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.
In a recent post, Jerry F asked all of us MIPers who haven't written a bio to do so in order to make the "family real."
Well Jerry, I strived to do so and got anxious. I didn't know what to include. But I agree, adding a bio does help. I will do so later.
Until "later" gets here, I decided to just add my photo to let those out there in MIP Land that I'm real. GailMichelle is a living, breathing woman.
Also, having my photo next to my posts help me be careful of what I share. I've noticed recently that when I'm sharing on this board and start to become critical of someone, I find myself deleting it.
Al-Anon has helped me install a "filter."
Added 8-22-11
Second thoughts on including my photo. I read something this AM on the AA message board that had me reconsider doing so. I'm pretty much an open book. But... this is the Internet. I tend to forget that any and everyone can read these posts. They don't have to be a member of MIP.
-- Edited by GailMichelle on Monday 22nd of August 2011 08:39:00 AM
__________________
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
DEAR GAIL, i AM SO GLAD THAT YOU POSTED YOUR PICTURE!
You look soo different than I imagined. I didn't expect you to look so pretty and so vibrant and full of life. It is like the people that I listen to on the radio---and picture them in my mind---They NEVER look like I imagine them!
Now, I feel a new responsiblity to post a bio---and have someone to take a half-way decent picture of me.
I am with you about what to put into the bio. I think it is like putting on the "social mask" in a wierd sort of way. I should have done it day one, before perceptions started to form. I think it is human nature to try to present ourselves in a certain way. OR, maybe it just says a lot about our self- image and our self esteem??
Thanks ladies for the compliment. I do feel a bit funny about them, however.
I posted my pic because, well, I tried to write a bio(as Jerry F. had suggested we do) and, well, I was just too lazy to put a lot of thought into it. Then, I thought, heck, I will just post a pic for now.
I'm very camera shy. I'd rather take a beating than have my photo taken. So I didn't have many to choose from that was current. This pic was taken at my son's wedding this past May. I couldn't avoid the camera that day. Boy, the photgrapher was relentless.
It was such a happy day. I love my daughter-in-law; I couldn't have done a better job picking out a wife for our son. They've known each other for over 10 years. It was about time that they married!
Grandkids? Would be nice. I'd love to be Grandma Gail. I'm ready to be Grandma when they are ready to be parents.
__________________
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
Your photo isn't as clear as mine (I don't think). I might try for a less "up close" photo of me. That way, I'd be less identifiable to those out in Internet Land.
I don't take pics that often. The one I had posted is the only current photo that I have. I was somewhat "forced" to get my photo taken that day since it was our son's wedding. I didn't make a fuss about it, even though inside I was screaming "Get me outta here!"
I have mixed emotions. Like I say, I'm pretty much an open book. But I think I have been too open in the past. I didn't have boundaries where I should have had. I'm learning.
rrib wrote:
Too bad. Seeing a real faces here gave me the courage to upload my pic too - although it's a few years old.
-- Edited by rrib on Monday 22nd of August 2011 11:04:43 AM
__________________
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
I'm don't usually go around telling everyone about being in recovery and figure it's nobodies business in the 'outside' world.
On the other hand, anyone lurking around these pages is probably looking for help. If someone in town recogizes me maybe I'd have more chance to work on that last step.
But then, I'm also a 'friend' of Bill Wilson on facebook.
You're absolutely right ~ anyone lurking (inquiring minds) here is most likely looking for help. Thanks for bringing my attention to this.
So here I am again -
My purpose for coming here to to learn, grow and, possibly help others along the way if I can. I think posting a pic helps others to sort of connect with you on a deeper level. No sure.
I know when others have posted the pics, it helps on some level - can't pinpoint it, however.
So thanks!
rrib wrote:
I'm don't usually go around telling everyone about being in recovery and figure it's nobodies business in the 'outside' world.
On the other hand, anyone lurking around these pages is probably looking for help. If someone in town recogizes me maybe I'd have more chance to work on that last step.
But then, I'm also a 'friend' of Bill Wilson on facebook.
__________________
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
