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Heard at a meeting
I'm not going to let this disease take down the rest of my life.
* * * My HP nudges me with other people's shares.
* * * When the fear of doing something different than the pain that I am in, then I will DO something different.
When I am willing to hear "no", then I can ask for what I want.
* * * I no longer have the capacity to make amends UNLESS I am willing to hear what hearing my amends is like for them.
* * * Take a deep breath and get on with it.
* * * I was offended, but when I got over it, I found that I was teachable.
My HP gave me the grace to heal. When I hear to old tapes jabbering away on my shoulder, I thank them for sharing, but I don't invite them to sit down in my living room and entertain them! |
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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
A share from Carla G.:The Gift of Conflict
I wanted to write a little something about my new favorite piece of literature, the S-71 card, Loving Interchange to Resolve Conflict. When I arrived in Al-Anon I was not comfortable with conflict at all. I would pretend it didn't exist. I would talk myself into believing I heard something different, or supply reasons for why the loved ones did or said what they did, or I made light of whatever happened that was painful or hurtful, or simply drove over myself if I had a different opinion. My guiding philosophy was conflict must be avoided because nothing good can come from it. This way of life was not working so well as I often stewed in resentment, was angry or on edge most days trying to find a way to avoid my feelings and the conflict that was coming up inside and around me.
As I became involved in the Al-Anon way of life and began to trade some of my old ways for new ways, I learned the serenity prayer and how to sort out what was my business from that which was not. Through the steps I began to learn about powerlessness, solutions greater than myself, reliance and guidance from a higher power, humility and understanding of my part in my interactions, how to be honest with myself and others, how to amend my behavior, and how to share this gift with others. As I found myself sensing conflict in my life, in my meetings, in my family, in the district or in the area, the thought that came up was, "talk to one another and reason things out." I didn't really know how to do this, but little by little the suggestions in the literature began to stick with me and in my new way of life, I took my higher power with me into difficult conversations and I would find the words or the patience to listen with interest. I'm so grateful for S-71 because it puts in print in one place, how we can reason things out.
As I began to have experiences with addressing little conflicts and discovering that in many instances I learned something new about someone in my life by asking questions or that I was met with compassion when someone heard how their words of criticism impacted me, or that I discovered I can disagree with someone and still be kind and loving. I even discovered that in many instances, resolving the conflict resulted in a deeper connection or friendship. Sometimes the attempt to resolve the conflict helped me to clarify whether or not I needed to keep or step back or away from a relationship. Today, I no longer shrink away from conflict, but rather perk up for the opportunity to see what happens and to practice the Al-Anon principles in all areas of my life. I don't do it perfectly, but the potential for relief and honest interaction is there. What a gif! Thank you Al-Anon for the S-71 fold-out card and most of all for a new way to live my life!
Please send submissions to: Linda W district14newsletter@yahoo.com
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District 14 and Beyond News
 The District 14 Monthly Meeting is held the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:30 -9:00 in the Lesher Auditorium at the John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus, 2540 East Street, Concord. Preceded by Concept discussion at 7:00 pm. ALL are welcome. 
Items of Interest from August 1, 2012 District 14 Meeting  A Question for You. What can your District 14 do for you? Some ideas offered at our August meeting: Work on helping meetings that are not yet represented by a GR, each group take on a "pet project" like distributing literature to public places near you, a group for young people transitioning from Alateen, giving newcomers a $5 paperback copy of How Al-Anon Works, a Men's Day in Al-Anon. EMAIL YOUR IDEAS to Carla G, our District Rep.
 Writing Workshop. We have a leader experienced in helping Al-Anon members write for the Forum and other Al-Anon publications (including our own newsletter!). This workshop is in the planning stages, so stay tuned and keep pen and paper at hand!
- Change of venue for September Speaker Meeting. Due to the availability of well-known speakers, the September Speaker Meeting MAY be moved to a new venue for this one meeting (Martinez) and take place at a new time (7 pm). Please contact Sandy H. at 925-642-9909 for updates.
- New Reimbursement Form for District Expenses now available on the website or here.
- Literature Depot Reminder for LIterature Orders: The Litererature Depot will be closed August 5th through 14th. Orders placed prior to August 3rd can be picked up after the 14th.
- NCWSA has new P.O. Box for donations. The new address is: NCWSA Treasurer, P.O. Box 728, Vacaville, CA 95696-0728. Donation form A-25 is available on the NCWSA website.
