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.
Around here they have back to back Al Anon meetings on thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. Take a look at that. Other options:
Can you travel to family? What about serving at a soup kitchen? Are you single or separated? Some singles groups have holiday gatherings. Maybe attend a church service? Is there anyone at work who might have you for a holiday dinner?
Sorry to hear of this time for you at Christmas. Have you maybe thought of doing some kind of service like working with the homeless, or go to an Al-anon meeting if you are in a city that has one?
Nice :) I have one of my sons with me (my 8 year old) and my 14 year old son will be with his dad about 14 hours from here. I thought I wouldn't have either one, so I am glad to have one home :) Yeah for you!
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You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. -Buddha
The past has flown away. The coming month and year do not exsist. Ours only is the present's tiny point. -Mahmud Shabistanri
I'm so glad things have changed for you. That put a smile on my face!
And I love what you said about not getting into the future, I can have a complete daydream about the future, and my mind and body will feel all the angst of it, like it's actually happeing.... all the while things are just fine and dandy in the moment. Thanks for the reminder.
I spent Easter and Mothers Day alone a few years ago. (not exactly Christmas, but I liked the ideas you got for that.) I had to tell myself, it was "just another day," a day that I had the power to choose exactly how I wanted it to be. I packed a picnic and headed out for a hike both times. ( I feel very close to my HP among the trees and near the water.) When I felt a little self-pity come on, I started making phone calls.
I had to keep telling myself, it was just "different." My brain likes to make up stories and I have to challenge it. Obviously, it's just my thinking that causes me so much pain! If it weren't for my thinking, I would likely be capable of accepting life on life's terms... but,
my brain likes to think. It thinks a lot. That's why I need to be here.
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The prayer isn't for Higher Power to change our lives, but rather to change us.
Thanks you guys! You always know how to cheer me up. Brings me to tears actually, but in a good way. Sorry for being so whiny lately. I'm sick of it too.
I think I need a change of scenery...
I'm not sure if I DO need chaos, but my Abf is really boring me to tears. Not complaining lol, just sayin'.
Thanks again. It really does mean a lot to hear from people who "know" me.
check with your local AA and see if there is an Alano club in your area , they have meetings over the weekend and some even offter a xmas dinner for a reasonable price . It is a difficult time over the holidays for both alcoholics and thier families , meetings are usually open regardless of which program your in you will be welcome. Or ask your al anon friends to join you for a pot luck at your home I am sure your not the only one alone this yr .
That might be a good idea to check out the meetings. I will be alone after noon on Christmas day. Abf will be with his family (I'm not even invited for Christmas dinner with him!). I don't have any family around here. I would much rather spend it with friends anyway.
Thanks for letting me know that I will NEVER be alone!
And it is AMAZING!! I may even invite the ex over for breakfast.
Ditto what Abbyal said...We have Alcathons on Holidays here AA and Al-Anon combined and other social events together. Its fun and we don't "just cope" we are a fun having and loving bunch. This Sunday, the 5th of December at my morning home group we will be having the annual "Christmas brunch before the Christmas Crunch" potluck breakfast. We do this at Easter also; tis called the "Easter Feaster" and we have had upwards of 150 members in attendance of both programs. Home group does the meats and eggs and rice and potatos and the membership brings their specialties and ESH. We've been doing this in excess of 16 years and it is always beyond cool!! We just don't cope but if we have to we will do it with happiness, humor and love.
