Making a difference in the world! - 10/03/00 08:26 PM
I POSTED THIS ON EN BUT THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE A BETTER PLACE FOR IT.<P>This morning I went in search of a divorce support group in my area and found there were none. So I've decided to start one. <BR>I thought that since I'm not a believer in divorce, I didn't want to call it a "Divorce Support Group." So I'm calling it "New Hope - A Marriage in Crises Support Group." <P>I started making phone calls and found a retired pastor that occasionally does Marriage Recovery seminars -- he's interested in participating. I also made a whole list of possible resources including counselors, hospitals, motivational speakers, education counselors, credit counselors, domestic abuse specialists, grief counselors, realtors, bankers, lawyers, and of course, MB. <P>I'm compiling a reading list that includes the books recommended here and many others. I also started a list of possibilities. Here are just a few of my favorites:<P>1. Non-judgmental environment<BR>2. Focus 1st on marriage recovery<BR>3. Support "teams" of 2-3 people for outside of the group contact<BR>4. Social events and functions<BR>5. How to "let go" without giving up<BR>6. Getting happy and healthy again<BR>7. Surviving an affair<BR>8. Grieving<BR>9. Making a difference in other people's lives and the world<BR>10. Making good decisions and life choices<BR>11. Creating your "new" life<BR>12. Setting goals and planning for the future<BR>13. Budgeting and credit counseling<BR>14. Dating again<BR>15. Group resources - bartering and trading services<BR>16. Volunteering<BR>17. Maintaining a healthy environment for children<BR>18. Job and career focus<BR>19. Exercise, beauty, grooming, feeling good about ourselves<BR>20. National Chaptering!!!<P>I have dozens more!! I love this idea. Not only will it help me by getting it going and having a positive project to work on, but I can help other people who are going through the same things as I am. This is going to be just a fantastic recovery tool for myself and others - a unique support group that I created myself! Yahooooo! I'm so excited!<P>I would love to have your input, contributions and ideas. If anyone is interested in doing the same thing in their communities, let me know and I will share my whole list of ideas and resources to help get it started.<P>My life just got a whole lot brighter -- I'm on my way! Sometimes we have to create a place in the world for possibility and not be put off by fear and self-doubt. We are all good, strong, caring people here and <B>can</B> make a difference in the world!<P><P>------------------<BR>Love and Prayers,<BR>KristyAnn<P>Marriage is not built on convenience, success, health, or prosperity. It is a covenant between two people who are loved by God. -Dekruyter