 Hotline Volunteers. Al-Anon Hotline still has gaps in the schedule that need to be filled. You can volunteer for any day, any period of time. Call Paula M. at 925-513-1770.
 Day In Al-Anon 2013 Planning Meeting August 12, 2012 - New DIA date is February 2, 2013 at Hope Center from 8 am to 6 pm
- Call for Coordinators/Trusted Servants to create next year's DIA. Meeting August 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., 4005 Port Chicago Hwy (2nd Floor), Concord CA 94520. Coordinators needed: Speaker Liasisons, Alateen Coordinator, Spanish Liaison, Publicity, Registration, Decorations, Breakfast/Lunch, Childcare, Silent Auction, Donation Drawing, Facility Coordinator. Contact DIA Coordinator John H. 505-259-1232 or Co-Chairs Rick P. 925-577-9902 or Marcie 925-639-9119
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Service Corner
Check District 14 News section. The Alateen Coordinator position is still open. Please consider this vital service to the district. Three-year positions went into effect January 1st.
A member shares on service:
I made my first commitment to service when I had been attending meetings for just a few weeks. I agreed to put out the literature and later to put it away. Because I said I'd do this, I kept coming back for the first six months. During this period the situation at home continued it's downward spiral. Members listened to me and shared their own stories; they also explained how Al-Anon had helped them deal with the consequences of alcoholism in their lives. By the time I finished my term as Literature person, I had a sponsor and was working the Steps. I opened the door to new way of life. I had begun the journey to a life that today is full of joy and peace.
I needed to become an active participant in my own life. No one said I had to do this. I learned this by watching others who shared their own transformation. Service was a theme that ran through their stories. I realized that I wanted my own version of what they had. In order to make the changes to my life that I had to make, I needed to step out of my comfort zone. I needed to find courage. I had stopped believing in me and had low self-esteem. Service in the program has showed me that I could do so much more than I came in believing. I am now always in service. I've held all the service positions at the group level. I started out in service because I wanted to learn something. Today I'm in service out of gratitude for the new life I have discovered.
Linda W
Co-editor
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Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen
Como localizar una reunion
Acerca de la literatura de Al-Anon...
Desde su fundación en 1951, Grupos de Familia Al-Anon ha publicado más de 100 libros y folletos que comparten un único propósito: ayudar a los familiares y amigos a recuperarse de los efectos de la bebida de otra persona. Esta literatura complementa las reuniones presenciales de Al-Anon donde los miembros comparten sus puntos de vista y experiencias mutuamente. La misma es tan sólo uno de los instrumentos del programa de Al-Anon.
La literatura de Al-Anon se entiende mejor cuando se utiliza junto con otros instrumentos del programa. Los libros y folletos pueden fortalecer su recuperación, pero no pueden sustituir la ayuda y el alivio que se percibe en las reuniones de Al-Anon en el contexto de un programa de recuperación completo.
Muchas Zonas tienen sus propios Centros de Distribución de Publicaciones de Al-Anon. La literatura también está disponible para su compra en la tienda de Al-Anon en linea.
 Boletin Al-Anon y Alateen en accion.
En busca, y al encuentro, de serenidad
La Oracion de la Serenidad menciona verias cosas que no tenia en mi vida antes de llegar a Al Anon y practicar los Pasos -Dios, sernidad, aceptacion, valor y sabiduria-.
Enfrentar mi doloroso pasado fue la unica forma de seguir adelante;
Creci en un hogar en el que se carecia de cordura, con un pader violento y adicto y una madre muy retraida, quien era una mujer maltratada y falta de aprecio. Me criaron para que fuera la madre pequena y se esperaba que me encargara de la casa mientras mama estaba en el trabajo.
Me crie en el caos. Mi padre bebia, pero lo que aplasto mi autoestima fue la rabia y la ira de mi madre hacia mi hermano y hacia mí cuando mi padre se fue despues de sus pleitos. Tiempo antes habia aprendido a cuidar de mi misma y a no entremeterme.
 Bienvenido al sitio web de Al-anon Familia Grupos para el Distrito 14 del norte de California del Servicio Mundial de la zona. Este sitio es creado y operado por el Distrito 14 miembros de Al-anon. Distrito 14 de límites se puede definir mejor el lugar de las reuniones que figuran en nuestra , y por lo general abarca las comunidades del condado de oriental y central Contra Costa.
