Newsletter Report - January 2025

Good morning Area 41, my name is Brock, an alcoholic and I am your newsletter chair. I received everything I needed to make the newsletter on October 25th, and put together the first draft by October 30th. Throughout the next two weeks, I received several updates and other information that needed added, which prolonged the process. On November 21st, I submitted the newsletters to the printing company. On December 3rd, I was able to pick up the newsletters, which was the day I got back from visiting my brother. I ordered 415 English and 20 Spanish, totaling 765.96. I picked up the newsletters the next day, had them all in their mail bubblers by December 6th and I never made it to the post office.

I’m pretty good at talking my way out of things, so I am just going to try and be honest. I had staffing issues at work over the next month, requiring me to work day and overnight shifts. I had a family emergency which is just starting and will continue on for the next several years, if I am lucky. And everytime I had free time to go to the post office, I was either mentally exhausted or frustrated, full of fear essentially, and I’d find excuses not to go. I reclused from meetings during this time, telling myself I can’t go to meetings and share a message of hope if I don’t have any hope.

During our Report and Charter meeting, I was asked if I wanted to continue serving Area 41. There are several things about this position I really enjoy, and other things I tolerate. Myself and the Report and Charter committee believe that I can continue in this role with a little bit more assistance. The packing and shipping process of this role is where I have struggled the most, and the committee has agreed to “get in the car” and help out. I can’t express enough how much it means to experience forgiveness and grace when one does not feel they deserve it. Let me know how I can be more helpful,

yours in service, Brock H.