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 just wanted to let everyone know that I finally attended my first meeting. There was nothing magical or exciting about it initally, just average people like myself - but as the meeting progressed I was so glad that I came and can't wait to get back. I was so very encouraged by the strong women and men I sat next to and across from.... they were smiling and happy and even when they shared struggles that they were going through they had a certain hope about them, a hope that I want to mimic... until I feel it myself... right now though, I am just happy I finally went! So I just want to encourage anyone who is considering attending to JUST DO IT! You will not be sorry... -hugs Mindy
__________________
M e l i n d a "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well." -Euphonia and the Flood
Mindy, The wonderful thing is you can get what they got. Keep going back and I promise you will feel it. I just added you to the long list of satisfied customers. I'm very happy for you. Good luck in your recovery.
"So I just want to encourage anyone who is considering attending to JUST DO IT! You will not be sorry..."
Thanks! I needed that this morning! I am considering, have been for several months now, but I am going to move on to JUST DO-ing IT this week. I've looked up the local meeting schedules and I am arranging a sitter to make it happen! I am ready to have what "they" have!
I also strongly encourage everyone to go to a F2F meeting. While this board is incredibly supportive, it is really a hybrid of many programs and not strictly Al-Anon.
If you want to work the Al-Anon program, the best way (in my opinion), is to go to F2F meetings. If you are able to go (and I realize that some are physically or logistically unable), you will find folks who know you already because they are living (or have lived) through the same thing. You will find folks who are working the Steps and Traditions in their daily lives, who work with a Sponsor, who actively participate in service work, who live the program "in all our affairs." You may have to visit a few different meetings to find the right one for you and not all groups are healthy, but alot of them are and they are just waiting for you to walk through the door!!
Yours in recovery,
SLS
__________________
Do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow will look after itself. The Bible, from Courage to Change, p.138
Congratulations! I resisted going to so long, in denial over my A. I waited until I thought my world was ending. I found so comfort, so much hope, such encouragement. I still have hard days, but now reach out for my books or folks from my meetings And I get through. I might worry, but I can now avoid the gut wrenching fear and heart pounding panic I used to.
That is such a great (and encouraging) post - way to go!
It's kind of funny sometimes - we complain about our A's and how they blindly ignore all the help that is obviously available to them, but low & behold - we are often guilty of doing the exact same thing ourselves!!!!
Good for you - F2F meetings are a huge part of our recovery, if only to feel some validation, and learn additional coping skills....
Take care Tom
__________________
"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?"
