fall 2009 newsletter - Al-Anon

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Nov 13, 2009 ... the WSO is preparing a book about Al-Anon's history. ... tell Al-Anon's story from the perspective of Al-Anon members, ... -Courage to Change,.
Upcoming Al-Anon Events for more information visit www.alanonmidpeninsula.org www.ncwsa.org

District 13 Holiday Potluck - Save the Date! Saturday, December 12 registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Congregational Church of Belmont, 751 Alameda at Ralston Volunteers needed, please contact: Marva S. - 650-245-9965 / [email protected] or Carrol S. - 650-530-2076 / [email protected]

Need Literature for your Group? Call Bob L. at 650-726-6179,

recovery bulletin Your Shares are Needed Following a motion from the 2008 World Service Conference, the WSO is preparing a book about Al-Anon’s history. The book will tell Al-Anon’s story from the perspective of Al-Anon members, including those whose personal progress involved working in AlAnon service on the challenging issues of their day. Please share your recollections about the events you witnessed since you joined Al-Anon—and what you learned from the experience. Your share could include the founding of Alateen, the first Conference, the creation of Conference Approved Literature, the influx of adult children of alcoholics, the relocation of the WSO, the introduction of the Alateen safety requirements, or many other events and achievements. This history book will need shares from every decade from the 1950s to the present. Even if you think that the mid-1990s or the early twenty-first century is too recent to be history, please share your perspective with us so that this book can reflect every stage of Al-Anon’s growth. Please mail, fax, or e-mail your completed sharing by October 31st, 2009 to:

or email: [email protected] Bob can meet with you at the literature office if you are unable to coordinate with the

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617 Attn: Al-Anon History Book Fax: 757-563-1655 E-mail: [email protected]

other volunteers.

Service Opportunities Chair is a currently open officer position. To serve as

Volunteers Needed to Help Run Al-Anon Meetings in State Prisons Locations where meetings are starting include Solano (near Vacaville), Soledad (near Salinas), Deuel Vocational Training

an officer you need to be a

(near Tracy), and San Quentin. For more information contact:

former or active Group Rep

• Louise M. - NCWSA Institutions Coordinator - 408-266-4200 /

(GR). These coordinator positions

[email protected] • Yvonne de G. - NCWSA Alternate Institutions Coordinator 925-705-1905 / [email protected]

are also available: • Public information • Alateen (must be an approved Alateen sponsor) • District Literature For more information on how you can serve at the District level talk to your Group Rep, contact Chris D. (650-593-3241), attend a District Business Meeting (see

Literature Office Opportunities The Literature Office needs more volunteers to serve in an oncall capacity and assist with meeting customers at the Office. Ideally these members would also be in close proximity to the Literature Office at 751 Alameda at Ralston, in Belmont. Also, Bob L. would like to step down as the District Literature Coordinator. He will train the new Coordinator. The role takes 1-2

a meeting list for details), or

hours per week.

visit



www.alanonmidpeninsula.org

To learn more about these opportunities please contact Bob L.

at 650-726-6179, or email: [email protected]

Members Share on Boundaries One way limits and boundaries can be used is to set a limit in how far I want to go in communication. If someone is using excessive control or exercising their ego, I know when I've had enough. They're pushing in on my personal boundaries (safety, comfort). I then detach knowing it is as far as I can go in that exchange. -Anonymous I have decided not to worry about what others think or say about me. If, in my heart of hearts, I know that what they think or say is true, I can work the steps to decide whether I have a character defect that I need to turn over to my Higher Power for healing. If I don't believe the criticism, my boundaries allow me to realize that what they say or think is their stuff, not mine. When I am in the presence of a negative person, boundaries allow me to back away without trying to convince the person of my point of view. My inner voice simply says, "hmmm, I guess he or she is having a tough time right now." I don't have to engage. When I am in a difficult situation, I don't have to take responsibility or blame for that situation. Nor do I have to fix it. I can turn it over. If I have a part in the situation, I do my best to make my part better. If not, I can let Higher Power figure out the best solution. For me, boundaries are about what is on my side of the situation, and what is not. This gives me a lot of serenity. -Kathy

Be focused only on you Operate in a spiritual manner Understand who is really in charge Never give up Demand consideration Respect yourself Interest yourself in what you love to do



Experience joy and serenity Service in Al-Anon reinforces your efforts to have a good life 

-Terie

 

I have the right and responsibility to love and take care of my Self. It is important that I care enough to to reinforce my life in a fashion that reflects my self-love and self-care. I can do this through my conscious choice of accepting acceptable behavior and to be lovingly vigilant in speaking up, on my own behalf, when behavior is unacceptable. Speaking up takes a willingness to listen to my own authentic voice and to express my Self in a healthy responsive fashion rather than with a harsh reactionary spin. As I grow in allowing my Self to be comfortable in the Serenity it becomes easier to set up those necessary boundaries that create a serene way of living my life. Boundaries can be necessary to keep me safe and to encourage my personal and spiritual growth. They may not be appreciated by others and may be interpreted as hurtful, limiting and sometimes even alienating, however, that is not my problem. More often than not, they are healthy tools that allow me to create what feels comfortable. I am responsible to choose to place my Self where I feel safe and nurtured. As I grow in self-love my boundaries naturally reinforce choices that create an environment, which supports my spiritual growth and allows me to live the serene life I so deserve. -Darlene

For our Winter 2009 issue, give us your thoughts on

Asking for Help We’d love to hear from you. Please email your shares [email protected] by November 13, 2009 Let us know if you want to use your first name or be anonymous when we publish your share. Some editing may occur. We regret that due to limited space we are unable to use all of the shares, although we may keep them for future use. Thank you!

From the Literature "I've learned about boundaries from Al-Anon's own set of boundaries: the Twelve Traditions. Although their purpose is to protect AlAnon, they actually encourage the growth of the fellowship. This is true of my personal boundaries as well. As I decide what is and isn't acceptable for me, I learn to live protected without walls."

-Courage to Change,

page 201

"Do my defenses keep me safe, or do they isolate me? Today I can love myself enough to look for healthier ways to protect myself, ways that don't close everyone out."

-Courage to Change,

page 201

"Many of us come to Al-Anon confused. We are so focused on our alcoholic loved ones that we may not be able to see where they leave off and where and we begin. We've lost our sense of what is appropriate. How can we distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior when we don't even know what we want or need?" -Courage to Change, page 345

Fall 2009 Edition Please provide feedback, direct articles and inquiries about the newsletter to the editor: [email protected]

Or mail to: Newsletter Editor 650 12th Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025 District 13 Web Site: www.alanonmidpeninsula.org