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.
Attended a Begineers meeting. I had choice of Begineer or Step 5 (which Im not ready for) so attended the Begineer. The chair had us go around the room to speak instead of raising our hands. My first thought was to pass but then I saw someone take out her Courage to Change book. I took mine out and looked for Self Care. Found a page, read it and then shared that Im scared crapless to have my 2 teeth taken out (they're knocking me out to do so) Feb 3rd. Cried as I read/spoke but at least I did it. I find that is a good way to start speaking - read a page and comment on it.
Barbara...... telling your husband. Attending a f2f meeting. And sharing at a meeting!!! Well done you.... that's what I call "Courage to Change".
You are a brave lady. Give yourself a pat on the back. Keep the focus on you. It's not easy to do that but I have met so many many Alanons who have helped their families by working their OWN programme of recovery and by so doing, giving our loved ones space to work out their own lives. We certainly can't do it for them. Nothing we say or do will change them. So we have to take care of ourselves. Stay strong Barbara. You are an inspiration to us all.
Good for You! I was and still am so scared to speak at f2f meetings. I just know that what I say is going to sound ridiculous. The anxiety builds as my "turn" gets closer. I have actually broke out in a sweat and cried even when I really didn't need to cry. It's awful, but I am now trying to just be easy on myself. I am going to the f2f. I DON'T HAVE to say anything (I would have been embarrassed to talk and embarrassed no to talk!!!). I can listen. I can pass and no one thinks a thing of it. I was too embarrassed even to pass when I first went to meetings. I am finding that I am so unsure of myself right now that I just don't know what to say. I am lightening up a little and the more I go to f2f the easier it is to speak should I choose to.
I do like your idea of reading something and then sharing your feelings on it. Great idea!
Barbara, hoooray for you for going to a meeting!!!!
A month or so ago, I had a wisdom tooth taken out. It was the first tooth I ever lost, and I was very afraid, but I decided to allow the oral surgeon to do it with only a local anesthetic, because I dread being "put out." It took all of 15 seconds, if that, and I had no pain, no bleeding, nothing. Please don't be afraid. It will be just fine.
Concerned for you, Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Most impressive, Barbara! I'm still reluctant to speak at meetings. We don't have a 'go around the circle' format, so it's all too easy to just hide in the back and let others speak. WTG! Whooo hooo!
Congratulations. I had a tooth taken out a year ago. It was very painful. I hope you will take time off to take care of you. My mouth was swollen afterwards and I had to rinse a lot. My denitst told me it takes about 8 months for the mouth to heal up.
I am glad that you were able to help the beginners.
-about the meeting and you speaking, not the teeth I mean.