Al-Anon Family Group

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.

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> face2face
Post Info TOPIC: face2face
cloudyskies


~*Service Worker*~

Status: Offline
Posts: 531
Date:
face2face
Permalink  

While I am very thankful that I found this discussion board, there is nothing like face to face al-anon meetings with people who are struggling or who have struggled with the same pain that I feel. We are reading from Courage to Change, and I cannot believe how so much of this book seems to have been written from my life. I feel so at ease with my al-anon group. It just feels plain good to talk to people who know the problems I face living with an active alcoholic. For so long, I prayed to God to help my husband, but there was no improvements. Then I started praying to God to help me help my husband and still I found no peace. Finally, I prayed to God to help me, and God guided me to al-anon.

Things are beginning to change a bit around my house. It seems quieter and more calm. I am learning that certain behaviors are a result of the environment in which the person lives, and in order to change the negative behavior, you first have to acknowledge it. I am learning how to recognize my negative behavior, and I am finding my serenity.

I used to harbor resentments toward my husband until I started listening to this song. This song helped me to understand that all the resentment and negative feelings only hurts me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Lu5udXEZI

I wish you all peace and serenity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



__________________

Look for the rainbow after the storm, and I'm sending you a double dose of HOPE. H-hold  O-on  P-pain E-ends

Linda-
grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

Status: Offline
Posts: 7576
Date:
Permalink  

Peace to you, too, CS. Glad you enjoy meetings with your group.

__________________

"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
hotrod


~*Service Worker*~

Status: Offline
Posts: 17196
Date:
Permalink  

Cloudyskies Thank you for your positive update regarding the power of Face to Face alanon meetings.

Connecting with others who have been there and understand as few others can, helps to break the painful isolation caused by living with the disease and provides a safe environment for healing .

Keep coming here as well. There is hope

__________________
Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

Talmud
el-cee


~*Service Worker*~

Status: Offline
Posts: 5075
Date:
Permalink  

I agree, face to face meetings are the most important tool I have. I love this board and it comes a close second but the actual human contact helps me from isolating and keeps me responsible to my recovery, it also allows me to take part in service work. X

__________________
karma13


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 326
Date:
Permalink  

Thank you for the update cloudyskies. I agree, I could not have made the progress I have in the program without face to face meetings. The trust that I have found, especially with a few local members means the world to me. I can tell them anything and they won't shame me, they accept me as is. I had to acknowledge with stepwork how I was contributing to the problems in our household, and when I was able to do that, peace and serenity reigned in our home. Thank you for the reminder :) Blessings~ Angel

__________________

I needed these behaviors in my past they helped me survive I'm finding new and better ways to not just survive but thrive 
blessed


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 233
Date:
Permalink  

It is odd that I found peace with total strangers. I felt it from the very first meeting. One thing I have learned is that unless you have been through what another person has you have no idea what they are going through. You can cry w/ them and love on them but you don't understand. And even if it is same, you are not them so your grieving process might be different.

One thing I used to get a lot from well meaning sisters in the church is, "just love him until he can's stand it anymore. Love covers a multitude of sin." They meant well, but just didn't get it. I cannot love this man out of his alcohol addiction. Now, that i truly understand the addiction (disease) I don't have to wear myself out trying to save him from himself and his disease. I knew from experience that wouldn't work. I used to call him a sponge, I could worship him and it wasn't enough. Nothing was enough. I have to detach, not smother him. 

AlAnon is a postive addition to my faith. It is the missing link. I know God, and have faith. But, there was something that I just wasn't getting. And that is what I found in AlAnon. Others who were living this life of co-dependency. Oh, I heard about it and read it but being face to face with real people that are truly breathing it every day so so much different. They are not crazy. I am not crazy. 

For the past 4-5 weeks I have immersed myself in AlAnon in every way I could and my head is on overload, and I am applying principles and slogans out of discipline, accepting, acknowledging, changing, shutting up, and hoping that it gets in my heart and becomes habits I will have the rest of my life. One day at time, it will.

 

 

 



__________________

Do the next right thing~

I've never regretted taking the high road. ~
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> face2face