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 went to my first meeting last night. It certainly was an overall good experience. My brother in-law went with me, he's a recovering alcoholic who thought a face to face meeting would benefit me after the week I've had - I'll update my last post with that information.
So we go to the meeting place and I get settled into the room. The steps and traditions were read by everyone, as well as some other things I don't remember. There was a pretty good topic of expectations. I learned a lot about it, but didn't have anything to share on that topic. There was a woman there who had a story very similar to mine. Although I didn't have anything to share that was on topic, I was encouraged to share whatever I wanted/needed to get off my chest. I did just that and by the end of it, was crying in front of complete strangers. That made me realize that I'm in a lot more pain that even I realized.
After the meeting, I had two gentlemen just come over to me and offer their words of encouragement. I was told several times by several people to keep coming back. I do think I'm going to try another meeting Tuesday night. I was encouraged to go, and now that I have some support in the way of a babysitter, I can go without worry.
Good for you! We've had many newcomers in our meetings, some cry, some sit stoically, but in general all are wounded to some degree and in need of other people with common experiences. I'm glad you have a babysitter now. Keep coming back there and here!
Hi frustration. I'm so glad you went to the meeting. Good for you. I was crying when I walked through the Al-Anon doors and I cried the entire meeting. I remember being asked to read, and everything I read sounded as though they were talking about me. I wondered how the authors of the book, Courage to Change, knew my story.
Keep going, it's get better. You will soon find yourself being able to laugh.
Al-Anon works if you work it.
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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
For me the poster on the board: YOU didn't cause it, You can not cure it and you can not change it made me cry, it was good. People told me I would be OKAY and I didn't believe them... but it was nice to hear.. and I am OKAY...
That is exactly how it starts and then it gets better...much much better. Good for you brother. Take it one day at a time and keep coming back. Thanks for the ESH.
Your at the beginning of a brilliant journey. I cried too, i think it was release of the secret for me. Just hearing my story over and over. I knew i belonged.x
Just to validate you....from all you have shared going on recently...I am amazed that you are doing as well as you are, putting one foot in front of the other and that you got to that meeting. Good job! I can see you identified frustration and anger first....but yeah...obviously hurt and disappointment and sadness over this must all be there too and I'm glad you were able to let some of that out in a safe place. Prayers for you...
Yes, so glad to hear this and it reminds me of my first meeting! Keep coming back and this program works when you work it and you are worth it. 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."
I had a similar experience at my first face to face meetings. I sat, listened and cried. Sat, listened and cried. Then I started sitting and listening. Now I am sitting and speaking up. Keep coming back!
