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.
It was nothing mind blowing. I was nervous and felt out of place. It was a small group and they all knew each other very well. Was happy to see a couple of men but mostly ladies. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. It was a birthday for one of the ladies- 17 years in alanon. After the meeting two of the ladies spoke with me and encouraged me to come back and offered to give me a ride if I needed and gave me their phone numbers. I am committed to keep going and I want to find a sponsor but not sure how to exactly... I guess that'll take awhile. All in all a good experience. I guess just a small step... but every journey has to have a beginning.
It just takes time .. congrats on taking the first step. It has to be extremely intimidating to walk into a room of a bunch of ladies and be one of the few guys around. Keep going back and things will get better. There is an "official" WSO website that might help you get a sponsor in your area .. you should check it out.
I always go back to .. I didn't get to where I am over night, it's going to take time to get to where I want to be.
Hugs P :)
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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
Good for you dp and thanks for sharing that. We just had our regular "home group" meeting at our home and had a male from out of state attend. He's new to Al-Anon himself and this is his second trip. He was quiet as usually is with newcomers and that's okay with hope that the ears are open with an open mind. Women saved my life in early program and then with the increasing males we started a "Friday Night Men's Stag AFG" group where I came from in recovery and that lasted 19 years. Men in Al-Anon do very well once they give themselves to the program. As Pushka mentions "It just takes time .." "Keep going back and things will get better". I am witness to that myself. Keep coming back ((((Hugs))))
dp, thank you for the update. I remember my first meeting, there were many smokers, so I smelled like an ashtray when I left. There was a welcoming feeling in the room that I never forgot. We have a saying in al anon to try 6 meetings, and, after that, if you don't like it, you will be given your misery back. It was courageous of you to take this first step...your hp is smiling, as am I
I'm glad you took this step and I hope you continue to go to meetings. Its too hard to deal with our own thoughts, emotions and behaviors when in an alcoholic situation let alone the other person's thoughts, emotions and behaviors by ourselves. Maybe after 6 meetings, you'll find a softer place than the floor to sleep? Lots of support and high fives coming your way...
Congrats, dp! Sounds like you found a good meeting already! If you can, try to attend other meetings in your area, too, so you can get a feel for them and find ones that feel like a really good fit for you. I would recommend attending at least three meetings a week for the time being. Keep coming back, as we say. :)
