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 was looking at the details in the FAQ section regarding the meeting/chat room. Can someone please tell me if members on the message board use the same nickname for the meetings/chat or should we use a different name? Also, do many go into the chat room just to talk when they feel like sharing thoughts or need some support? Thank you.
-- Edited by LiveLaughLove on Saturday 21st of June 2014 04:05:36 PM
Many of us use the same nickname. Many of us have become quite good friends and have even met in person! And oh gosh yes, we do go in when it is open chat time to talk and laugh and visit, and also if we are having a hard time. That is what is so awesome about MIP. If no one is there, just wait a while and usually someone will pop in!
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Let your light shine in the darkness. "I can't just bring my mind to meetings...I must also bring my heart."
Great answer Kismestrand! Yes, many use their nick on the board in the chat room and yes, there are often people in the room chatting between meetings. :)
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" And what did we gain? A new life, with purpose, meaning and constant progress, and all the contentment and fulfillment that comes from such growth."
I use a different nickname than my screen name and have also visited the chat room. I quit doing that though. I'd stay up until 2:30 or 3:00 in the morning sometimes because there was so much laughter going on in the room I didn't want to leave it. Of course, the only one who could hear me laughing was me which was a bit strange, but I got used to it. Knowing that I don't like the feeling of being run over by a truck at work, I finally had to sacrifice the chat room. I do hope you enjoy that experience as much as I did. There were some nights that my ribs hurt, I was laughing so much at the antics on the board and loved the way folks could stop their laughter and be present to someone in pain, too.
I also love the chat room and also just can't do it because it is too much fun and keeps me up too late, kismetstrand being one of the chief instigators of that fun and laughter!
Some people use their same names others use different. I would definitely in courage you to check into it.
I enjoyed reading this thread. I too have spent many, many hours in the chat room. Sometimes answering questions, other times just listening, (reading), and other times.. well I was laughing so hard at my computer monitor that my three little dogs would tilt their heads while looking at me and you could read their minds..."what the heck is going on with this guy? He has gone wacko on us!"
I love and enjoy both the board and the chat room.
John
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" And what did we gain? A new life, with purpose, meaning and constant progress, and all the contentment and fulfillment that comes from such growth."
After reading all of your responses, I am starting to feel much more comfortable about going into the chat room and attending an online meeting. I'm just a little nervous about taking that step....I know that I shouldn't be nervous because that is the place to be, but I am. By the way, several of you mentioned the laughter that often occurs in the chat room and I really could use a good laugh right now! LOL
It doesn't happen at meetings so much, but it does happen in the chat room meeting after the meeting quite a bit. Glad you're going. Once you've been there, it starts to get easier as you learn the ropes. Folks are very helpful for newcomers to the meetings and chatroom, too, when it comes to understanding some of the logistics. Glad you're going. Please keep us posted if that feels right to you to do?
Did you go? I'm so strapped for time right now that I can't hardly even get time to be on the board, let alone chat. I hope you went, so I can live that one vicariously through you :)
Kenny....Yes, I did attend an online meeting recently and I am very glad that I finally did. I really like the format (I wasn't sure how the online format would work, at first, but I like it!) and I intend to continue attending.
