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 an anniversary meeting for the first time last night (not sure if these are common at all Al Anon groups?). We had 3 speakers, one from AA, one from Alateen, and one from Al Anon. It was a great meeting and really rejuvinated me.
The AA speaker talked about how being drunk made her feel alive and comfortable in her own skin, and when she wasn't drunk all she thought about was getting drunk. She talked about her recovery process and how she was able to break it down very simply--she has an obsession and an allergy--when she drinks, it effects her in a different way than non alcoholics and she must keep drinking until she passes out.
The Alateen speaker was wonderful, a 17 year old kid with more poise and serenity than I currently have at 43. I thought of myself at the same age, having had a similar upbringing with alcoholic parents, and how much he had obviously benefited from the program and how badly I needed it back then.
The Al Anon speaker was a huge surprise--someone who attends my meeting who I have never really been able to connect with. I just never got much from his shares, for some reason. His story was the most compelling and interesting of the night, however. I admit when I saw him at the table ready to speak I was dissapointed, but after listening to him I was so glad he chose to share. His story was fascinating--he attended Al Anon for quite a while, even though there was no alcohol in his life. Then, after attending Al Anon for years, he wound up marrying an alcoholic. Amazing.
Just a great meeting and a great experience and I'm so glad I went...
-- Edited by usedtobeanyer on Friday 23rd of March 2012 07:58:42 AM
I haven't been to an anniversary deal with alanon I know they do them I think it depends on the groups. I've been present when AA members celebrate their sobriety birthday and that's really a neat experience as well.
The speaker meetings are amazing!! It's one of the biggest reasons I love going to conferences, there is just so much wisdom to be gained.
So glad it was an uplifting experience for you. It really does put a different spin on things and seeing the other side of the coin makes a huge difference for me and my week.
Hugs P :)
__________________
Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.- Maya Angelo
One thing I have had to learn to do is to not compare myself to others. First of all I have a very different background from others. The other thing is that many an alcoholic is very very good at self presentation skills that is how they are so good at hooking others in.
I know I can present/interview very well personally and I have been a great speaker at meetings when in fact my life was falling apart in so many ways.
I think it is really destructive to compare ourselves to others, relate perhaps but compaing is passing judgement and too many of us have had way too much of that.
Ahhhhh...Usetobe; sounds like you got gifted!! LOL does your HP ever love you. Your HP even helped change your impressions and I'm glad you brought it here cause I heard again the very first Al-Anon promise that came true for me...."If you keep an open mind you will find help. So glad for you...this will be like fertilizer for your program. ((((hugs))))
