[Businessmtg] The OT List

[Karen]

   I am a newcomer (1 month) to both Al Anon and ASP, so my experience is
   limited.

   I am grateful you are thinking of a special place for people like me
   who come into these rooms broken, afraid, and in many cases desperate
   for some relief.

   I see myself with the OTs n ASP wanting to jump in, solve, and soothe.
   I have prevented myself from answering just about every OT and the few
   exceptions I've allowed myself I've practiced just saying things like
   "I'm confident you and your HP are going to work this out." or "This
   program is helping me so much, I know it can help you too."

   Drawbacks to an OT list for _me_ include:

   1. my inclination to advise and help
   2. my inclination to take an easy path to my recovery and thus avoid
   (longer) my step into a f2f meeting. I will be brave and go to a f2f,
   as there is ample opportunity in my city, but it has not happened as of
   today.
   3. my inclination to avoid getting a sponsor particularly for step 5
   work.

   One of the great things about the ASP list is you've carefully crafted
   a Newcommer page that helped direct me beautifully. I then took the
   actions to get some CAL and research my working the steps so I invested
   time both reading what you provided me and what else I could find from
   Al Anon. My concern is an OT or newcommers list would be repeated
   effort that, in some cases but of course not all, might lead someone to
   become dependent on personalities instead of the program itself. ASP is
   a shining example of the program (again for which I am grateful).

   So, as I grow perhaps my view will change and I can see how some would
   find it helpful.
   But with the way I am today, I would recommend not making the second
   list and if you did, I would not subscribe. I wouldn't be angry, I just
   would not get involved in it.

   Thanks for listening to me,
   Karen