care now and be safe.
Iamhere said
Dec 28, 2021
Always great to see you Wolfie! Happy Anniversary (early) and thanks for the share. I am forever grateful that I came to recovery before the pandemic began...I might be one of the crazier, ill-adapted humans during this otherwise.
I miss my F2F meetings as well...yet, am willing to adapt for safety! Keep doing you - it's always good when you stop by!
Daffodils said
Dec 29, 2021
Good Morning Wolfie and Iamhere. I am also very grateful to have found MIP before the pandemic. I found a F2F group shortly before the shutdown(s) and was blessed with a sponsor. Without her guidance, my fears and frustrations would have increased exponentially. I am experiencing a new way of living which is solving many problems( I thought) I had. I just do what I can to stay safe for myself and loved ones. I appreciate MIP for kickstarting the process and my sponsor for leading me through the steps to develop and maintain a strong relationship with my Higher Power....HP is the only constant in my life in these uncertain/chaotic times. Thank you for keeping me in gratitude mode.
DM2021 said
Dec 29, 2021
So nice to hear from you Wolfie!! Happy Anniversary to you and your significant other, what a lovely way
to celebrate the New Year!! Thanks for the lovely share and so happy you are chairing and found a zoom
group to attend during this difficult time. Happy New Year and good morning to the MIP Family today!!
Freetime said
Dec 29, 2021
Wolfie, thank you for your service. Chairing at a group meeting always aids my recovery, even though sometimes it is emotionally difficult, depending on what I'm sharing.
I've had a couple of different home groups over my 7 years in Al-Anon so far, and no matter where I attend -- whether on Zoom or in person -- I feel that I belong, that I am part of the group, at least for that meeting. If it's a group that is new to me -- I feel that I and the other members know each other, even if we haven't met before, because we all share a common history, a common pain, and a common "seeing the light" of recovery.
Attending/chairing on a holiday is extra special to me. I am grateful to whoever makes a meeting possible -- especially on holidays. Wolfie, if you share on New Year's -- I'm sure that will bless whoever gets to hear you.
Lyne said
Jan 1, 2022
Yes Im very grateful for the group experience Ive had with alanon, which started with MIP about 10 yrs ago, and my F2F group which is now on zoom. There is a core group of us, about 5 members, whom Ive been meeting with for 8 yrs now. There is a bond with those 4 other people that is so special. Now on zoom, we have many visitors from all over the US and at times from other countries. We love having all the new folks! Some come back for awhile, its always changing, and its all very good.
Happy and healthy new year to my MIP family!
Wolfie55 said
Jan 6, 2022
One advantage brought on by the pandemic is having to go to online meetings instead of in person meetings. As you know, I'm in both fellowships (AA and Ala-anon). I've been to zoom meetings in my area (eastern Canada), New Jersey, Hawaii, and a few other places. I have met people I wouldn't have otherwise met. I even have a group I go to tonight that I chair. Its all good.
Iamhere said
Jan 6, 2022
I agree Wolfie - the pandemic has imposed a 'new normal' and I've also been to a variety of meetings across the globe! A gal I know found a great group of folks from across the pond - she stays up/gets up early to attend because it's been so good for her recovery.
On Christmas Day, I chaired a zoom meeting in my district. Until recently, I haven't chaired any al-anon meetings but one day I put on my big boy pants and tried it. Wasn't too bad. I do it regularly and now I'm beginning to feel more a part of that group. It's not my home group. My home group has not held meetings since the pandemic began. I searched for a replacement and located the one I attend now. The faces are different but it's the same serenity prayer, the same slogans, the same steps, the same topics. I think what I mean to say is that we are all learning to adapt during this crisis. Chairing meetings is a way for me to express my gratitude. Someone once told me that gratitude isn't about having everything I want; it's about wanting everything I have. I might chair one New Years Day, because New Year's Eve is my wedding anniversary and I'll have a lot of gratitude that day. Take care now and be safe.
I miss my F2F meetings as well...yet, am willing to adapt for safety! Keep doing you - it's always good when you stop by!
to celebrate the New Year!! Thanks for the lovely share and so happy you are chairing and found a zoom
group to attend during this difficult time. Happy New Year and good morning to the MIP Family today!!
I've had a couple of different home groups over my 7 years in Al-Anon so far, and no matter where I attend -- whether on Zoom or in person -- I feel that I belong, that I am part of the group, at least for that meeting. If it's a group that is new to me -- I feel that I and the other members know each other, even if we haven't met before, because we all share a common history, a common pain, and a common "seeing the light" of recovery.
Attending/chairing on a holiday is extra special to me. I am grateful to whoever makes a meeting possible -- especially on holidays. Wolfie, if you share on New Year's -- I'm sure that will bless whoever gets to hear you.
Happy and healthy new year to my MIP family!
Keep doing it - I agree - it's all good!