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.
has always been a process of touch and go and so it was today as a new meeting was started in the office spaces of a local rehab. Got the usual couple who thought they "had" to be there and came in with justifications on why they felt "tricked or manipulated" into it...let them go. "No Al-Anon face to face meeting is mandatory unless you think it so" and so two left. The other two remaining were digging for understanding and help and balance and so one of them got to talk her story for as long as she needed (we had lots of time) before turning it over to the other who did the same. Old "home coming" day for me and I related 100% cause there was only two differences twix them and me which was age and gender and they both understood. We talked solutions from steps 1 - 3, the mentioning of "sanity" at the end of step two and the necessity of a "Higher Power" because we had failed in the control and managability areas. It was great and they were so excited with what had just happened that we had to be "shhhhhhhed" going out of the building. Now it is up to God. They have the information and the hugs and the awareness that they are not alone and others were available. Great start...gotta tweak it a bit as always and still leave it in God's hands. Did my part as a reminder that others were there for me when I first arrived dumb as a stick. I had to smile because they had trouble with the same words I had when I first found the door of Al-Anon...Alcoholism, Autonomy, Anonymity (hey another 3 As!!). If they keep coming back I will be here to see the miracles happen all over again...YAY!!
Thanks for letting me share and teaching me how to. ((((hugs))))
I am happy to see you happy about this new meeting in office spaces of a local rehab. A bit of a downer for them maybe in the being "shushed" department as they left, but hopefully it didn't dampen their spirits for returning to another meeting? Good news to me is that my brother, Jerry, had a good day today serving where he was placed and meeting some new people. I really can't think of you as one who was ever "dumb as a stick," but I did smile when I read that phrase. You have a fun way of saying things, Jerry. I hope the group continues to grow there. If it doesn't - it sure wouldn't be because HP and you weren't there to meet newcomers. (((Back at ya, Jerry)))
Good one, Jerry. There is an art to starting meetings. Patience is one of the primary virtues... I was motivated when I first came along and I have never ever forgotten that. It takes time sometimes to see results- but as I look back it made a huge difference to my life, and to those near and dear to me.
