Tradition 4 / Hexagon
|
by Michael G
|
Ready and Willing
|
I saw a story the other day about a man who slaughtered a cow and started to barbecue it. He told his daughter to tell the neighbors and friends to come eat.
The daughter instead ran down the streets yelling “FIRE at our house”. Some friends and neighbors came, some ignored the cry. Those who came feasted, while the others missed out. The father asked where some of the missing friends were and the daughter explained what she had done. The moral of the story of course is that true friends show up when I need help. Sometimes I haven’t recognized who those true friends are until I needed help. When I go to my Al-Anon meeting, I both need help and give it. When I have experience I give it, when I don’t have experience you give me yours. When I have strength I give it, when I don’t have strength, someone shows me theirs. When I have hope I share it, when I don’t have any hope others share with me. |
Has Your Meeting Changed?
Changes and Updates are made Weekly. (Seattle AIS is automatically cc'd in the change request) If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Seattle AIS updated meeting schedule, please contact meetingdirectoryeditor@seattle-al-anon.org 
|
|
Step Six Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
|
|
Learning from Al-Anon’s Example to Grow at My Own Speed
|
In 1973, what was by then referred to as the Suggested Preamble to the Twelve Steps was revised one more time. These words have become such a standard description of our program that in 1985, the World Service Conference carried a motion “that the Suggested Preamble to the Twelve Steps be included on the copyright page of all Conference Approved Literature as a statement of purpose.” In 2004, due to limited space on some copyright pages, the Motion was reconsidered and amended so that the Preamble appears in every piece of CAL, “preferably on the copyright page.”
The Suggested Preamble to the Twelve Steps has kept its current wording for the last 50 years. I am so grateful for the lesson I’ve learned from it: that growth does not have to happen all at once and is worth the wait. By Tom C., Associate Director—Literature The Forum, May 2023 Tradition SixOur Family Groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any
outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim. Although a separate entity, we should always co-operate with Alcoholics Anonymous. 
|
|
AIS Council Meeting
The next Council meeting is Thursday, June 8th, 2023, 7:30-9:00 pm. Click the AIS website 2023 Calendar link on the Events page (https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/events) for the zoom information. Concept SixThe Conference acknowledges the primary administrative responsibility of the Trustees.
Need a Free Newcomer Packet?Anyone local to Seattle who is a newcomer and wants an individual newcomer packet (or in Spanish, too!), please send an email to outreach@seattle-al-anon.org with the name and mailing address. |
|
Loving Someone from a Distance (Part One) |
|
Living within a household dominated by alcoholism, I have had many disturbing experiences. When the alcoholic is home, it is like there is this “static” in the atmosphere. I never know when they might thunder or if lightning is going to suddenly strike, seemingly out of nowhere.
I have done the “definition of crazy,” and kept trying to connect with the alcoholic, even though I was getting zapped about three quarters of the time! I so wanted to have a good outcome with communication and be close to my loved one! Even conscientious notes were often misconstrued. However, I have learned the hard way about the negative traits alcoholism tends to ignite in a person. I have had enough “shock treatment” to fly over the cuckoo’s nest to be willing to try a new flight pattern!
Sadly, the more time I am around the alcoholic’s disordered behavior…the less I can be my authentic self. I end up monitoring what I say or do in front of them, trying to avoid their sharp tongue. I find myself compulsively checking if a window is shut or a light turned off, because I have been routinely castigated, as if I were an irresponsible child.
After 5 years of having my life eclipsed by the devastating impact of alcoholism, I am finally learning to “focus on myself.” It hasn’t been easy to redirect my ingrained “rescuing” and “fawning” behaviors. The alcoholic tends to demand my compliance and lashes out with verbal abuse when I express a reasonable boundary.
In my experience, it is essential to get away from the house, and have “mini retreats” from a few hours to a few days. I revel in prayer within the healing cathedral of nature. It is an opportunity to process the dysregulated atmosphere I have been exposed to, and find the footing back into my own life. My sanity and serenity are slowly restored.
After traveling and being away for a few days, I took the “long way home,” meandering through beautiful scenic routes. I happened upon a small town, and found a tiny park with a much-needed restroom. I noticed a touring bicycle equipped with camping gear. Then a man appeared clad in Lycra, and we began a deep conversation that proved to be destiny.
As it turned out, he was a fellow traveler, in more ways than one. I found myself sharing about my personal journey living with an alcoholic. I spoke of the pain and heartache of trying to navigate the dysfunctional relationship. He spoke one sentence that became a catalyst to a new perspective; “It sounds like you need to love them from a distance.”
