There are times when I can think of reasons to skip my regular
Al-Anon meeting. Fortunately that thinking doesn't last long.
Regardless of how I feel at the moment, I know I will feel great
after the meeting.
It is amazing that I get the emotional and spiritual nutrition
I need at meetings. Of course, I supplement it during the week
by reading Conference Approved Literature and keeping in touch
with sponsors and friends. The meeting, though, is special.
The totally honest sharing by members brings me a feeling of
closeness that is truly unique. When my memory serves me well,
I can feast on their sharings for a week.
When I hear the group sharing positive attitudes, it gives
me courage to face my problems. I find our meeting to be the
one truly serene hour of my day. Because the group accepts me,
it becomes easier for me to accept myself in any situation.
They do not judge, correct, or try to change me in any way.
They leave that to me. There is never a time frame suggested,
just the saying, "Keep coming back!" I look forward to each
meeting and the humor we share. We tell newcomers that we hope
they will not find our laughter confusing. Although we learn
not to take ourselves too seriously, we take the Al-Anon program
very seriously.
When members share, I sometimes think, "I did that. I remember
being in that situation; maybe I am getting better." I polish
Al-Anon's gift of awareness at the meeting as I find out more
about myself and listen to others relate their feelings. I only
have to wait patiently and the newcomers' special sharings help
satisfy my appetite for the program, and they are my reward.
The meeting is a great learning experience for me, where I
receive the nutrients I need to grow in the program. As a bonus,
the nutrients are sodium- and cholesterol-free and just packed
with love.
