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 normally have my hair done every other Thursday... my little treat for me. This past Wednesday my hair looked awful so I called my hairdresser to see if possibly he could work me in. My HP was at work in this one and he had time to do my hair so I was a happy camper.
When I got home DH told me that the counselor from church had called and wanted one of us to speak at a class they are holding on Wednesday nights. Each week they have three people tell how their HP has worked in their life. DH told him that he thought I would do better at it than he would...chicken. HAHAHAHA
To make a long story short I told my story for the first time with only 3 hours preparation. Fortunately with so little notice I didn't have time to get really nervous. I walked into the room, sat down at a table at the front of the room and slowly people started drifting in. They just kept coming and coming and coming and I'm thinking should I be getting nervous about now? The counselor had called the youth minister and the entire youth group was there. I don't have a count on how many were present but it was close to 100. That is a lot of people looking at you! I adlibed a bit to the youth group about addiction and DH said he really liked what I said. I have no clue what I actually said to them, it just came out.
I was quite pleased with the results of the first sharing of my story. It was the short version and I left out a lot of the gorey details because we were limited to 15 minutes. While I was speaking I noticed a lot of teary eyes and a lot of heads nodding indicating that there may be a lot of others there that have walked in my shoes some as well.
We had to leave right after I finished to attend our F2F meeting but on the way out the minister who was sitting in the back of the room gave me the thumbs up and a huge smile. That was when I knew it had went well. Hopefully something I said at some point during my talk will make a difference in someone else's life. I know it has made a difference in mine, my HP is at work and he is letting me know which road to take.
Have a great day and be nice to yourself.
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Everything I have ever let go of has claw marks all over it.
OMG!!! Mo! I am so proud of you. And proud also of your hubby for standing behind you, and giving you the opportunity to speak! From what I remember, your A is your child? I hope I am not out of line asking, I am just trying to remember. I have had chills ever since I read your post, and am still having them as I type this! That is super-super-super fantastic.
I think sometimes people have the misconception that people "in church" are immune to problems like addiction, and the horror it brings with it. I am so glad you were able to tell your story!
And to condense it to 15 minutes! It would take me about 15 hours, things are so crazy and confusing!
I am sure you touched so many lives, and those people may now feel more free to tell someone else "their story". It's like how a pebble is tossed into a pool, and the rings just keep growing, and growing outward, touching everything. So many lives need to be touched by healing. And it begins with us!
Way to go! And so cool that you were able to get your hair done beforehand, not even knowing you had a "speaking engagement!" I can do about anything when my hair looks good! LOL!
P.S. I reread some of your old posts, and I LOVE the pic of the kitty you posted! That is so funny! I had to print it out to hang on my fridge! How true it is!
I agree Becky, if my hair looks good then I feel very confident. Somehow the rest of me just seems to follow. LOL
Yes, my A is my son. I am proud to report that currently he is CLEAN He sounds so good on the phone and that just makes my days sing. He is now working two jobs, both full time, one at the office and another at home, he is working on getting his drivers license back and repaying all of his debts. He dug a big hole but I know he can climb out of it.
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Everything I have ever let go of has claw marks all over it.
Did this heart good to hear you doing so well. Frankly I hate public speaking, terrifies me to bits. I admire your courage. You have come along way in your recovery.
Congrats on son's sorbriety! Well done, may he have continued success.
Love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong,
Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
P.S. What picture of kitty? Would love to see it.
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
You have come along way in your recovery. 
