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Heard at a Meeting
When I first came, I didn't know I was there for me. I was too busy being miserable because of somebody else. But if I hadn't come, I wouldn't know how to do life the way I do it now.
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W.A.I.T.
Why Am I Talking?
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You can always be right as long as you're willing to be alone.
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One day at a time...this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone. And do not be troubled by the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.
I'm even free to break into a grin!
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Serenity is the space between impulse and action.
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Dear Al-Anon or Alateen Member,
Welcome to the District 14 Al-Anon/Alateen Monthly Newsletter. This newsletter is created and distributed by Al-Anon members. Any member of Al-Anon or Alateen is welcome to contribute to this newsletter. |
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Recovery In Our Own Words
From Our Newsletter Co-Editor:
In Al-Anon I have discovered that hearing members share their stories has helped me to learn how to use the tools of this program in my own recovery. With that in mind I asked people how they got to their first meeting and what were they expecting when they started. I'd like to share some of their responses with you. I am enriched by these shares. I will share more next month. I'd love to hear how you got to Al-Anon and your expectations at the start. Send them to me at district14newsletter@yahoo.com Linda W
A share from Jules:
I came to Al-Anon for the second time (12 years later) when my husband's health tanked as a result of alcohol. I am approaching my second birthday and can't imagine what my life would have been like without it these past two years. I was lost. I didn't know if my husband was going to live. I didn't know if life as I knew it was going to continue. I didn't know if recovery was possible for either of us. There were a 1,000 unknowns. But what I did know is that enough people told me to go to Al-Anon. I also knew that I needed to trust the process. And thankfully I did.
These last two years have not been easy. My husband was diagnosed with end stage liver disease and needed a liver transplant and my dear mama was diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer and was admitted to hospice. As of today, I'm overjoyed to say that my husband has a new liver (via live liver donation from his nephew) and my mom is thriving. I tried to future trip the best outcome, but it was hard, too difficult. And look, here I am! Blessed beyond words.
The strong cable that I clung to and that kept me afloat was Al-Anon. It still keeps me afloat. Al-Anon introduced to me to a very powerful inner source/ally, my higher power. While Al-Anon and my HP helped me with two acute events in my life it also helps me with the more mundane. And my sponsor. My sponsor is amazing. She helped me cling to that cable, often times holding me up. She and everyone else in Al-Anon are why I'll keep coming back. Forever grateful, Jules
A share from Johanna:
I attended a lecture on the problem of adult children of alcoholics, and recognized myself. The lecturer offered resources, including Al-Anon. I was at my first meeting within the week. I was hoping to get some relief from the pain and the numbness. I really thought I'd be here for six months, get the information I needed, and leave. Instead, I found a whole new way of life and I've been here for 24 years, with no intention of leaving. Johanna
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District 14 and Beyond News
 Items of Interest from July 6, 2011 District 14 Meeting
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Service Corner
Looking for a service position beyond your group?
All District 14 officer and service coordinator positions will be open for new three-year terms beginning next January. But now is the time to consider raising your hand.
Positions include District Rep and Alternate (only positions where you must have served as a GR prior), Treasurer, Secretary, and coordinators for Literature Depot, Hospitals & Institutions, Newsletter, Lending Library, Public Outreach, Meeting List, Speaker Meeting, Alateen Safety, Alateen, Telephone Hotline, Spanish Liaison, Website, Day-in-Al-Anon. (There are a few additional guidelines for Alateen positions.)
Current coordinators are asked to update their job descriptions. You can also email a brief answer to the questions below to district14newsletter@yahoo.com, so that it can be published in the August and September newsletters. It's a good way to encourage others to take your place. You also are being asked to share your responses at our July and August Speaker Meetings. Call Yvonne de G with any questions at (925) 705-1905.
- What moved you to take your position?
- What is your proudest accomplishment in the position?
- What would you do differently?
- Where do you go from here?
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Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen |
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Institutions Corner
 From Yvonne de G on serving in institutions: I remember in the 70s and 80s (while living in Europe) I was watching a documentary about a program called "Scared Straight" led by inmates in the prisons. I remember thinking that I want to do that :-)
Now don't ask me what part struck me or what I was thinking; I just thought it was the best thing ever. Needless to say, I was very exited when I was asked to come in and speak to some inmates who ran a P.O.P. program. It's not called "Scared Straight" anymore, and it has been modified to be more pc. They wanted to know and understand Alateen because a lot of these kids that attend come from homes affected by alcoholism. My mind went to work immediately, I needed an Alateen (over 18) to come with me and share.
Tall order I thought, so I just went about doing the next best thing and that was speaking at Spanish Intergroup the next morning at 8am (Sunday). Lo and behold, as i was waiting for my time to speak my eyes were roaming around the room as the sounds of the Spanish shares caressed my ears. There she was a girl with red streaks in her hair and a copy of Hope for Today in her lap. I whispered how old is she and was told 19. Now I really got exited. I was so exited that at the end off my share, I shared about the opportunity to go in and share about Alateen and that I was exited to see an Alateen in the room. I fessed up to the fact that she was the perfect age.
She smiled and said that she would be honored to come with me, and the room just filled up with a roaring applause and people cheering!!!!! Nothing like God at work to make the impossible possible. I did double check with Jenny the next day to make sure she understood the details, and she replied the same way she had before, "I am just grateful for the opportunity...its an honor."
