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.
My name is Betty and I am a grateful member of alanon for over 25 years but very new to the MIP Family.
I posted a short time ago and seem to have lost the posting in cyberspace. I will try to recap what I attempted to say.
Although I have been a member of alanon for over 25 years I firmly believe this is a fellowship of equals and this Board has confirmed that.
I know I am not the same person who first walked thru the doors of alanon and have changed ODAT drastically but my alanon disease demons still hover over my head.
Since living life on life's terms has constantly brought new situations to my door, I need to keep coming back because at any moment I can choose to pull on these destructive tools and use them to destroy my life again. I do not ever want to live that way again.
As for my gratitude to this Board I actually see mircles here daily. I have seen newcomers arrive confused, lost and close to despair. I can remember vividly how that feels and then I watch as they are encouraged, comforted and assured that they are not alone and that there is hope. F2F mettings are suggested but if they are not ready they are given alternatives and welcomed back.
In such a short time I see these same people grow,they have gained insight, courage and hope and begin to share their own recovery and ESH with others.
You could not have put it better... I also love this page and I believe I am one of those "Growers" myself... I have only been a meber for a short time, but I am so grateful I was turned onto this page, and I try to pass it on to others that I know are stuggling with an A in their life... I can not explain what it means to have such a terrible day, and come on here and have the love of the MIP family lift me up and dust me off... It has been the best thing that i have ever done for myself... I only wished I could have found it "Before" I lost my Afather... But am grateful for what I have brought into my life since he past...
Most of that is because the ESH of all the great people here... What a wonderful place...
Keep Coming back... We need you just as much... Friends in Recovery... Jozie...
thanks Betty! I like your "destructive tools" analogy. It has hit close to home, as figuratively speaking, I've been doing some very amateur and unskilled carpentry work on my life lately, and I've needed to admit I know nothing about restoration projects and have had to resort back to the experienced professionals (alanoners) to learn how the job needs to be done and done right!
as a newcomer, I am very thankful for alanon and this MIP board. as they say, I am a work in progress. I understand that as I learn and work it, my episodes of destruction will decrease, but probably never fully go away.
I was one of those lost and confused people, and can not remember exactly how I came across this site. Somehow I found it in great despair, a real Miracle for sure. I dont know where I'd be today without it. The ESH and the support found on this board and in alanon meetings is a life saver. I've discoverd more about myself in a few months here, than I had in over 40 yrs I will always be grateful to ALL here.