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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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May 2005
From The Desk of the Vice Chair
Last night I was sitting at home watching a movie when my phone rang. Not wanting to interrupt my movie I checked caller id. It was my son, Ryan.
“Hi Mom”, he said.
“What’s up?”, I returned the hello, wondering what he needed.
“Just called to tell you I love you.”, he said.
“I love you too”, really wondering what he wanted.
“Talk to you later, bye”, he replied.
“Bye”, I said very perplexed and disappointed that nothing was wanted of me.
As a codependent, I have spent my life needing to care for others. As a mother, I have spent my life trying to be everything my children needed. Room mother, Cub Scout leader, little league transportation, backstage mom, prom corsage maker, and wedding coordinator.
I tried to teach them to care for themselves, not really wanting them to do so. As a result they learned to be successful, independent young persons, and I was left without a job.
So what does an out of work codependent mother do? She becomes busy…Children’s Hospital volunteer, assistant to the Pastor, Cub Scout leader, CoDA board member, work committee chair person. Every day brought another chance to be needed. It was not so much these groups needed me, it was I needed to be needed.
And what happened? I GOT TIRED OF BEING NEEDED!!! I never had time for my self.
I never just stayed home and….watched a movie.
I’m learning.
Rhonnie, Vice Chair
2005…Redefining Service Work
Each of us has a special gift. Each of us can provide a service in a way no one else can. Each of us has the potential to reach out and touch a life. All we have to do is open our heart and reach out our hand.
There are many ways to be of service. Service work can be doing something simple, like opening the door for an elderly friend; or something as demanding as building a house for a needy family. We in the CoDA community are generous and giving by nature. And now we can learn healthy ways to use our gifts and loving hearts to help others. We do not need to fix any one or take care of them. We only need to do what we are comfortable doing and what we feel called to do.
Peace and love,
Sarah A.
Chair
Here are some examples of ways in which you can be of service outside the CoDa community:
- Make dinner for a sick neighbor
- Volunteer to help a local charity
- Take someone flowers
- Display an attitude of positivity
- Share your experience, strength and hope
- Give someone a ride
- Listen when a friend needs your time
- 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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