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 cannot say enough how wonderful it is to have meetings to get to and actually go to. Just having that connection for an hour and a half last night was enough to keep me going for the rest of the week. I got to the Monday night meeting and then last night as well. The people that I know that I have been calling during the day to keep in touch with were there, and every one is so welcoming and the warm smiles just melt my heart :)
I am not yet working the steps with a sponsor, but I can already feel the changes in me. I so appreciate you all encouraging me to get to meetings. They really do help change perspectives. I haven't yet found a sponsor, because I am not sure if a sponsor should have worked all the steps already, or if its ok for them to be working them now... I don't know how that works? Should they have just a lot of time in program and be working the steps? Through the steps already? THanks for your imput ;)
I am still working that first step, sometimes I still feel like I am powerful over alcohol and count vodka nippers or figure out "How drunk he is now" and think that somehow I can stop it...but I am learning that I just can't control it. Huh, who knew that counting bottles is trying to be powerful over it? So I haven't counted anything in the last 3 days. And I feel so much better really working on realizing I am totally powerless over it...
THanks all!
__________________
-youfoundme
Let go and let God...Let it be... let it begin with me...
Hey ((you)) I'm so glad you're finding some serenity in the rooms.
I'm sure Higher power will place your sponsor in your path soon. I was told to find someone who has completed the steps, and certainly... I wanted the guidance of someone who has had that "spiritual awakening as the result of these steps." I have had 3 sponsors and that has worked very well for me. (fyi, the first is now over 600 miles away, the second was temporary after I moved.)
My new sponsor very often emphasizes the second part of step one, "that our lives had become unmanageable." Aaah, the UNMANAGEABILITY of my life, I get that!!!!! What does unmanageable look like? For me, my emotions are the best indication, I notice it immediately when I am not feeling grounded and peaceful. I will say this, when I am walking in God's grace, things go smoothly... I don't forget my debit card at the ATM, I don't express myself in traffic with my middle finger, etc. etc.
Higher power is always telling me to love and laugh. When I'm not feeling that, I am sooo blessed today to have twelve steps to get me back on track.
__________________
The prayer isn't for Higher Power to change our lives, but rather to change us.
Check out the pamplet on Sponsorship, What its all about P-31. It addresses specific questions such as:
What is a sponsor
Why is sponsorship important
How do I choose a sponsor
When should I get a sponsor
Do I need more than one sponsor
How will my sponsor help me
What does my sponsor expect of me
What is the role of a sponsor
I hope that helps. When I asked my sponsor to be my temporary sponsor, she said yes, but asked that I get this pamphlet and read it before our first meeting. I hope this helps you and others who are on the cusp of choosing/looking for a sponsor.
Sometimes you have to "unlearn" how to count. Sometimes you have to be blind. Sometimes you have to stop your sense of smell (that one is really hard). Sometimes you have to not hear. Detachment is hard to do...but it is possible with practice and lots of encouragement from others who understand.
-- Edited by maryjane on Thursday 16th of June 2011 04:22:38 PM
