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.
The reading today talks about the gift, joy and need for sponsorship. Most of us have a huge need to be heard when we first arrive. Al-Anon provides a safe place to share and we often crave this as well as the attention. While the newcomer is critically important to the meeting, the well-being of the group must come first.
This is just one of many reasons that sponsorship is such a valuable tool. Our needs for self-expression are real and should be addressed. A sponsor can give us the time and attention we need to talk about ourselves and our lives.
Today's reminder -- My needs are important. Al-Anon helps me to find appropriate ways in which to meet them. I will take good care of myself today.
Today's quote is from Sponsorship -- What It's All About -- ".......Very personal details...are better left to a sponsor who can lend a consistent ear and keep a confidence - someone who knows all about you and accepts you as you are."
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My journey is a bit different than others as I came to Al-Anon through the back door - from the other fellowship. My sponsor from the other room came first to Al-Anon and then crossed over. She is the one who nudged me towards this program as I was absolutely crazy again from living with 3 qualifiers.
I of course didn't 'see' a need for another program. I was actually a bit angry that it was suggested. Denial in this disease is huge!!! I was in huge denial. I went to one meeting, did not have an open mind and shared back that it wasn't for me.
I became more insane and more obsessive, anxious and filled with dread, worry and anger. She continued to gently nudge me back and I went again. I found a different group and felt at home from the start. I truly believe both groups are wonderful - what changed was me, my pain and my bottom. I was washed up, worn out and beat down when I arrived the 2nd time.
I feel very fortunate to have found the sponsor I have. She's not my first - my first passed sober a while ago. With 20+ years of sobriety, in need of a sponsor, the pickings get slimmer than when new. I found my current sponsor, asked and here we are. She happens to also be a retired therapist for addiction so BONUS POINTS for my program.
God always gives me what I need when I need it, so long as I keep an open mind. I am so grateful for my program, my sponsor and MIP - thanks for being a part of my journey!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Great reading Thanks for sharing your ESH on this topic IAM. I agree. I found that Sponsorship is a gift that we give to ourselves . This is indeed a fellowship of equals and in learning how to share with an equal, as an equal we learn to see ourselves differently and accept support without expecting or asking for others to "fix it".
I am glad that we are sharing this journey together.
By the way , who did your route for in the World Series ? :)
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 12:58:04 PM
Oh Betty - I stayed up for the entire great, great, great, great game!!! It was awesome! I was rooting for Chi only because they have Ben Zobrist who was with the Royals last year. He's just an outstanding person - on and off the field and they had a child right around the series last year. Her middle name is Royal. He and his wife are missed greatly by our community here and the Royals did NOT give rings to players who moved on. There was many debates about this, of course - not my circus not my monkeys...
But I deeply wanted him to get a ring and how freaking cool that such a great person gets to win 2 World Series? It truly could not happen to a great guy - again, on and off the field.
I rarely can stay awake that late but it was one of the best games I've seen in a long, long while! Both teams were outstanding and made the entire series great - esp. for me who's team did not get there....
What about you?
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
ROFL.....we love baseball - enough said....I did freak out just a bit when I woke up @ 8:15. Then I remembered I am retired and don't need to freak out!
Make it a great day Betty!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
