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.
Ok, so I was sitting at the front table and people kept filing in, I mean like more and more and more people and they had to borrow chairs from AA's room, etc. It was the most packed I've seen our room EVER! Yep, no pressure, just 60 sets(Ok, maybe 55) of eyes on me. One of my friends looks at all the people coming in looking for seats and mouths, "OMG, Bonnie!" and then she smiles, knowing full well that this is going to be a good night.
We had about 10 newcomers, brand new to Al Anon and when I opened the floor up for Q&A at the end, 3 of those newcomers were asking questions. One of the ladies said, "If you currently live with your alcoholic, how do you seem so happy? I want that." It felt good to know that I hopefully helped more than 1 person in the room that night. One of my good friends told me that I made her cry and then made her laugh hysterically 5 minutes later. I shared on some tools I used, I told the room how I applied those tools to my program, and I was BRUTALLY honest about a lot of crap from the past.
All in all, it went really well. Many people whom I've known for 2 years or so were grateful to hear my whole story, instead of bits and pieces. I wasn't nervous but I know I talked fast(that's the Jersey in me, LOL). And, no, I didn't cry. I did grab a tissue at the very beginning and I told the room, "I better grab one of these, you never know where this is going to lead me!" I guess that was my opener, haha.
I'm still struggling with my emotions. I went out last night with some program friends and had a great time, but seeing people drink still makes me uncomfortable even if they are in program. I guess I'm just not much of a partier. Anyway, I have a lot on my mind. I was disappointed that my sponsor didn't come to hear me speak and she didn't call me to check and see how it went, either. I know, I know...expectations! I'm still figuring out what I'm going to do about that one, sigh....
Thank you for sharing here. I smiled in recognition as I led my first meeting a few weeks ago and was nervous and also worried about my emotions (I have been known to sit and cry at meetings!). Anyway--your strength comes through as does the power of the program you are working.
I can also relate to not being completely comfortable around drinking. I am not an addict but haven't had a drink in many many months and simply enjoy my life without it.
Hi, ILD. I'm so glad it went so well for you. I've been hoping to see an update! I confess that I, too, am uncomfortable when going out with a group of Al-Anon-ers and some drink. I stopped going out with one group because it was if we could never go anywhere together that didn't include alcohol. Didn't make sense to me considering all we had been through and were still going through thanks to alcoholism and alcohol. I'm not a complete teetotaler and I still don't like going with parts of my fellowship who tend to head to the bars. I like going with parts of my fellowship to a restaurant. That fits me better. I am very aware of the fact that some in my fellowship are probably problem drinkers themselves but are still in denial about it. I just don't want to be where the drama is. I've had enough drama. I like to be where fellowship seems to happen more without "spirits" added to the mix. That's where take what you like and leave the rest fits into the picture for me. So, you're not alone in your discomfort with being with people who drink - especially those in the program out together for an evening of celebration.
Back to you - I'm happy for you, Bonnie. You took a risk and it turned out so well for you. (((B)))
PS: I do hope all is well with your sponsor?
-- Edited by grateful2be on Sunday 27th of April 2014 05:11:28 PM
Brilliant ild, that took courage, im really happy for you. I know what you mean about being around people who are drinking. Im not that comfortable with it either which is hard when you live in the west of scotland.x