I have done the “definition of crazy,” and kept trying to connect with the alcoholic, even though I was getting zapped about three quarters of the time! I so wanted to have a good outcome with communication and be close to my loved one! Even conscientious notes were often misconstrued. However, I have learned the hard way about the negative traits alcoholism tends to ignite in a person. I have had enough “shock treatment” to fly over the cuckoo’s nest to be willing to try a new flight pattern!
Sadly, the more time I am around the alcoholic’s disordered behavior…the less I can be my authentic self. I end up monitoring what I say or do in front of them, trying to avoid their sharp tongue. I find myself compulsively checking if a window is shut or a light turned off, because I have been routinely castigated, as if I were an irresponsible child.
After 5 years of having my life eclipsed by the devastating impact of alcoholism, I am finally learning to “focus on myself.” It hasn’t been easy to redirect my ingrained “rescuing” and “fawning” behaviors. The alcoholic tends to demand my compliance and lashes out with verbal abuse when I express a reasonable boundary.
In my experience, it is essential to get away from the house, and have “mini retreats” from a few hours to a few days. I revel in prayer within the healing cathedral of nature. It is an opportunity to process the dysregulated atmosphere I have been exposed to, and find the footing back into my own life. My sanity and serenity are slowly restored.
After traveling and being away for a few days, I took the “long way home,” meandering through beautiful scenic routes. I happened upon a small town, and found a tiny park with a much-needed restroom. I noticed a touring bicycle equipped with camping gear. Then a man appeared clad in Lycra, and we began a deep conversation that proved to be destiny.
As it turned out, he was a fellow traveler, in more ways than one. I found myself sharing about my personal journey living with an alcoholic. I spoke of the pain and heartache of trying to navigate the dysfunctional relationship. He spoke one sentence that became a catalyst to a new perspective; “It sounds like you need to love them from a distance.”
|
Order the Forum Magazine Al-Anon’s monthly magazine features timely sharings from Al-Anon and Alateen members, suggested meeting topics, and the latest information on worldwide Al-Anon recovery. Experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else! |
May 2023 AIS Council Meeting Minutes (Summary, not yet approved)
Meeting Opened at 7:30 PM with the Serenity Prayer
Attendance: 24 individuals
Introductions: all
Readings: Concept 5 by Heather R
Secretary: Kathy K: February meeting minutes were approved.
Chair: Karen L:
April Board Meeting:
The board discussed our financials and where we are YTD. The point was made that literature sales do not generate a lot of money for AIS but we sell literature as a service to our members both in our districts and beyond. Our primary revenue is donations from groups and members.
May 15 event “AIS What It Is and What It Is Not”
The event will discuss what AIS does and doesn’t do as per title. It will focus on how we make policy and operational decisions.
Summer Seminar Assembly (SSA) Workshop on AIS May 19th
We have been asked by the Area Vice Chair to do a workshop on AIS which Gary H. has volunteered to lead.
Treasurer: Gary H: Seattle AIS remains financially stable.
Vice Chair Report: Dave M: Office report: Has been open for 4 months. Last month we had $60.00 in sales. The curbside pickup worked well. Another volunteer has been partially trained. The next opening will be 6/3/23.
Coordinators:
LDC: Mary R. LDC is doing well and selling lots of literature. A shipping volunteer is still needed to work on Thur. for 2-3 hours per month in the time frame the volunteer chooses. Groups are ordering on line.
Communications: Jackie T: A Meeting Directory Editor is needed urgently. We still have a temporary editor but need a permanent replacement. The volunteer needs to know how to format tables and use Word. The position takes about 15-30 minutes a week. There is info in the May BITS about this position. Meeting changes must be made on the WA Area website. Do not send them directly to AIS or WSO. AIS will automatically receive notification of the change. Articles for the BITS are due by the 20th of the month. With prior arrangement, the editor may occasionally accept submissions as late as the 25th.
Outreach: Solveig W: She has had a slow month in requests for information via email and newcomer packets. AIS has been asked to participate with an information table in a resource center counseling and referral service located in Milton WA on June 3. This has not been confirmed as of yet.
Phones: Dave M (outgoing Coordinator): Total number of volunteers :14, 64% of shifts are covered with 62 calls and 26 needed assistance. We have coverage from 9 AM-5PM every day. They are getting more voice mails and texts.
Tech: Pierre J: The computers have been upgraded to Windows 11 in the office. It should be transparent and all is working well.
