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Al-Anon Forum Magazine Featured Article
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No Big Deal
- No Big Deal
- "In all honesty, I admit it gave my ego quite a boost."
- Looking back over my early years in the program, perhaps I started sharing my story a little bit sooner than I should have. I always felt comfortable talking in front of crowds, even at a very early age. When members asked me to come share my story after a year or so in the program, I was delighted to do so. I believe I did a lot of spreading the mess, however, before I could really start carrying the message. In listening to some of those early tapes, it appears I had about 50 minutes of war stories and maybe five minutes of recovery. Deep down, I know and accept that's just where I was at the time - and that's okay.
- Al-Anon has given me so much. One of the greatest gifts is an ability to laugh at myself! I could never do that before. What a blessing and freedom to be able to laugh when I make a mistake and truly to believe it's not a big deal. I don't have to be so hard on myself anymore.
- About four years or so into the program I was asked to come share at a big Al-Anon anniversary celebration. I was excited about it and felt very honored to have been asked. Some program friends lived in the nearby town. They asked me to spend the night with them after my talk. There was a large crowd and it was a wonderful evening. I thought my talk went well and afterwards a member of another group came up to me and asked if I could possibly share at her group the following night. I felt very flattered. Of course I accepted.
- The following night I had just started my talk when a member came in a little late. She took her seat and from that moment on it seemed she never took her eyes off me. She was listening to every word. In all honesty, I admit it gave my ego quite a boost. As soon as the meeting was over, this same lady rushed over to me and asked very seriously if I could possibly stay around a little while because there was something important she wanted to ask me. I told her I would be happy to stay and help in any way I could. Eventually she walked up to me very anxiously and asked, "Could you please tell me where you got that green sweater you have on! I have been looking everywhere for one, just that particular shade of green." After my initial shock wore off, I laughed and laughed!
- The lady never did understand what was so funny. I told her where I bought it and that if she called they would probably send her one. She thanked me very nicely and went on her way.
- I glanced upward and said silently, "Thank you, God-I needed that!" How grateful I am today. This wonderful Al-Anon program has given me a relationship with the God of my understanding that I never dreamed possible. I will be eternally grateful. Al-Anon taught me God loves me no matter what, that He always wants the best for me and has never done anything to hurt me. Occasionally, however, He will get my attention to deflate my ego a bit. That way, He helps me get my feet back on the ground. I can laugh and truly understand how blessed I am. I believe, with all my heart, that today nothing can happen to me that God, Al-Anon and I can't handle.
- Sarajayne B. - Georgia
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Alcoholism is a family disease. Those of us who live with, or have have lived with, this disease as children or adults sometimes have problems which the Al-Anon program can help us to resolve. If you have answered yes to some of all of the above questions, Al-Anon may be of help to you. You can contact Al-Anon by checking your local telephone directory, or from the Resources page. Phone numbers and Contact Information for the Austin Area are listed on the Contact Page of this website.
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- These articles were reproduced with permission from 'The Forum', the monthly inspirational newsletter of Al-Anon. Al-Anon World Headquarters, Inc. is located in Virginia Beach, VA. See www.Al-Anon.org for more information.
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