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've been in Al-Anon quite a long time, but slipped today by not going to a meeting but doing another activity instead. I was so depleted and negative at work after this, that I know that I effected other people and I was miserable.
I could really use some support. I'll plan to go to a meeting later today... it's just that things are pretty overwhelming and stressful and have been for a long time. I can't seem to find a sponsor and I seem to be losing my faith in my Higher Power and in myself. I have some big decisions to make and I'm scared.
I can have times like this too Lem, overwhelming times where I feel so lost I don't know which way to turn, I am such a proud person, and I can really beat myself up when I think I am failing, the good thing is to have this programme, this safe place to come and share our thoughts and feeling's good and bad, reaching out and being heard helps me to know that this is all a normal process, it really is ok to have these down times, it's all part of our recovery to learn and relearn, and unlearn too, I always feel it shows great strength when people reach out, and in doing so we can help each other, luckily for us there is so many here to help take our hand at these times and guide us, and tell us gently, this too shall pass and it will.(((((((hug's))))))))
Hi Lem, Sending prayers and positive thoughts you way for strength and guidance. I know that overwhelmed feeling. I have to remind myself all I only need to get through is this one day's piece of the future. May u feel guided, strengthened and supported through groups, miracles board and your literature and HP. Al-anon wisdom will guide u through all life's changes and challenges. If u need a sponsor & support, in addition to chat room outreach--please remember to go on the phone bridge meetings. It is a VA number and at the end there are often ppl who leave their number for sponsor calls. (not every meeting, but at least half). At 712-432-8733 pin # is 52639. These phone bridge-conference meetings at 9 am noon 4 pm and 8 pm Eastern Time. There are also some later ones I don't recall but u can call Al-anon office for the more detailed list of meetings and topics. --Luv123
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Wishing all the best on your recovery journey, Luv
(((Lem))) Welcome to our Alanon site. You are among friends here. We all have down times and feelings of utter helplessness and uselessness. You will find experience, strength and hope here. This is a very good place to come if you can't get to a meeting or if you want to come here and meetings. I do both. I find that if I don't come here and even just read, I miss it. This is the only site that I have found that the people here know exactly what I am saying as most have experiences similar. So, welcome. We are glad that you are here.
Stick with your recovery experience Lem...you know what works and you know what is going on for you right now...Fear is the biggest deterrant to growth and recovery and you said it, "I'm scared". You also said you know where to go and I hope that works for you over and over. Don't project or fortune tell...stay in the moment and do what you already know how to do. In support ((((hugs))))
Thanks very much, Katy. I'm not sure how this message board works, really, and it didn't even register until now that I could write a reply to you. I really love your duck picture. I have to figure out how to get pictures up for my stuff.
You say a lot of wise and comforting things. It seems that just now in my life I just have to get to as many meetings as possible. I'll do what I can and trust that God will do for me what I cannot do for myself.
I am working on replacing my anxiety and self-pity with gratitude. That idea comes directly from one of the older Forum magazines. I love the older ones.
Thanks, Jerry, for your good words. I'm still figuring out how to use the message board. Do you receive a copy of this or does it just get posted with my first message?
Anyway, taking it a day at a time is going to be very important to me, I think. Thank you very much for the reminder. I've been fortelling all sorts of doomsday things... no wonder I've been scared... So, with meetings and my Higher Powers' help. I'll keep myself on a more positive wave-length.
Congratulations to you and your wife on your anniversary. May you have many more lovely years together.
Thank you very much for your kind words. They are truely appreciated... There seem to be some very nice folks on this message board.
I have to really remind myself that my H.P. is always with me and walking beside me.
I do try to listen to my "still, small voice." My difficulty seems to be that I can think that I "hear" two different answers to the same concern...and then I get mixed up which might be my H.P. and which might be my self-will... then I just feel sort of nuts.
But I keep hearing that I am "where I am supposed to be." I guess that is a feeling of trust... that I can let go of all of the painful thoughts and memories and trust that my H.P. will meet me where I am somehow. :)