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 attended my first meeting tonight. It was emotional and comforting at the same time. I didn't say much. When I first got there, a man in the group talked to me and asked me if I wanted to share why I was there. I tried to but ended up getting choked up. WHY do I DO that??!! I know I am strong enough to admit I need this, so why can't I be strong enough to talk about it? Everyone was super nice and one of the women who was closer to my age stayed after with me, explained her story, sponsorship, etc. I felt really comfortable just listening. There's a beginner's meeting Wednesday that I plan to attend. Here's to recovery!
I have been following you story and reading your ES&H to others. Everyone gets to their first meeting when it's time for them to get to their first meeting. I didn't wait three years to go to my first meeting, but I was at least five years late getting to my first meeting.
Took 3 years of contemplation for me, too. Hopefully, we can encourage others to not wait as long. I'm certain I would not have experienced so much frustration and pain if I had gone long ago.
Congrats to you!
-- Edited by GailMichelle on Monday 21st of March 2011 08:17:55 PM
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You have to go through the darkness to truly know the light. Lama Surya Das
Resentment is like taking poison & waiting for the other person to die. Malachy McCourt
Yay!! Lori...the most important thing I heard at the end of my intro to Al-Anon was keep coming back and I still am. It saved my life and now I have a life I wouldn't surrender for anything or anyone. Beginner meetings are great!! Have a very good one. ((((hugs))))
Way to go girl and the girl who spoke to you after the meeting sharring her story and sponsorship , might be she was letting you know that she would be willing to sponsor you . The beginners meeting will help alot as it is usually focused on the first 3 steps and making you familiar with the Slogans . good work Louise
I've been in this group for a number of years now. I still find it pretty hard to admit just how much I need help. I know this originates from my childhood where I was literally all on my own. I don't know that I am that strong. I know I had to appear strong but some days I feel pretty weak, lonely and scared.