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The purpose of the CoDA Serenity Pages newsletter is to not only inform, but also to encourage spirituality, communication, and unity among CoDA members. It is also to carry the CoDA message to other co-dependents who still suffer.
The content of this newsletter - unless otherwise noted - is not endorsed by National CoDA or the Greater Omaha CoDA Service Group. They are only each writer's personal opinions or experiences.
All are encouraged to share their experience, strength, and hope in the form of stories, poems, book reviews, article submissions, etc. (no matter how new or old you are to the program).
To submit contributions, email Rhonnie P. at rhonda.pretz@nmhs.org
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December 2004/January 2005
FROM The Desk of the Vice Chair
Greetings everyone!
It’s hard to believe that the time has come to write my traditional Christmas letter. In recent years they have become a joy to write, but I remember when I did not feel so.
There was time when receiving such a letter would evoke feelings of anger, jealously and embarrassment, not exactly what I believe the senders wanted to convey. How could I write what was happening in my life? It was such a chaotic mess that the simple thought of sending a Christmas card could be so overwhelming.
I didn’t know how to find the simple joy in life any longer, and even though I could see some good things happening to my family, they were small in comparison to the tremendous despair I felt.
Over time, as I became aware how to change what I could, the dreaded Christmas letter started to take on new meaning. It became my gratitude list. I now embrace the idea of sharing my year with loved ones and also know that my life is indeed letter worthy.
May your Christmas letters be filled will joy and healing this blessed holiday season.
Happy Holidays,
Rhonnie, Vice Chair
The President's Look at the Year in Review
2004 has been a great year for CoDA and I wanted to take a minute to review some of the highlights! The year started with the election of a new service board. I think all of us were eager to represent the Omaha CoDA community and we took on our positions with pride. Many changes have occurred on the board over the year. I took over as Chair during the summer and therefore a new Vice Chair was elected to fill my old position. We've changed State Delegates twice and therefore elected a new alternate State Delegate. But through all the turnover, the board has remained focused on what is important - all of you in the CoDA community. It is our job to support the individual meetings and raise money for CoDA and we've never lost sight of that.
This year 1 new meeting was started on Wednesday mornings and overall meeting attendance has been steady and strong. We also had 2 very successful fundraisers with the summer book sale and the 2nd CoDA Round-up.
In the year to come we hope to continue this work to serve you even better.
Thanks to all the past and present board members for their hard work and thanks to every member of the CoDA community for the support and service. I have a feeling 2005 will be better than ever!
Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year to you all!
Sarah A.
Chair
Getting to Know You
The “Getting to Know You!” section will focus on a different CoDA member each moth. This way we can get to know one another better!
Peggy G.
- Q: How long have you been in CoDA?
- A: 16yrs last May
- Q: What was the best advice you ever received in the program?
- A: “Let go let God. Forgiveness defined---'When you no longer need anything from that person.”
- Q: What is your favorite of the 12 steps?
- A: “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”
- Q: Is there anything you’d like to share with newcomers?
- A: : “Keep coming back and don't be afraid to take action to change! Fear is a crippler. In CoDA we don't have to do it perfectly and when we need help we can ask for it without recrimination, shame or judgements.”
- Q: Who inspires you and why?
- A: “The entire CoDA community. I love the triangle of recovery with an angle for each; self, Higher Power and community. I never feel lonely, I am always encouraged by the recovery I can observe and hopeful of my ability to change.”
- Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- A: “Macchu Pitichu, Peru From the Spiritual Book Celestine Prophecy.”
- Q: What do you do to center yourself and find serenity?
- A: : “Depends upon the environment and access:
Serentity prayer--always available in times of stress.
Nature and quiet--to nurture and re-charge my batteries Meetings--when in crisis---lots of meetings. I also have learned when I miss meetings for 3 weeks, my life is out of balance. Instead of drowning in my sorrows, I can usually ask--When was the last time you were at a meeting? And then know I will feel relief when I know I have somewhere to go.”
- Q: Do you have a favorite recovery book?
- A: “Louise Hayes--You can Heal Your Life."
- Please remember to bring in your 7th tradition meeting donations to the montly service meeting. The formula is 80% to the 12-Step house and 20% to the CoDa service group. Each group should keep a prudent reserve of $10-$15 for individual meeting expenses such as chips, literature, etc.
- Meeting list changes? Contact Sarah or CJ (706-0950)
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