Al-Anon has been working really well for me for years, but recently, I've had the opportunity to make use of the tools in a new way. 

I've been fostering kids for almost a year now, and I'm on my third placement. This time, a sibling group of 2. 

I've had nearly constant opportunity to use the Al-Anon tools, just keeping my head above water and providing a safe and stable home. I'm enjoying it a lot, and I think it is going well, or at least, the case workers tell me it is, lol! But some of my favorite tools right now are 

- doing the next right thing

- practicing the pause

- does it need to be said, does it need to be said right now, does it need to be said right now by me

- is it true? Is it necessary? is it kind? 

- how important is it

- being gentle with myself 

- taking things one moment at a time 

It's wonderful to see how Al-Anon tools work in this new facet of my life as well, and I'm feeling lucky to have been introduced to the program well before welcoming kids into my life! 

Anyway, that's my update, accompanied by a sincere apology for the sporadicness of the Wednesday posts. I'd be happy to turn the posts back to the group, if there is someone who has more consistent time who would like to take them over. Otherwise, I'm happy to keep trying.