Old Business:
Need a phone coordinator, Need Meeting Directory Editor, Need shipping volunteers in LDC
New Business: August Garden Party- All Pilgrims Church is available 8/20/23 or 8/27/23 and group vote was decided to pick 8/20/23 by show of hands. Need Chair and sub-committee leads. Linda H volunteered to do purchasing. Mary will do literature sales. This could be a group activity as well. Request to add “Ice cream” to name.
Next Council Meeting: Thursday, June 8th, 2023 from 7:30-9:00 PM
Next Board Meeting: Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 7:00PM
Adjournment: Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration at 8:41 PM
Submitted by Kathy K, Secretary
Attendance: 24 individuals
Introductions: all
Readings: Concept 5 by Heather R
Secretary: Kathy K: February meeting minutes were approved.
Chair: Karen L:
April Board Meeting:
The board discussed our financials and where we are YTD. The point was made that literature sales do not generate a lot of money for AIS but we sell literature as a service to our members both in our districts and beyond. Our primary revenue is donations from groups and members.
May 15 event “AIS What It Is and What It Is Not”
The event will discuss what AIS does and doesn’t do as per title. It will focus on how we make policy and operational decisions.
Summer Seminar Assembly (SSA) Workshop on AIS May 19th
We have been asked by the Area Vice Chair to do a workshop on AIS which Gary H. has volunteered to lead.
Treasurer: Gary H: Seattle AIS remains financially stable.
Vice Chair Report: Dave M: Office report: Has been open for 4 months. Last month we had $60.00 in sales. The curbside pickup worked well. Another volunteer has been partially trained. The next opening will be 6/3/23.
Coordinators:
LDC: Mary R. LDC is doing well and selling lots of literature. A shipping volunteer is still needed to work on Thur. for 2-3 hours per month in the time frame the volunteer chooses. Groups are ordering on line.
Communications: Jackie T: A Meeting Directory Editor is needed urgently. We still have a temporary editor but need a permanent replacement. The volunteer needs to know how to format tables and use Word. The position takes about 15-30 minutes a week. There is info in the May BITS about this position. Meeting changes must be made on the WA Area website. Do not send them directly to AIS or WSO. AIS will automatically receive notification of the change. Articles for the BITS are due by the 20th of the month. With prior arrangement, the editor may occasionally accept submissions as late as the 25th.
Outreach: Solveig W: She has had a slow month in requests for information via email and newcomer packets. AIS has been asked to participate with an information table in a resource center counseling and referral service located in Milton WA on June 3. This has not been confirmed as of yet.
Phones: Dave M (outgoing Coordinator): Total number of volunteers :14, 64% of shifts are covered with 62 calls and 26 needed assistance. We have coverage from 9 AM-5PM every day. They are getting more voice mails and texts.
Tech: Pierre J: The computers have been upgraded to Windows 11 in the office. It should be transparent and all is working well.
Old Business:
Need a phone coordinator, Need Meeting Directory Editor, Need shipping volunteers in LDC
New Business: August Garden Party- All Pilgrims Church is available 8/20/23 or 8/27/23 and group vote was decided to pick 8/20/23 by show of hands. Need Chair and sub-committee leads. Linda H volunteered to do purchasing. Mary will do literature sales. This could be a group activity as well. Request to add “Ice cream” to name.
Next Council Meeting: Thursday, June 8th, 2023 from 7:30-9:00 PM
Next Board Meeting: Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 7:00PM
Adjournment: Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration at 8:41 PM
Submitted by Kathy K, Secretary
Thank you for your donations and your support of AIS!
Our funding now comes primarily from:
*Donations by Members, Groups, and Districts
*Literature Sales
Please send all AIS mail, including checks for literature orders and donations, to:
Seattle AIS
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
Donate Now
Our funding now comes primarily from:
*Donations by Members, Groups, and Districts
*Literature Sales
Please send all AIS mail, including checks for literature orders and donations, to:
Seattle AIS
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
Donate Now
And More ...
|
MEETING SCHEDULE: registered Al-Anon groups in the Greater Seattle Area. Hybrid, Concurrent, and in-person meetings are listed.
Please visit our Members section for the most up-to-date information on:
|
Meeting NewsNews from the Meeting Directory Editor
When submitting log in and passcode information to WA Area, please include the URL for your meeting. That allows us to link the "Zoom Meeting" text in your listing so attendees can click that link to enter directly. Please consider volunteering to serve as the Meeting Directory Editor. Information about the position can be found in the May issue. Again this past month, there were very few meeting changes. So if you see a date at the top of the Meeting Directory that is a week or two old, please don't assume that our schedule is not up to date. All changes are usually made within a couple days of their submission to WA Area via the form on their site. AIS is immediately notified when you submit the change to WA Area. The following changes were made from April 24 through May 21.
|