|
Heard at a meeting
A smooth sea never made a good sailor.
* * * She gave her almost!
* * *
Gratitude is the hinge upon which a serene life swings.
If I'm truly grateful for today's serenity, then
I'm making a down payment on tomorrow's.
* * * When you smile, your brain thinks you're happy!
* * * My relationship isn't my problem and it isn't my solution.
* * * Some folks think God sets up the chairs and cleans up after the meeting.
If you feel like taking something to make you feel better, try taking the STEPS.
* * *
Gossip runs down more people than automobiles.
* * *
People who fly into a rage usually have a bad landing.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Day in Al-Anon 2013
District 14
Serving Central and Eastern Contra Costa County
Cordially Invites You to Join Us for the 2013 Date: February 2nd, 2013
Place: Hope Center Covenant Church
2275 Morello Ave
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Registration: Opens at 8:00 am
Suggested Donation: $10 Adults, $5 Alateen (12-18), Free for Children 1-11.
Breakfast Available
Workshop Sessions:
9:00 am to 10:15 am
Al-Anonisms - Bo T
Sex & Intimacy - Judy B
Spanish Meeting - Martha L
Newcomers - Bill G
Writing - Nancy
Open AA Meeting - Bill's Place
10:30 am to 11:45 am
Boundaries - Jan F
Communication - Dropping the Rope - Nina
Parents Meeting - Bob B and Alice B
The Power of Fear, From Fearful to Fearless - Marilyn H
Alateen Meeting
AA Steps Meeting - Bill's Place
Lunch 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Potluck Assignments
Last Name A - H: Bring main dish
Last Name I - P: Bring side dish
Last Name Q - Z: Bring dessert
Preliminary Planning Meeting for Men's Day in Al-Anon
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
Al-Anon and AA Literature
Available for sale in the lobby
Donation Baskets on display in the lobby
Tickets available for sale $1/three, $5/20 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm
Worship Center
1:10 pm to 1:30 pm - Drawing for Donation Baskets
1:45 pm - Recovery Countdown
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Speaker Meeting
Alateen Speaker - Emily T
AA Speaker - Clyde M
Al-Anon Speaker - Bo T
For Further Information Contact:
DIA Chairperson John h 707-430-3465
DIA Co-Chairperson Rick P 925-577-9902
Childcare Available: Pre-register with Viola 925-674-9641
The Day in Al-Anon abides by the NCWSA requirements for Alateen member safety
|
|
|
Recovery In Our Own Words
I learned about Al Anon to support my friend. We attended our first meeting together over 15 years ago. I looked for a meeting in my home town and eventually it became my home meeting. For six months I was their literature person. However, by the end of that year I drifted away, thinking it wasn't for me. I was looking for something else.
Throughout the years following, I looked for serenity and my higher power in many different places and practices. When my daughter turned fifteen, she moved out of the house to live with friends in Eugene, OR. I learned from her that my husband had begun taking meth along with his alcohol addiction when she discovered his stash. More than ten years later, I returned to my home group filled with shame, anger and confusion about him and me. What did I do wrong? Why do I feel so alone? I began attending this meeting and others; I got a sponsor; I started the steps with her. And I began to learn the value of putting myself first.
Today, some days more than others, I know what it feels like to be gentle with myself, to love myself. Instead of running towards other people and trusting what they believe first as my wisdom, I am learning to listen for the tiny voice within. Gradually, with Al Anon as the core to my understanding, all the wisdom I have heard over the years is becoming more real in my life. All the shares I hear in meetings have more meaning to me. I am learning that in loving myself, I can see my qualifier in a more understanding light. I am beginning to see myself as part of the world again. Thanks Al Anon.
"Wisdom means knowing I can't live life in isolation. I need others. ...I need the love of other humans who make mistakes,...and still love me. I also need the love and guidance of the God who created me. He is always with me, and when I call on Him, He will answer." Hope for Today, June 4, page 156.
Our thanks to Viola S. for this submission.
Please send submissions to: Linda W district14newsletter@yahoo.com
|
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 January 2, 2013 District 14 Meeting -
 Going to Vancouver. The final four who will be attending the International Al-Anon event are Claudette, Lisa, John H., and Dina. Their names were drawn from a basket of all names of attendees of the District 14 meetings since the last drawing to send luck winners to a signficant Al-Anon event.
- District 14 has been chosen to host next year's NCWSA 3-Day Assembly on October 25-27, 2013. Sue has graciously offered to be chair for the event but we will need many dedicated volunteers to make this happen. Details will be forthcoming.
- Annual District Budget Planning meeting on Saturday, January 19th, 2013, is open to all Al-Anon members. At the home of our treasurer, LInda G., 9951 Broadmoor Dr., San Ramon. Call 925-556-6124 for details.
- Monthly Speaker Meetings. For openings for host groups. please contact Sandy H. at 925-642-9909 to volunteer your group. Remember, smaller groups can join forces to host a meeting together, and there are very detailed guidelines with timelines included to guide you through the process if this is new to your group. Seven slots are still OPEN for 2013, February, March, April, June, August, November, and December.
