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 wonder if you will ever know what a wonderful thing you are doing in sharing your lives. I know that you come here for caring, compassion, an understanding ear and heart, a thumbs up when you are excited or feel you are moving along and a reminder that we all fail and make mistakes and it is a form of growth when you err or slip back.
But I really wonder if you get how many people read your posts. How many fellow travelers on this road cling to what to you say and take heart that they too will some day understand and move ahead. I know I lurked for many months before I ever had the nerve to post. Some may never post either because they lack the typing skills or they just can't overcome the emotional toll or the baring of a loved one's addiction. And so they have nowhere to turn because, if you come from a small town or if you know few people in a big city or if you are isolated, then you fear exposure and shame. You are taught to keep your family problems to yourself. And so you suffer alone.
And then one day you find this site and, even if you lack the economic, time, physical or emotional resources, you can come here and be welcomed with no fear of exposure. It is like coming into a warm and peaceful place where you know you will not be judged-a place where people 'get' you and know what you are dealing with .This is the beauty of the internet and also the wonder of this place. Because here you are safe, no one is going to try to scam you or invade your privacy. All you do is care and that is such a wonderful thing. Thank you so much.
Thanks for coming in and sharing your thoughts...yea, this is a pretty cool community, I have never ever been attacked or put down for any post that I have done...
If folks can't relate to me, they do the right thing and just ignore my "stuff" . and the ones who can offer me up a post of encouragement or wisdom, their slant on what they did or felt in the same or similiar situation...
We may not always "like" everyone we encounter, but we sure respect and honour the spirit of the community and what we are all doing....Trying to improve our selves and thus our lives, and whatever is in our lives...
Literally , I did NOT know how to live...I was abused and abandoned...My childhood I would not wish on anyone, but somehow I survived, barely, and then finally I showed up in 12 steps.....for the first time, i learned how to relate w/other people...how to stand up for myself....how to pick better and healthier people to be in my life......how to love myself and share that w/safe others.....I had no clue how to live among other humans......yea, I am great with animals, I adore them, but I had no clue as to how to get along with , without selling out myself, other humans.......not a clue....I know that sounds really weird but when U were raised up with nothing but abuse, terror, abandonment, neglect, you only know how to survive....not to interact in a healthy way.......now I can and do......
this program has been my miracle......I am here for life......
Thanks for your lovely post.....I do hope you can dive into this program , with the steps, meetings, slogan practice, literature, and shareing with others b/c if this program can resurrect me it can help anyone.....trust me!!!! this program really is a saving grace.....
In support
__________________
Live and let live and do it with peace and goodwill to all!!!!
So nice of you to share your thoughts and everything you've said is true. No wonder new comers can only sit and cry once they've overcome their fear or anger. Such a relief to not carry the burden alone, never again feel alone. Keep coming back and posting. You are so worth it.
Aloha Deacon and what a beautiful expession of gratitude. It is very descriptive of the program I found also which wasn't on the internet and in the live face to face rooms of the Family Groups. MIP is special to me...it is always right in my home and all I have to do to get and give Experience Strength and Hope is push the power on button and here you are with the rest of the family I love so much. Keep an open mind; keep coming back (((((hugs)))))
After spending a few grateful minutes outside with the full moon, I come in to read your post. I am glad this forum has been of service and thank you for your expression.