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.
...should we wait until November to talk about Step 11?
If we are learning the steps- yes- likely that is a good idea. But when we are "practising these principals in all our affairs" we can turn to the step we need- for the moment. In my view, anyway.
This week I was reflecting on the "meet" in meeting.
I used to have terrible communication skills. Since then my hearing has improved a lot- and I can now pick up the timbre and nuance in people's voices. I seem to be able to relate to feelings a lot more- and not just words and thoughts.
I had to take "baby steps" initially.
Communication was a big gap in my learning.
"The loving interchange amongst members..." ...something I took for granted. Something that grew on me.
I did not even trust my own thoughts and feelings!
Looking forward to getting back to my F2F Alanon group. It is an hour's drive from home- up a gorge really. So I plan maybe to go once a month or so. I have told them- that s they get a male member who needs a sponsor I would be happy to step in there.
I still dream a lot!
If I was with a large group- with burgeoning membership- If...! I would ask to have four or five meetings of the group each week- so that everyone does get a chance to share- if they want to.
The town where my group has it's meeting is a tourist town. Where a lot of people work shifts.
So having flexible meeting times might be an asset.
I have been on furlough these last two weeks. I Have no idea if the meeting is still going! We had three members three weeks ago.
We got to an international yachting cup- on backpackers rates. It was awesome.
This last week we went to a national rowing regatta. There were a few grandparents there... but we had the bonus of having two grandkids competing.
It is early Sunday morning here. Being a former farmer I am up early- getting my day set up...
...thanks so much for this opportunity to share... ...
It is just one of the reasons why I love this forum... we can share our program, how we want, when we want! I always seemed to gravitate to those meetings that were more "freestyle" (when there was in-person meetings) anyway. I always hated the meetings that were run so rigidly that they couldn't accommodate changing their format to talk about what a newcomer might need to hear... I always thought that was super important, b/c newcomers are hurting, confused, seeking solace. Yes, I said, "hated." I never returned to those meetings btw... always searched for something more to my liking. I find communicating in our "new normal" meetings (Zoom) kind of difficult due to technology issues...
I hope your grandkids were happy with their competition, and had fun!! I think their grandparents did!
As always, thank you for the peek into your world... always fascinating to me!
&
__________________
"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
With you P. I can get to a zoom meeting where we read the steps, traditions, concepts of service and the warranties of the conference. We might get a reading and discussion from one of our readers. Possibly.
My original group- when we got a new member we threw open the meeting to Step 1. Each member got to explain how that got to the meeting- and got to talk about what they had learned.
19 times out of 20 this got the new member to open up and talk about why they had come along.
Concept 4: Participation is the key to harmony. ...
Thought I would add my 2cents here. My F2F meeting and home group here in NY, is now on zoom. When safe we will return to in-person. We have a format for the meeting: step, tradition, ACOA, and open week. However, we are invited to share on any topic we need/want. We dont have to stick to the topic of the week when it is our turn to share. So we give and have the freedom to speak on anything.
I did the steps twice with {{{Betty}}}. What was so great was doing them all, no matter what month or anything. It was a wonderful project and growing experience. And for all the times I thanked Betty for her help, patience, ESH, she would reply that being a sponsor helped her grow and change as well. We took the journey together and both benefited. Ive come to have great respect for the steps and of course, Betty.
As we can choose any topic on the board to bring up, is truly wonderful. And Im grateful that applies to my F2F as well.
Lyne - in many ways you were (are) truly blessed! I love how you said that "We took the journey together and both benefited."
__________________
"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
...should we wait until November to talk about Step 11?
I would ask to have four or five meetings of the group each week- so that everyone does get a chance to share- if they want to.
...
& 