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 know this question is elementary but I've only been back to Al-Anon a few months. I've been going to a particular meeting where there are about 13 regular people and it's a nice group. I have done a reading or two but I haven't shared yet. I'm getting familiar with the people and hearing how they deal with different situations in their lives. I'm just starting to feel comfortable there with this group. I read on this site often about getting a sponsor but what I'd like to know is what you base that on if you're looking for one. To be honest, at this time I don't feel the need for one - reading a whole lot of literature, reading and venting both here and with a couple of people who are close to me has been my lifesaver. If one does seek an Al-Anon sponsor, is there a period of time that the potential person should be involved in the program before they serve as a sponsor? Do you just pick someone who sounds good at meetings? A very long time ago when I first tried Al-Anon and was pretty messed up, I asked the girl who chaired the meeting if she could be my sponsor which she said yes to but she was not of much help to me when I needed her. So I just stopped calling her after only a couple of calls. Another girl asked ME to be her sponsor but I sure didn't feel like I'd be any help to anyone in the state I was in (do sponsors have sponsors, by the way?). But she and I became friends and talked on the phone a lot as friends. And I'd feel funny if I asked someone and got turned down! So what are the qualifications of a good sponsor?...........jaja
There aren't any strict sponsor rules, although for me I feel a sponsor should have done all 12 steps and have a complete understanding, and been involved in Alanon for a few yrs. That's just me though. That's what "I" looked for. My Sponsor has been in Alanon almost 20 yrs. The reason I asked her is because everytime she spoke at a meeting I was in awe of her wisdom and strength. Her spiritual beliefs are much like mine and she just seems to have it all together. She has what I want. There's no hurry, take your time and listen and pick someone you feel you can relate to.
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
