Very interesting reading today about how the author, who attended an Al-Anon meeting to support a friend,
felt guilty when they found that continuing to go to meetings, when they thought they did not fall under the
criteria to go because they did not have anyone in their lives that were alcoholics made a discovery as time
went on. The Third Tradition requires that "for membership that there has to be a problem of alcoholism in
a relative or friend."They discovered that the reason they loved and felt the need to continue to go to
meetings was because they were actually a child of alcoholic parents and did not realize it until a certain
amount of time had passed.
The message in this reading is that membership should take care, that they mistakenly could feel that
a newcomer should not be accepted when they actually do "meet the conditions for membership."
That courtesy to others is important.
I have no memory of ever feeling that anyone should not be part of the membership of Al-Anon/MIP, but
so appreciate this reminder of the Third Tradition.
Christmas is fast approaching sending wishes for a healthy, happy and safe holiday season.
Lyne said
Dec 23, 2022
Thank you Debbie for your service and share. We have a couple times, allowed a family member of a drug addicted person, to my F2F meeting, who did not know where else to turn. We did give them info about NA, etc. No one stayed in our group very long, but we certainly did not kick anyone out! We can certainly help someone find out what their options are and what other meetings exist. :)
DM2021 said
Dec 23, 2022
Lyne, that was lovely that you helped guide that person to other options {{HUGS}}
Daffodils said
Dec 23, 2022
Thank you for your service Debbie and all shares. I was graced with members ( MIP and at in-person meetings) who welcomed me and accepted me as I am. The acceptance and non-judgmental support offered me the privilege of discovering who I am with dignity. I try to give the same consideration to others as was given to me.
DM2021 said
Dec 24, 2022
Grateful, Daffodils, that you found all your experiences with Al-Anon/MIP to be positive.
Very interesting reading today about how the author, who attended an Al-Anon meeting to support a friend,
felt guilty when they found that continuing to go to meetings, when they thought they did not fall under the
criteria to go because they did not have anyone in their lives that were alcoholics made a discovery as time
went on. The Third Tradition requires that "for membership that there has to be a problem of alcoholism in
a relative or friend." They discovered that the reason they loved and felt the need to continue to go to
meetings was because they were actually a child of alcoholic parents and did not realize it until a certain
amount of time had passed.
The message in this reading is that membership should take care, that they mistakenly could feel that
a newcomer should not be accepted when they actually do "meet the conditions for membership."
That courtesy to others is important.
I have no memory of ever feeling that anyone should not be part of the membership of Al-Anon/MIP, but
so appreciate this reminder of the Third Tradition.
Christmas is fast approaching sending wishes for a healthy, happy and safe holiday season.