- New Reimbursement Form for District Expenses now available on the website or here.
-
 Literature Depot Reminder: - The Literatuare Depot donated $5000 to the District last year and plans to donate $1500 more this January.
- The literature depot can always use gently recycled brown grocery bags...or if anyone can ask for a donation of these from an establishment they frequent that would be great. They can be dropped off in the literature pick up box!
- The new Legacies work book is due out by July 2013. This book is being created by blogs from the WSO website.
-
The new Intimacy book has 525 submissions. As many as 1200 are needed to create the right balance of shares. Groups and districts are encouraged to hold writing workshops to get our members writing!
-
 A trial for the first planned electronic book, 'Having Had a Spiritual Awakening', will happen sometime in 2013. To get into practice for electronic reading, be sure to read the "The Forum's' 3 monthly articles already being published online (and always included as the last article in this newsletter!). -
Any groups having trouble coming up with a basket theme? How about an Al-Anon literature basket! These are lovely silent auction and basket prizes! Throw in a journal and a nice pen and you are really giving the gift of recovery to a member or friend of our fellowship:)
-
Contact Wynne for Literature Depot Questions.
- Group Donations to the District. Please send group donations to: District 14 AFG, P.O. Box 416, Concord, CA 94522-0416. DO NOT FORGET to label your donation with you Group Name, Meeting Day and Time, and AFG number.
- 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.
- Twelve-Stepper, Area Newsletter for GRs. Now available online. Print copies are also sent out for two of the three publication dates each year. Available at: www.ncwsa.org/newsletters
 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 - Next Planning Meeting January 13th
Time: 1:30 pm Location: 5269 Mohican Way, Antioch Only 2 planning meetings remain--January 13, and January 27) Day in Al-Anon will be February 2, 2013 at Hope Center from 8 am to 6 pm Need for Coordinator(s) for BREAKFAST and/or LUNCH. Contact DIA Coordinator John H. 707-430-3465 or Co-Chairs Rick P. 925-577-9902 or Marcie 925-639-9119 |
|
Service Corner
SERVICE KEEPS MY MIND OFF OF ME
Two months into the program, before I had a Sponsor, before I started to work the Steps, before I found my Higher Power - a woman I barely knew gently suggested that I take the open Literature position in the meeting I had decided to call my Home meeting. At the time, I was an emotional mess, everything in my life was changing and confusing. I was filled with anger and heartbreak. I took on the position, guarantying that I would have to attend the meeting each week, and that meant committing to Al-Anon. Taking on that job gave me focus outside of myself, and the beginnings of getting to know the members of the group. I began to take my mind off of me.
Eleven years later I reflect on that decision to order and maintain the literature for the next six months. It gave me the opportunity to become familiar with all the Conference Approved Literature (CAL) available at the time, reading each of the pamphlets, buying each book and learning how to apply everything to my own life especially during the turmoil of ending a long marriage. Since then, I have added each newly published piece to my personal Al-Anon library. I have learned about loss, choices, conflict resolution and a myriad of ways to accept what I cannot change, and to own what is mine without anger or insane behavior.
That first service led to further service positions; Group Secretary, Treasurer, Birthday Chips, Newcomer Greeter, Group Rep...then to District Level as Treasurer for two three year panels and now Alternate DR. I've spoken twice at Kaiser District Speaker meetings. I led a workshop on Sponsorship at last year's Day in Al-Anon, and will lead one this year on the Power of Fear.
Every service position has strengthened my ongoing commitment to the program that has changed my life for the better. Am I completely better? Not by a longshot. But what has happened is one of the miracles - my relationships with family, friends, coworkers and the rest of my world have become healthier. I have learned to forgive (even my ex-husband), to accept unconditionally (and that includes my daughter's ongoing battle with breast cancer), to become a better Sponsor, to judge less and accept more, to soften with age, and to take life on life's terms, NOT MINE.
Marilyn H.
|
Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen
Como localizar una reunion
Pre Reunion Nacional Al-Anon Hijos Adultos
El área Norte de California les invita a una Cena/Baile en la cuidad de Hayward para apoyar la Reunión Nacional con sede El Paso, Texas.
Día: Sábado, 2 de Marzo 2013
Recibimiento: 1:00 - 1:30PM
Apertura: 1:30- 2:00PM
Mesas De Compartimientos
Primera Mesa: 2:00-3:30PM
30 Minutos de Receso
Segunda Mesa: 4:00-5:30PM
Cena Se Servirá A Las 6:00PM
A continuación el baile
Domicilio: 26010 Eden Landing Rd. Hayward.Ca 94545
Donación: $20.00 dolares.
Tu apoyo es importante para continuar sembrando la semilla de la esperanza a través de nuestras Reuniones Nacionales
Para Mas Información: 510.377.3714, Maria
510.384.8391, Norberto
 Congreso Internacional de Al-Anon del 5 al 7 de julio de 2013
¡Imaginese en Vancouver!
Los Congresos Internacionales de Al-Anon son una grandiosa manera de celebrar la recuperación, encontrarse con viejos amigos y hacer nuevas amistades. Un Congreso Internacional es donde los miembros del Canadá, de los EE.UU. y de muchos otros países se reúnen para hablar el mismo idioma -el idioma del corazón-.
