My first Al-Anon meeting...

[blessed2be]

Well, I did it. I took the plunge and went to my first al-anon meeting last night. My stomach was upset all day...I was so nervous. I am not sure why, because the meeting helped me so much and I am going to another one on Thursday night. It was so empowering to be in a room full of (in this case) women that are/were in the same boat I am in now. I am an ACOA and hit bottom with my parents' behavior. I no longer choose to let them hurt myself or my family. They can do what they like, however, I am stepping back and protecting my family. I wasn't going to speak, but everyone else did and I felt like I needed to. I didn't feel pressure to do so. The ladies were all so great. A few women stayed after to talk to me. A few gave me their phone numbers. I really felt like this "family" of people could help me on my road to healing those old wounds.

I encourage any of you that have pain in your heart left by loved ones that struggle with alcoholism to take that step. I admit that I couldn't have gone to a meeting until I had resolved other feelings/issues in my life. I really did have enough of my parents' causing me and my husband pain. I am not upset or angry...just numb...and done. Should they choose to get help we will be here for them. Should they continue to not think there is anything wrong with their behavior...then they have lost us. I am sure that I will learn in Al-Anon that is not correct thinking...but for now...for today...it works for me.

[free2bunme]

GOOD FOR YOU!!! One thing that I have had to learn is that the only person I can control or change is myself. And the best thing I can do FOR EVERYONE is to focus on being the best me, letting other people have their own problems and drama as much as possible. Thanks for sharing your testimony.

[Prescott]

Congradulations !!!