The story of how Lois Wilson started Alanon will be televised on Sunday. Many in the 12 Step programs are looking forward to learning more about her journey.
Four months after finding Alanon, I went to my first closed AA meeting – because I belonged there too. That was 25 years and 1 month ago. Thank God I wasn’t too closed minded to consider that perhaps it would be helpful for me to look into another 12 Step program.
Back then, there was a lot of opinion bandied about by the members in both AA and Alanon about the “other group’s” members. Much of the opinion was gender based. One day after arriving early for an AA meeting, a jolly older man – an oldtimer – looked over at me and said, “I think you’re in the wrong meeting little lady.” I smiled and assured him I was right where I belonged. He meant well. It just hadn’t occurred to him that a nice looking young woman could be wanting what AA had to offer. In the earlier days of the program it seemed that most oldtimers suffered for many more years before reaching the same conclusion that some of us younger people were just blessed enough to be realizing much sooner. Before we had as much to lose. And if it weren’t for those oldtimers who were there to welcome us, unexpected as some of us were, we couldn’t be passing it on to the newcomers today. Many of us showed up so much sooner because of those oldtimers “carrying the message” in the 12th Step. I hope all 12 Step program members have an open mind to the value in all of our journeys, no matter what “side” of the programs we seem to be on. It seems to fit in with the principles of the program. I’m looking forward to learning more.
Affirmation for the Day – ” I am keeping an open mind.”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
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smallsteps2recovery said,
April 24, 2010 @ 11:03 pm
Great post and wisdom. thanks