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'm slowly trying to make some changes in my life, some of which involve detatching from some unhealthy situations for a while. I don't want to have too much free time left on my hands to fill with worry and overthinking. I'd rather spend that time doing something enjoy able for myself.
I'm thinking it'd be a good idea to get involved with a group or activity or something. Volunteer somewhere or take an interesting class (non-school... I'm already a FT student) or something but I don't even know where to start.
I live in a fairly small town so there aren't all that many resources available. I love animals and considered the shelter a while back but it's not a no-kill shelter so I don't really want to be a part of that. I don't even know where to start looking for recreational classes or anything or how to find any intersting groups.
I need to get busy with some fun and fulfilling things. I just don't know how to go about it. I've never really done anything like this before so...
Hospitals, day cares, YMCA, our area has a Catholic Charities organization, the United Way, community youth organizations, nursing homes, food pantry, veterinarians office.....
Girl guides, big sisters, meals on wheels. Canvassing for charities - I offered to take a neighbourhaood for the Lung Association one year, and within a year was co-ordinating their fundraising for the whole district.
You can also try fun sports leagues - slow pitch, bowling, curling - or if you are actually good at a sport, there are more competive leagues. The library will know of any book groups, and their notice board will be a good place to look for chess club, astronomy club, historical re-enactors, etc.
Non profit organizations are almost always looking for board members. Library, day cares, wildlife society, birdwatchers....
Dance lessons, music lessons, language lessons, pottery class, knitting lessons - there will be an adult learning co oridnator somewhere. Here it's run by the provincial government, but if you have community leagues or some sort of organization like that, they'll point you in the right direction. You could also think about teaching some skill you have - to kids, or to seniors. Literacy advocacy groups are always looking for people.
Karaoke, pool, cribbage tournaments - these are all lots of fun, but are usually held in bars, so you would have to be comfortable with that. Also some of the people you'd meet might be heavy drinkers, so not a place to go to look for love. Fun way to spend a couple hours, though, if you don't invest much of yourself.
Are you going to your f2f meetings? Good way to meet people, who then give you ideas on things to do.
SmallSteps, How about calling the 211 number. That is the national United Way number. I would think that can gice you many options for volunteering. Another option if it is close to you is looking into AmeriCorps.....you can find them online.
Hope you find what you are looking for.
Yours in recovery, Mandy
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"We are not punished for our unforgiveness, we are punished by it" Jim Stovall
Find alot of great meetings and make new friends and get well at the same time , such a deal call your local hosp often they need people to read to patients , or in the childrens ward as baby cuddler if yur hosp offers that . call social services and see if seniors home need volunteers etc. getting your life back takes time , also check local college maybe a craft class or two would interest you , pottery call a shop that offers classes . good luck and have fun , keep going if even to eliminate what u don't like Louise
Thanks for all the great suggestions (and any more to come)! I'm gonna do some poking around and get the word out that I'm looking for opportunities.
I'm excited to start trying out some healthier, more productive activities. Time to stop wallowing in myself and my situations and create some new ones. :)
They tell us to give back in Alanon. That is do our service work - clean-up after a meetings, make the coffee, be a representative, chair a meeting. Glad you have that volunteer attitude.
Small Steps you have inspired me. I used to donate blood all the time because I am a universal donner. It has been 10 years since I have donated blood. (ironic, thats how long i have been with my A hubby). I used to feel really good about donating. I think I will save a life this weekend!!!! Thanks for the inspiration to give back!!! Sincerely,
This is such a great post- thank you for it. It is so important to break the isolation that so many of us experience via volunteerism- so many great suggestions here! Its truly inspiring. I am moving to a new part of the country and this is a good reminder for me to find one or two good volunteer situations once I get settled and get the lay of the land. Thank you for your post!!! Hugs, J.
