Courage To Change 08/02/14
Behold the power of NO
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Courage To Change 08/02/14
My overwhelming desire for control becomes glaringly obvious when I am tempted to control my group. I decide that I know what is best for all of us, or that I am the only one who truly understands the Traditions, or that I know what newcomers need to hear and I alone must make sure they hear it. I may view this as a finely- developed sense of responsibility, but my attitudes and actions still amount to a form of dominance. The Second Tradition says, “For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” We strive to conduct our meetings as a fellowship of equals and to practice rotation of leadership. No single member has the right to take charge. When I insist upon having my way, I am tampering with the spiritual nature of Al-Anon as a whole. Just as my Higher Power guides me in my daily life, a Power greater than myself is working within my group through the voices of its members.
“Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony.”
Alcoholism, the Family Disease
Today’s Reminder
I am only one voice in a thriving worldwide fellowship. When in doubt, I will defer to the wisdom of the group conscience
. I am only one voice in a thriving worldwide fellowship. When in doubt, I will defer to the wisdom of the group conscience
“Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony.”
Alcoholism, the Family Disease
Behold the power of NO
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” We strive to conduct our meetings as a fellowship of equals and to practice rotation of leadership. No single member has the right to take charge.
Right now, I am faced with the opposite dilemna. I started some months ago a meeting and I told myself and others that I would assume the responsibilities to secretary, treasurer, set up etc. just for 3 months to get it kicking then others would have to take over...well the thing is that whenever I mention that someone else might be interested in the positions I get a deafening silence. One lady has taken over for me a couple of times when I had to work but she is due to have her baby any time soon, anyone else it is like flaky central
Don't get me wrong, I like my commitment but it is just that this is not Carlotta's meeting: it is our meeting and for it to be in the spirit of the traditions and remain healthy and democratic, people need to step up too.
It could also be a slippery slope for me since left to my own devices I tend to have some controlling autocratic tendencies...oh well, I guess it gets me to keep myself in check lol
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
