The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I wanted to say thanks to everyone for encouraging me to go to a face to face Al-Anon meeting. I went this morning. They said I should try to attend 6 meetings in 6 days. I'm not sure where to find one tomorrow, but the place I chose has them every week night, as well as on Saturday. Also, I was told by many people there that this was one of the best in our area. So I'm glad I chose to go to that one. I was not sure I would be in the right place, but I later felt confident that I made a good choice.
It was awfully scary, at first, walking through the doors. I realized several minutes into it that I chose a chair right inside the door (not like me, normally), and had one leg on the chair and one leg off the side. I guess I was ready to bolt at a moment's notice! A few people showed up a bit late, and I recognized two of them. One was someone I used to know in church. We had gone on a women's retreat together about 13 years ago. She remembered me, too; and she spoke with me after the meeting. The other I recognized also remembered me. She was my OB/GYN when I was pregnant with my second child, also 13 years ago (he will be 13 in August).
Both of these women had been positive support for me back then, as my husband left when I was 3 months pregnant. I had that child on my own, alone.
What an amazing experience today was for me! Between the many, many, many things I heard that I needed to hear and reacquainting with these two women, I could not have asked for a better day or better experience.
I also contacted my A to let him know I would like to talk, when he is ready. He said today was not a good day for him, but he loves me. I'm very nervous, and I still don't know if we will work things out or not; but I feel better about the idea that I will be okay, regardless of the outcome.
Betsy, What can I say except I am so very proud of you. There was no doubt in my mine that, to quote you, you would have "An Amazing Experience". My quote in your first post two days ago was "It Was One Of The Best Days Of My Life". It is an amazing program if you work it. You have a lot going on in your live now, and it is the time you worked on YOU. Take care of yourself first. That's what Al-Anon is about. By the way, you could already be helping other people, because by posting about your first f2f meeting, it could make it easier for Mysticperl, and others to attend their first meeting. Taking care of ourselves, and supporting other members, that is what Al-Anon is all about. Keep going to f2f meetings and coming back here. I'm happy for you. RLC
Isn't that neat that our HP takes us to where we need to be? When you start going to meetings it really is a big help to get thru your dilemmas. Not that much investment in time but a big return for your time. Keep coming back!
That sounded like the beginning of your first personal miracle. Keep coming back and following the suggestions. It only gets MUCH better. Just another suggestion? Try getting those 6 meetings in 6 days in first before contacting your Alcoholic. Just a suggestion. You may find yourself stronger and more in control of yourself and your mind and choices and hooked up to a higher power of your own understanding and not lonely with the support you find at your meetings. Just a note of interest? When I started in my recovery in this program the suggestion was 90 meetings in 90 days. I got in more and it saved my life. Many more miracles coming your way. Keep coming back!! (((((hugs)))))
Way to go! There are not many guarantees in life, but if commit to attending face to face al anon meetings, I will personally guarantee you that YOUR life will improve!!!
Kudos on taking that first step -- it takes courage, and that is no small thing.
brightest blessings cj
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time to stop going to the hardware store to buy bread.
I've never heard the 6 meetings in 6 days thing for Al-Anon.... what is typically recommended is that you go to at least six meetings before deciding if it is for you or not.... Good for you in getting yourself to your first.... If you go for the next six weeks, you're well on your way!!!
Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
