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.
Yeh, I found a location fairly close to me that is holding an alanon meeting tomorrow morning at 10 am. I was so happy, now I'm having second thoughts, what will I have to do when I walk in. I hope they don't ask me to speak or anything? What will happen?
Maybe this is the best thing I can do for me. I'm so nervous.
Hi dori, I'm glad you found a meeting. You don't have to do a thing :) Just find a chair. You won't be asked to speak. Someone, or several someones will probably welcome you. The chairperson may ask if there are any newcomers....You should get a newcomers packet with some great info inside. There are members that will write their name and number on your packet that are willing to accept a phone call from you if you need to talk. Sit back and enjoy!!
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
Dori I am so glad for you. We have all experienced the feeling of uncertainity before attending our first meeting. Please be assured that you will be accepted and understood as you have never experienced before.
It is your choice to speak or not during the meetings. Newcomers are welcomed to meetings, usually provided with literature and a local meeting list, and invited to listen and learn. Some meetings offer beginners' meetings, specifically for newcomers. Members are available to answer questions before or after the meetings.
Simply walk in, find a seat and sit down. The meeting begins on time and usaully starts with the reading of the purpose of alanon and that meeting.
Members then go around the room and introduce themselves First name only.
The topic is introduced and the meeting unfolds.
Try to get as much literature as possible These pamphlets are very good . How alanon Works. The Merry GoRound Named Denial Alcoholism the Family disease The Bookmark of One Day at a Time is wonderful
If you can affford to purchase a book the Courage to Change is a wonderful Daily reader
The meeting ends on time usually with the serenity prayer.
Good Luck You arre on the way to a new way of thinking
yeah dori , what will they do they will be so happy to see you there ,u will find the acceptance your looking for a place where u will know you belong . No u dont have to speak if you don't want to simply say you would like to pass , stick around for the hugs go for coffee with the group if they go . I am so proud of you for finding a meeting this is for you. buckle up your in for one hell of a ride . no where to go but up from here Dori . Louise a voluntary contribution is requested if no change to spare thats ok too .
-- Edited by abbyal on Thursday 23rd of September 2010 01:28:25 AM
I'm back I don't think the meeting started at a beginners level but was informative just the same. I was handed a package of pamplets for beginners. I did say a few words when it was my turn but my words came out without sense so felt like a fool afterwards. Everyone did have informative things to say. I can only remember one person's name of the 10 who were present. Hope the next time I will feel more relaxed.
I was handed some books to follow, one was the Courage to Change. No one said anything, but are we to buy our own copy? Aprox how much is this book?. Maybe I will ask next time.
The lesson for today was about how we react to our A spouses?
You did it! I'm happy for you. Our home group had prices on some of the books , not expensive at all. On the brochures, they just took a donation , whatever you wanted to give.
Well, tomorrow is another alanon meeting, my husband is putting his best foot forward to me, he still hasn't apologized but goes on like nothing happened. I'm still angry and I know my husband will be like this only for a short time and will explode again. Afterall he's done it over and over again. I talk to him when I have to and keep things civil, but seethe on the inside. He drinks, I sit quiet. I guess I will attend tomorrows meeting if I only sit there and listen?
no where to go but up from here Dori . Louise