------------- Meeting format - Alanon Focus----------------------------------
My name is _______________. Welcome to B.O.E.- Balance Offers Empowerment. We’re glad you’re here. Whatever you are experiencing, this is meant to be a safe space. Our meeting is like the native american talking circle. You're welcome to share without interruption or judgement. Or just listen. There are no dues or fees.
At B.O.E. we believe that "recovery" is for everyone, not just for alcoholics and addicts.
Often, the entire family system becomes sick when their is alcoholism in a family or friend. We often obsess about the alcoholic and stop living our own lives. Our well meaning "words of wisdom" and obsession may in fact be making things worse.
The most important thing many of us who are dealing with alcoholics have learned, is that Alcoholism is in fact a disease. It has been proven that alcoholism is a disease. It is a confusing disease that affects the mind, body and spirit. The alcoholic may be capable in many areas of their life. But their body's ability to metabolize and control their alcohol is differently from others, like an allergy. No amount of will power will relieve them of the obsession to drink. The disease can be controlled but not cured. Many recovering alcoholics have found the help they need through AA or wellbriety. In working with other alcoholics and relying on a higher power , they get a "daily Reprieve" from their alcoholism and they live great lives.
So, when we learn that the alcoholic is "sick" not "Bad," where does that leave us? We start asking ourselves, "how would I treat a sick relative dealing with cancer? Would we give them endless advice and shame them?" The best thing those of us dealing with an alcoholic can do, is focus on ourselves and our own recovery. We leave the alcoholic to find their recovery. Many of us do this through a recovery program called Alanon. It is not easy. But we don't do it alone. By developing a relationship with the higher power of our choice and working our recovery program we get "healthier". As a result many times the alcoholic begins to change as well. We have links to Alanon literature and meetings on our website.
The 3 C's of Alanon are:
- We did not and do not CAUSE the alcoholic to drink
- We cannot CONTROL their drinking
- We cannot Cure their drinking
Today we will be reading from the _________________. If you are on your phone or computer you can read along by going to our website: boelives.com and going to the literature page. Many of us read daily from the book of our choice and set aside time for meditation. (someone reads)
At this time our meeting is open for sharing. Feel free to share about the reading or whatever is on your heart.
We try to share using “I” statements . We let one person share without interrupting them. We don't call on people to share. If you wish to share just state your name and share freely. We do not try to fix others. Fixing refers to “giving advice, comforting or commenting on someone's share. "
(READ THIS AFTER SHARING )
Anything that is said here in our meeting is meant to be confidential. If you have questions or didn't get to share please stay after the meeting or call someone .
We have a website called boelives.com It contains a phone list, links to other meetings, affirmations and other resources. If you would like to be added to our phone list, or texting group please let us know. Whatever you are going through, chances are someone here can relate. We find that as we move out of isolation, that hope and purpose enter into our lives and our burden is lighter. You matter to us. Please pick up the phone and call us. In order to have change in our lives, we have found we needed to do something different and that meant reaching out and picking up the heavy phone.
Accouncements We have spoken with the middle school principal at the Shonto school. She is interested in having us come in to talk with the students about addiction. We are thinking of setting something up for early October. The Tuba City Navajo fair is October 6th to the 9th. We could possibly roll these things into one trip. If you are interested in participating or learning more contact Carmen.
Does anyone have any other announcements?
(Closing)
We appreciate you attending BOE. You matter to us. There is hope for you and your family. Your recovery is your journey. Would those of you with a year or more of sobriety please say your name, sober time, and program/s you identify with so we can see that the programs of recovery really work. These are people who would make a good sponsor or to call just to learn more.
Who would like to lead our closing? ( example: prayer, Native prayer, serenity prayer, lord’s prayer, AA prayer etc. )
We will leave the Zoom meeting open after the meeting for fellowship