Coming Events | Announcements | Reminders | Inspiration | Contact
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
|
February 2005
From The Desk of the Vice Chair
Why is it just as you get up your speed on the highway of life you hit a roadblock?
WARNING!!! Road closed ahead take left turn for detour. You have no other recourse other than to follow the directions. No one ever welcomes these little distractions and delays.
I have learned that sometimes God needs to get my attention and has to remind me that he is still in charge. I have to remember that these little life lessons always provide insight and growth and that I have to go through a recovery process before the benefit comes into focus.
The process…denial, fear, anger, and finally acceptance all have to happen before I am open enough for the lesson. I have to admit the acceptance phase is achieved much faster than it used to, and the process is not as painful.
I have come to the realization that what I find, as a detour is really the road I am supposed to take and the change in scenery is always a surprise and a delight.
I hope your life journey’s bring you many rewarding and enjoyable detours.
Happy Travels,
Rhonnie, Vice Chair
2005…Focusing on Service Work
Every 1st of January you hear one word repeated in countless conversations around the water cooler: resolution. People feel that each New Year brings an opportunity for change and the chance to improve their lives. In conjunction with this principle, I’ve asked the CoDA Service Board to come up with a theme for the year. The idea is to pick a topic that all CoDA members can work on throughout the year. Not only will this bring unity and focus to the entire CoDA community, it will also aid each of us in our individual recovery. The theme that was chosen for this year is “Service Work”.
To be of service is to reach out and do something for someone else. It is an act done with the intent to help another person or group. Doing service work does not mean we go overboard and give up our lives, nor does it mean we care take and ignore our own boundaries. There are many healthy ways in which we can all be of service. Some of these include:
- Pouring coffee at a meeting
- Talking to newcomer’s after the meeting
- Running for a position on the service board (current open positions are Treasurer, Literature and Alternate State Delegate)
- Chairing a meeting
- Becoming a sponsor
- Helping clean up after the meeting
The CoDA board is looking for a slogan that we can use throughout the year to promote this theme of service work and we’d like your help! If you have an idea for a slogan, submit it to your meeting GSR or send it to codaomaha1@hotmail.com. Submissions will be voted on at the next board meeting (2/27) and the winner will be announced in the newsletter.
Look for ideas, articles and events throughout the year that will promote this theme.
Yours in service,
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!
Sharon
- Q: How long have you been in CoDA?
- A: June 2004 will be 10 years in the program
- Q: What was the best advice you ever received in the program?
- A: “To listen and digest what is being said and choose an appropriate reply or action based on my values in a non-confrontational and non-hurtful way.”
- Q: What is your favorite of the 12 promises?
- A: Release myself from worry, guilt, and regret about my past and present. I am aware enough not to repeat it.
- Q: Is there anything you’d like to share with newcomers?
- A: It sounds so old but it is so true, "keep coming back". Sit, listen, and keep an open mind. We are all so different and come from such diverse backgrounds but yet so very much alike. Be true to yourself. You are only cheating yourself by not being honest. Finally, it is so healing to cry.
- Q: Who inspires you and why?
- A: Inspired by many but I had the pleasure of meeting Jane Goodall (studied gorilla behaviors) many years ago, and she made me realize that I could pursue anything that I put my mind to.
- Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- A: Probably parts of Asia and various islands for the beauty and peace that are there.
- Q: What do you do to center yourself and find serenity?
- A: When I am feeling indecisive and need to center myself I know I need to get to a meeting. It is inevitable that I hear something that helps me sort out what might be causing me the confusion. As for serenity I love to meditate and usually put on music that has flutes and some drumming. I also use those CDs for relaxation exercises. Wonderful!
- Q: Do you have a favorite recovery book?
- A: "The 12 Steps A Way Out" It was one of the tools that helped me do my 4th Step. I refer to it often because of its clarity and exercises that are suggested."
- 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)
Top of Page
Copyright © Codependent's Anonymous of the Greater Omaha Service Area
Questions or comments? Contact the