- ¿Se puede imaginar lo que es escuchar a más de 4.500 asistentes
-de Al-Anon, de Alateen y de A.A. e invitados- rezar la Oración de la Serenidad? - ¿Alguna vez ha visto el desfile de los países en que existen Grupos de Familia Al-Anon?
 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 |
|
Institutions Corner
 Freedom from the prison of my mind...
Eight men from Yard 'D' Level II at CSP Solano have been on a waiting list to get into Al-Anon for more than two years
Tuesday night, Thursday night, and
Sunday morning Al-Anon meetings at
CSP Solano (in Vacaville)
WAITING for Volunteers (Men) like You.
Please contact Teresa T. at 707-428-6731
hicks.s5@comcast.net
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.
|
|
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.
A message to parents from an Alateen sponsor...
As an Alateen Group Sponsor, I have a very special place in your child's life. I'm there to offer guidance at meetings and to provide a safe place in which Alateens can talk freely. A Sponsor doesn't play the role of teacher, as we share rather than educate. I do not assume a parental role as I could never take your place. We learn to respect children as people and they learn to trust us because we honor their confidentiality. Read more...
 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. |
|
Upcoming Events
 District 14 Speaker Meeting - January 26, 2013 ~6:30 pm - Topic: A Step Eleven Panel Panel: Michelle M. & Dave W. (AA), Diana B & Jeff K (Al-Anon), Alateen (TBA) What: Refreshments, Birthday Chips, Donation Drawing, Literature, Tape Library, Meeting recorded. Hosted By: Tuesday 12 pm Lafayette Book Study PLEASE HELP OUT: Bring Food and Donations for Drawing Where: Walnut Creek Kaiser, 1515 Newell Ave., Medical Office Bldg., Oak Room, 3rd Floor. Exit 680 S. Main St. or Olympic Blvd. Directions and Flyer
 NCWSA Al-Anon/Alateen Convention with Spanish and AA Participation, March 22, 23, & 24, 2013
Where: Crowne Plaza Sacramento, Northeast Hotel 5321 Date Avenue, Sacramento CA 95841 Cost: Pre-registration $25/At Conference $35, Doors open 3 pm Friday Hotel Reservations: 916-338-5800, Mention "NCWSA Al-Anon 2013 Annual Convention" for discount $99.00/night (call before February 21. 2013) For More Information or volunteer to help: convention@ncwsa.orgFlyer
 Al-Anon's International Convention July 5-7, 2013
Picture yourself in Vancouver!
Al-Anon International Conventions are a great way to celebrate recovery, meet old friends, and make new ones. An International Convention is where members from Canada, the U.S., and many other countries gather together to speak the same language-the language of the heart.
- Can you imagine what it sounds like to hear more than 4,500 attendees-
Al-Anon, Alateen, A.A., and guests-say the Serenity Prayer?
- Have you ever seen the parade of countries that have Al-Anon Family Groups?
For Complete Listing of Area Events and Flyers: NCWSA Events
OUR NEIGHBORING DISTRICTS:
Al-Anon Family Group District 16 (to the south, Dublin-Pleaston-Livermore) is having its open Speaker Meetings on the 2nd Saturday of every month. District 6 (to the north, Solano and beyond) has its Birthday-Speaker Meeting on Last Friday each month 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at Kaiser Hospital (3rd floor Rooms C & D), Vaca-Valley Parkway Vacaville Ca. 95678 (Leisure Town road exit off of Highway 80 Vacaville) District 26 (to the west, Berkeley-Richmond) has its Monthly Speaker Meeting on the first Saturday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m., at Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center Building C, 3rd floor, Conference Room F
|
|
Reflections from the Forum
Past Reflections
In an argument, the best weapon to hold is your tongue, May 1973
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:
I have hopes and dreams--again...
Up until age eight, I had no character defects. They were all assets, as far as the eye could see. Once age eight came along, I was apparently a grown-up and responsible for my behavior and the behavior of others. I started to believe that if I was told I was bad, I was bad. I remember fighting these comments. I remember trying to win unwinnable arguments: when I was told I was lying and I wasn't; I was fat when I wasn't, and the list goes on...
My Higher Power has a plan for me...
When I was a child, I always sensed that something was wrong. I thought I had two dads, Nice Dad and Monster Dad; that was the only way my mind knew how to handle my father's alcoholism...
I've learned to accept that my loved one's sobriety is literally "One Day at a Time." I've learned to let go when she's sober, and detach when she's not. Today is one of those in between days that I need to manage differently. She's struggling in her sobriety and I want to reach out to help. "Helping" looks like checking up on her emotional state, or trying to distract her with activities. I can color it prettier than trying to control her behavior, but it rings familiar for me. It brings me back to my early days in Al-Anon of caretaking and worry... |
|
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.
|
|
Archives of Past Newsletters
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Co-Editors: Karen, District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
Linda W, Alternate District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
Contact the Editors: district14newsletter@yahoo.com |
|
|
