After 32 years in 12-Step, I'm giving it a rest. If I haven't got it by now, I'll never get it. I finished with the last 3 years as treasurer, so when it started to feel like an obligation, I knew I had to examine how it was feeling to me. I continue to do prayer and meditation daily, and still am close to some of the friends, so it's not a complete divorce. I am focusing on myself but in a different way these days, and I know if I hadn't had AlAnon to see me through the tough times, I would not be where I am. So I am always grateful.

Maybe I should clarify. Though I haven't attended meetings in a while, I am still in touch personally with AlAnon friends. Also, the principles will never leave me;; they are a part of my recovery. First, from alcoholism, then from the family effects of alcoholism. And may gratitude never leave me for having a life. I wouldn't have a life without having been involved in these two programs.

My journey through Al Anon had a lot of bumps at times but I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't gone to that first meeting in January of 1993. I've met some fantastic people who supported me along the way and in turn I learned to support others.
Wishing you a blessed New Year.
Angela

My situation was different from yours in that I was a dual member. The only person I ever got into sponsoring was another dual member, and we 'co-sponsored' each other. I don't know if others were intimidated by my dual membership or what, for despite being in service positions and sharing tons in meetings, nobody ever asked me to be their sponsor. So the only support I could give was thru the service positions.
Also, I was a drug counselor for a few years, and I don't know if that made people shy away from me.
I am approachable and did sponsor others in AA, but in AlAnon it seemed to be a different situation.
I am glad for the friendships I have from AlAnon, though, and feel those go deeper than the AA ones. Go figure.

Someone recently reminded me the ultimate form of service is sharing at meetings. Those with years of experience have lots to offer . Maturity, experience, perspective, positivity, resolutions, growth, and what we have learned from others can be what a newcomer needs to hear.

I can certainly agree with that. I love listening to those that have wisdom to share.♥