Gary and Richard and I had a luncheon meeting yesterday and have decided on the basis of several other people's suggestion that we continue the support person group workshops in February.  This will begin on Sunday, February 1 at 3 PM at the Alachua Presbyterian Church there will be a second meeting on February 15 at 3 PM at same location.  Further meetings will be announced very soon.

     One thing that prompted me was an email from Joe :

Phil; everyone is in AA of sorts as their part of suffering the human condition 6 billion are unaware or have cancer of “iam” EGO.others are happy because 6 billion others are lying about their happiness, wholeness holiness, peace, serenity, etc……….
You my dear brother are , honest, humble, caring, wise, and a gifted teacher and counselor. So stop your cry babying, ask in your deepest self for Gods guidance, and press on..
Perhaps and bulletin flyer, your church, garys, others, where allowed and in counseling office and hospital and police station and school board and colleges. Other people care and can understand the value of such a group and promote it. If this works you owe me a fishing trip. I have my motives also.
Pax
joe

If that doesn’t get me off my self pity routine I don’t think anything will.

I am gratified to find that several folks have wanted the Supportive Person Workshops to continue and mentioned the Alachua Presbyterian Church meeting two weeks ago as a very good meeting.  I am reconsidering and have talked with Gary about the Presbyterian Church as possible meeting site for Feb 1 and 15^th at 3PM But I would like to say something about my concerns for the future:

1.    When I was in the hospital I had considerable guilt over four main issues:

a. I am concerned that I am getting too many volunteers from AA which bothers me because they may feel obligated to me and also I would like to know how this group works with non AA folks as well. So I need to drop back and find a way to get volunteers who will show up and also have compassion for their fellow human being.

b. I am concerned about AA folks giving up their anonymity while in the group

c. I know only by instinct that learning about “being supportive and   willingness to be supported”is a very good thing. It could be a waste of time.

d. Since I am planning on selling  a guidebook on supportive group work I am self conscious about my own motives.

So if you have ideas or specific folks who would be willing to be a volunteer in this endeavor please send me an email or respond to the blog.

Phil