I have been in Alanon since 2000 in many facets, first and foremost face to face meetings, then the gift of online meetings where I had the amazing opportunity to meet in person some other MIPers throughout this country and then to this wonderful message board. So many gifts of this program.

Quite honestly, I began to feel like my program was getting stale and it wasn't because I was wasn't working my program. I read CAL, I do group service, I go to weekly meetings, I chair meetings, I sponsor, I attend online, I go to weekend workshops and state conferences.

So I began searching another group maybe and a more intensive program which incorporates Alanon. My higher power always seems to know what I need I received a call asking if I'd be willing to consider being the state co-treasurer for the Mass Alanon Conference. I did what I often do, I said I'd think about it and get back to the person. They said it's a 2 year commitment, the first year being co- so you can learn the job with a mentor and the 2nd year, you are the treasurer.

So many questions . . . can I make the commitment? I work 50 hours a week. I go to college at night. I have 3 sons that I always want to spend time with. And recently I been garnering the courage to put myself out there for a relationship, that's a big MAYBE .  When Mandy came to the Mass conference, we quickly filled out the survey, so I knew how they got my name. I offered my service in any way they saw fit.

Well long story short, I attend the first meeting, the kick-off meeting where the outgoing committee hands over everything to the incoming committee. The outgoing chairman told us that we should feel proud because someone on the selection committee selected our names. Later on he told us who was on the selection committee and I was truly honored and humbled by the person who selected me.

On my way home, I stopped at a lovely Italian restaurant overlooking a lake and ate outside while reading the committee charges. I thought I can handle this and then I realized that once again HP was giving me exactly what I needed. I asked and I received. For me, it always comes back to the steps, the traditions and the concepts and in this case, it's Concept 4 - Participation is the key to harmony.

So today is the 2nd meeting. It's actually pretty exciting!!! We will be listening to CDs of speakers all over the country to select the Keynote Speaker.  We will be considering the Convention Theme (this past year was Awakening to Choices). And I will remember another tradition as well that "leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern."

So I am off onto another Alanon adventure . . . wish me luck along the journey . . .

in recovery,
Maria