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.
Finally at a place with wifi long enough to check in. It has been wonderful so far. Oslo was beautiful, as was Gothenburg. The cruise has mostly British on board which has been interesting. Nobody is showing up at the AA meetings, but that's ok. Now sitting eating lunch in the town square of Tallinn, Estonia. It's awesome. Wishing everyone well!
Well, somebody is showing up at the AA meetings - you. It might feel a little awkward at first to read the preamble aloud and to say the serenity prayer followed by the suggested Step or Topic for the meeting but maybe if "You build it, they will come?" Holding your own hand at the end of the meeting and saying the Serenity Prayer aloud may look strange for awhile to some who might be viewing you outside a cabin door, but like everything - they'll get used to it.
All kidding aside - I'm so happy for you and Chuck and your honeymoon stops and experiences. Building positive and lasting memories together is so very special and I'm glad you are sharing some of your experiences with us, Mark.
Thanks for sending this. It's refreshing to hear about your tours. (It's so hot here, Scandinavia sounds ideal.) I always see Friends of Bill notices on the message board when I'm on a cruise. Nobody else showed up? You are enough, as G2B said. You and your husband are making memories.
-- Edited by Jill on Thursday 31st of July 2014 08:13:52 AM
If we all knew there was a cruise like that at the end of our recovery, we'd all work harder at it! I guess you could even say you're on board with it all!
Now I am in Helsinki, Finland. St. Petersburg was the last 2 days prior. It was nice. Very pretty and not what I thought Russia would be like. Of course, I am aware St. Petersburg is not like the rest of Russia. They were shoving vodka at me right and left which 2 as annoying, especially since that was my number 1 poison. I had a wretched drinking dream because of it I think. I rarely have those. Finland is more relaxed and very peaceful. Weather has been amazing. We have seen some of the most beautiful cathetdrals. HP is there even despite no meetings. Just connecting here makes me feel better. Funny how that is as this is alanon and not AA. Love ya guys.
The Higher power is richly blessing you, I thank you for bringing it here, reminders of the Creators great Love. never absent!
Interesting, the disease is so cunning, baffling and powerful, even in your dreams. From where I sit, it roared at a mighty city because why bother attacking desert waste? stay strong, keep your HP close and great job reaching for the fellowship, I get strength there too.
So glad to hear you are enjoying all these new experiences. Good your husband can help to awaken you from your nightmares. You're living some of your dreams right now. Good that you are sharing your night terrors with us. And the great news? You resisted that ugly pull of the disease that we all know can only be arrested one day a time. Maybe your dream is a good reminder not to grow complacent which is so easy for all of us to do?
Prayers for you, Mark. May your HP surround you and fill you with all that you need to stay protected from that powerful, cunning and baffling disease.
Russia has huge alcoholism issues, its sad it entered into your honeymoon, im glad you feel better now and are in a calmer, much more sober country. Thanks for the update, missing you here on the forum.x
Yes I have heard from people that have adopted Russian children how bad it was there during their one month stay, sad indeed! I am glad it didn't ruin your honeymoon and that you are enjoying the sites! Sending you love and support on your journey!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
Stockholm Sweden today. Sitting on a ferry typing this on my phone. This may be the most beautiful city I've ever seen. It is stunning. Also there are rainbow flags everywhere indicating it is gay friendly. St. Petersburg actually had laws prohibiting any same sex affection, holding hands, and so on...Don't get me wrong though, St. Petersburg was beautiful and a great experience. Our tour guide was in her mid 20's there and she was very cool, and determined to break any negative ideas people had about Russia. She was amazing. Since she was born around the time of USSR downfall, she seemed like a free spirit and more "European." The older Russians clearly were more stern and different. There are mostly Brits on our cruise. Only one obnoxious statement from an old man when we we posing for pictures on formal night. He loudly stated "That's 2 boys!" Lol. Offensive at first. Then funny...Anyhow, checking in...Loving Stockholm! Be happy and well guys!
Ohhh Mark I hope you can post some pictures soon!! Sounds amazing!! Russia is not the most open minded country considering Her ruler Putin is VERY anti gay. I'm glad you had a great tour guide!! I want to live in Finland!! LOL!! :)
Hugs S :)_
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Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do "faith". - Brene Brown
"Whatever truth you own doesn't own you" - Gary John Bishop
I'm glad you are enjoying your honeymoon, the sights you are seeing, the experiences you are having and the opportunities you are being given to place principles above personalities and be you while letting others be themselves. I've lived through many anti-differences conflicts and have seen positive changes come about by people remaining true to themselves and refusing to apologize for or hide their differences. It takes courage to do that and it paves the way for others to experience the blessings of the risks taken by those who went before them. (((M&C)))
I guess you could even say you're on board with it all! 
Can you see Alaska from there?