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 never reached out and went to alanon until I was 40, I had heard of it before and considered in my 20s but I was so full of resentment I refused to do anything that might help the alcoholic in my life. I thought it was about the a. As soon as I took a seat and listened to the preamble and then the shares around the room I knew I was in the right place, I cried a good bit, through relief and self pity with a little bit of hope. Its the best move ive ever made, ive learned so much and I think il always be learning.
I learned alcoholism is a disease and that was good because at least he wasnt just an evil, heartless person who ruined his families lives. Ive learned a new way to think, im no longer doom and gloom, living everyday with a dark cloud hanging over me. I dont need to think negatively, I know how to think differently now. Ive got a different vocabularly, words like serenity, compassion, forgiveness are beautiful words and they mean a lot to me now.
I just wish everyone that lives or have lived with this disease could have what I have or many of us have, its sad that some people come in and just go again, not having came for 6 meetings, back to the misery. I sometimes think, dont they believe us? Cant tbey see and feel the happiness in these rooms? Or the friendship? When they spend an hour and a half listening what are they actually hearing or not hearing? Is their mind closed?
Im so grateful for the life and mind I have today and its all due to learning this program, trusting it. Im going to say a wee prayer for the non believers tonight. Thanks.x
Thank you for sharing your experience el-cee. It was the same for me. I cried my entire first meeting. Just finding people who knew what I was going through was a blessing. Sometimes alcoholics go to AA meetings but have no intentions of trying to recover. They're going for the wrong reasons. I think maybe the people who attend Al-Anon meetings but get nothing out of it are kind of like that. They haven't put their hearts into it. Maybe they're not ready for recovery themselves because their minds are closed. Maybe they don't think they are the ones who are sick.
I, too, wish people who live with alcoholism, whose thinking is distorted, twisted and tangled could have the peace I have found. I'll join you tonight in praying for these non believers.
((hugs))
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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
I have been hearing about Al_Anon since my teens. But my first meeting was when I was 37 after much encouragement from MIP.
Even though I had already received love and guidance from here first, I was ashamed and defeated when I entered my first meeting. I had cried of sadness (feeling sorry for myself) and anger towards my husband...if wasn't for him I wouldn't need to be there.
Now I am so happy and glad for Al-Anon and very proud for being part of it. It has changed me so much and continue to change me everyday. It is more powerful than anything I have tried before, and I tried many other paths.
It is a privilege to be there sitting with those people and hearing their sharing. I am so thankful for this program.
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Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must but take the step.