Love in service, Yvonne de G...to be continued... Words from inside Without communication, I have chaos and confusion! Matthew, from Solano I felt that if things werent going my way, things were wrong. Al, from Solano
For further information on the inmate correspondence service, please contact: Check it out, chair a meeting, carry the message, and perhaps discover a passion for this service!!!
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Alateen Corner
 5th Annual NCWSA Sponsors Weekend: For Alateen Sponsors and Prospective Sponsors. Rejunvenate and Recommit at Westminster Woods, September 16-18, 2011. Guest speakers: Patty G, Pleasanton, Chris M., Soquel, David B., Salinas, and Tom B. Denver, CO. A weekend of experience, strength, and hope through workshops, sharing, learning, activities, camp fire, talent show and more! For more information contact: Carla G., Chair, 925-586-8021 or alateencoordinator@ncwsa.org. 
To become an Alateen sponsor in District 14, contact Marilyn G at 925-759-1452.
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Upcoming Events
Half-Day in Al-Anon
 "Together We Can Make It" When: September 10, 2010, 9 a.m. ~ Noon Registraction begins at 8:30 a.m. Where: Faith Christian Fellowship Church 860 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek Offering: Workshops on Sponsorship and Sex & Intimacy Sponsored by: District 14 Donation Drawing Prize: $2.00 each for raffle tickets. Prize is paid weekend for two to "Serenity in Yosemite" Conference, an AA conference with Al-Anon participation held November 18th to 20th at Curry Villiage in Yosemite. For information and flyer go to www.serenityyosemite.com For More Information: Contact Liz R. at 925-818-5601 Tickets Available: At District 14 Speaker Meetings 2012 Day in Al-Anon Planning Meeting When: July 10th, 2011 at 1 p.m. Where: Dan's home 3535 Brook St., #19 Lafayette, CA What: First planning meeting for 2012 Day in Al-Anon. There are lots of different ways to join in the effort to make this DIA another memorable experience. Dan needs a Co-Chair and volunteers to fill the coordinator and liaison positions Help needed in all areas: Greeters, Registration, Publicity, Silent Auction, Facilities, Refreshments, Childcare, Decorations, Treasurer, Program, Logo, Set-up. For More Information Contact DIA Chair Dan at 925-284-5168. District 14 Speaker Meeting ~ July 23, 2011 ~ 6:30 p.m.  Guest Speakers: Natalie P. from San Ramon (Al-Anon), Adrienne S from Walnut Creek (Al-Anon), and Paul H. from Lafayette (Al-Anon) Topic: Open topic What: Refreshments, Birthday Chips, Donation Drawing, Literature, Tape Library, Meeting recorded. Hosted By: Saturday 11:00 a.m. Danville Where: Walnut Creek Kaiser 1515 Newell Ave. Medical Office Bldg., Oak Room, 3rd Floor Flyer 5th Annual NCWSA Sponsors Weekend When: September 16-18, 2011 Guest Speakers: Patty G., Pleasanton, Chris M., Soquel, David B., Salinas, and Tom B., Denver Topic: Rejuvenate and Recommit Where: Westminster Woods, Occidental CA For More Information: Carla G. at 925-586-8021 FlyerNCWSA Assembly ~ October 7-9, 2011 Where: The Village at Squaw Valley Registration: Form Cut-off date is September 9th. Room Reservation: 888-767-1907 and ask for NCWSA rate or email www.thevillageatsquaw.com and use code 40A9RJ Details: All rates are per night and have a $12.00 resort fee, which covers high speed internet, parking in heated underground garage, use of the fitness center, and conference services. The group rates are good two (2) days prior and two (2) days following this event. Important Note: Book early because this facility is very popular and has no fudge space. If they are sold out, which they do very often, the other accommodations in the area are as well. Events in Other Districts District 16 Speaker Meeting (2nd Saturday of every month) For More Information: District 16 Website For Complete Listing of Events and Flyers: NCWSA Events
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Reflections from the Forum
Past Reflections
In an argument the best weapon to hold is your tongue. May 1983, Anonymous
Al-Anon's monthly magazine, The Forum, contains many personal stories of inspiration. Click on this link to subscribe to receive your own monthly "Meeting in Your Pocket." Only $11.00 a year.
Current Forum articles: Forgiving my parents helped me reclaim my life. I thought the sun rose and set on my father. When he was home, I was his constant shadow; I followed him everywhere. When I was seven, he left for work one day and never returned... Twenty years later I'm willing to change. I had been avoiding the dating scene. Relationships were just too hard-and all of mine had ended badly... |
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Contribute to this Newsletter
A few words from your share at a recent meeting, a thought you had while reading conference approved literature, your take on one of the Steps or Traditions. Any tidbit is welcome as long as you remember that we speak Al-Anon here, leaving other therapies and programs outside. Send your contribution to the Newsletter by email with "Contribution" in the subject line.
Submissions may be edited for length and grammar and will published at the discretion of the editors when space permits. Authors will be notified of changes to their submissions.
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Archives of Past Newsletters
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Sincerely,
Co-Editors: Karen, District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
Linda W, Alternate District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
Contact the Editors: district14newsletter@yahoo.com |
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