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.
BUT I did actually drive by this time...I'm getting closer! I just don't understand why I get paralyzed by fear when I get close to actually going!! It was crazy tbough...I drove by, there were TONS of people getting out of cars and heading to a building that had "AA" in the window. my garmin said that was the place...my foot hit the gas. Maybe next week I will actually park the car. I'm so disappointed in myself, but I am a very socially awkward person.
I have been spending a lot of time reading posts on here though...it blows my mind how some of the posts I could have written myself! It has been so very helpful - thank you all for sharing...it really does help!
Fairlee you will get out of the car and join in the meeting when the time is right for you. Do not be hard on yourself, just try again. If you don't like what you find, you don't have to go back...but here's betting you will.
-- Edited by Diva on Tuesday 7th of October 2014 04:22:06 PM
__________________
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
I chickened out several times Fairlee before I actually got the nerve to get out of the car and go into the meeting. Believe me, you will be quietly welcomed and not expected to speak up. I know I cried most of the first few meetings but it was such a relief to meet people who understood.
My first Al Anon meeting I went to, when I was walking in the door I thought I heard the scoutmaster of my son's boy scout troop in there! I freaked out, walked quietly and oh so nonchalantly (I might have even nervously whistled) back to the parking lot and sat in my car. I realized that if he was in there, then we had something in common. I went back in, and it wasn't him.
And it was full of people who could give me encouragement, strength and hope.
As Diva said, you will get there when the time is right. it might be the next time, it might be a few times. but do know that there are good people waiting there to talk to you, just like you are finding here on line!
Kenny
-- Edited by KennyFenderjazz on Tuesday 7th of October 2014 09:34:38 PM
-- Edited by KennyFenderjazz on Tuesday 7th of October 2014 09:35:02 PM
Hi Fairlee,
It is scary to go to that first meeting, but don't worry: You won't be expected to do anything but sit there and listen. If you want to share you can, of course, but you never have to--and no one acts like it's weird if you don't. A lot of times at my meeting people (veteran members) don't share. If you can try to go in next time, I think you'll really find it amazing how much you have in common with the other members...just like the posts here speak to you, the "live" members' experiences will, too. And everyone's amazingly giving. I'm shy, too, and I've felt very accepted and comfortable.
Good luck!
NL
