Hello All,

I thought I would post again in the journal for an undertimined time.

Interesting for me to observe and participate in the world of
recovery for women.

I moved to this area, North San Diego County 6 years ago. I have
found it is not easy to move into any community, or undergo a life
change without experiencing the dreaded, "loneliness that occurs."

Being one of those always involved types it did not take me long to
be a GSR, attend women's meetings, etc., loneliness persisted because
I lacked true friendship. Eventually, I built my own support group,
through sponsor/sponsees. I started an aa meeting in this
area, "Women over 40." Two years ago I began to explore options. I
found I loved the freedom of SOS, the community of WFS and the linear
approach of SMART Recovery. And this took me slightly further to
begin a new group called Eco-Recovery for Women.

I now have women asking me to sponsor them when I attend a WFS
meeting. WFS does not have sponsors, but irregardless of this, they
ask and I say yes. I sponsor/mentor at a win/win level, that fits
our relationship.

What I suggest as a sponsor they do is ...

Read: Sober for Good: Anne Fletcher
Many Roads One Journey: Charlotte Kasl

Write a needs list.
Write a triggers list.
Write on any current issue that is pertienent to their recovery.

We discuss docs, therapists, family, spirituality, etc.

I have formally left aa, and at the same time, I have a sponsor and
two sponsees that attend. There is no conflict in any of these
relationships at a recovery level.

My best,

Beth

My Personal Mantra: Humanity Precedes Dogma