El sitio web esta¡ organizado en torno a los Tres Legados de Al-Anon
Al-Anon se enfrenta al alcoholismo 2013 |
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Institutions Corner
ATTENTION GRs: Please replace the cover on the PINK Al-
Anon Institutions Donation Can for your group. The new cover has the correct information for donations. Obtain the new cover at the next District Meeting or call Mary A. at 925-914-9101.
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Alateen Corner
To become a sponsor: Contact Alt. Alateen Coordinator Marilyn G. at 925-759-1452. Applications are also available to become an Alateen Sponsor through Kristine B., District 14 Alateen Safety Coordinator at 925-407-6053.  Come to NoCAC's 2nd bash!
When: August 17, 18 & 19, 2012
Where: Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Group Campsite: Lookout Ridge
Registration Fee: $20 Flyer
 THE ALATEEN EXPRESS - Newsletter for Alateens in Northern CAThe ALATEEN EXPRESS is the official newsletter for Alateen groups of the Northern California World Service Area of AFG, Inc, and is distributed periodically to Alateen groups. It contains information about Alateen that may be helpful to Al-Anon and Alateen groups. All members of Alateen and their sponsors are urged to contribute information about group news, fund-raisers and other special events. Selected articles are presented on this web site and sorted by topic. Articles from members present their personal views and experiences. Opinions expressed are not to be attributed to Al-Anon or Alateen as a whole.
 6th Annual NCSWA Sponsors Weekend - 2012 Alateen Sponsor R&R
When: September 14-16, 2012 Where: Westminster Woods, Occidental CA Guest Speakers: Nancy B, Colorado, Yvonne D., Pleasant Hill, John M. San Francisco What: A weekend of experience, strength, and hope through workshops, sharing, learning, activities, camp fire, talent show and more! For Information or to volunteer to help: Bonnie M. (Chair) 209-996-5282 alateencoordinatior@ncwsa.org or Lisa B. 831-440-1317 Flyer |
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Upcoming Events
District 14 Speaker Meeting - August 25, 2012 ~ 6:30 p.m.  Guest Speakers: Alateen Panel Topic: ALATEEN What: Refreshments, Birthday Chips, Donation Drawing, Literature, Tape Library, Meeting recorded. Hosted By: The Alateens of District 14 Where: Walnut Creek Kaiser 1515 Newell Ave. Medical Office Bldg., Oak Room, 3rd Floor Directions and Flyer  September 22, 2012 Speaker Meeting Possible change of venue and meeting time because of availability of well-known speakers. Check next month's newsletter for update on this important announcement.  NCWSA Fall Assembly - Bountiful Harvest of Recovery When: October 12-14, 2012 Where: Monterey CA (Embassy Suites, Seaside CA) Please Note: Rooms at the Embassy Suites are limited or may no longer be available at discounted rates. Call 831-393-1115 on availability.For More Information: Terry (Chair) at 831-269-9985 or David at 831-275-0684
Flyer For Complete Listing of Events and Flyers: NCWSA Events
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Reflections from the Forum
Past Reflections
Try to make a molehill out of a mountain. March 1984, Norma F. MI
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:
A husband's spiritual awakening was turning point
In September 1977, I walked into my first Al-Anon meeting. I didn't know what to expect.
What I wanted was relief from the pain of living with a growing problem of alcoholism. Some months before that date, I had seen an Al-Anon poster that pictured a man sitting at his desk, breaking a pencil, and with the question, "You can see what alcohol is doing to your spouse. Can you see what it is doing to you?"
Sharing my shame, finding my recovery
Several years ago, before I'd even heard of Al-Anon, a therapist told me: "Your main emotions seem to be fear and shame." Looking back, I think that at that time they were pretty much my only emotions.
My greatest fear has always been that I will not be taken care of financially or otherwise. With regard to shame, I've always felt I'm not good enough. I expect criticism.
My recovery-a gift and a choice
I once read, "Nothing is either good or bad. It is our thinking that makes it so." Often as I look back over my life and ponder the instances and events I've lived through, I am filled with gratitude for the things I've seen, felt, experienced, or accomplished.
I wasn't always grateful. I was not grateful for the violent outbursts, the stealing, and the lack of money for necessities. I was definitely not grateful for the dissolution of my marriage, which I saw as the death of all my dreams for the future, and the realization of the harm I had caused my children by staying in that marriage for as long as I did.
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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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