Anna Bedolla (Anna ATX) | Online Convenor • Collaborator • LifeRing Board Member
Soberversary: 2020| LifeRing: 2020
Anna ATX
My name is Anna Bedolla and I'm seeking election to a Board of Directors seat.
I went into rehab for AUD in August 2020. When I got out, I knew I was going to need ongoing support if I was going to stay sober. Submitting myself to a higher power wasn't going to work for me. I knew that I was the one who got myself into addiction, and I was who was going to see myself out of it. I found LifeRing when I did a Google search for "secular recovery," and knew right away I'd found my "tribe."
I embraced the recommendation of doing 90 meetings in ninety days, which allowed me to try a wide variety of LifeRing meetings. After I was sober for just a little over a year, a convenor asked me if I was interested in taking over her meeting. I remember how terrified I felt running my first meeting! It quickly became the highlight of my week. I've been hosting that meeting ever since, and a couple of years later I started another online meeting.
One of the most important things I learned getting sober was the power and importance of connection. Being among people who share the same goal (abstinence) and who understand that saying "no" to that drink (or drug) is simple but not always easy gave me a safe place to practice being open, honest, and brave.
Sobriety is such a precious, fragile gift. Helping others find it and keep it is a core part of my recovery program. Whether participants in my meetings have hours or decades of sobriety, I heard myself in their stories and voices, their hopes and struggles. It is a joy to walk the path of recovery with so many inspiring people, to support them during their struggles, and to celebrate their successes.
In addition to convening two online meetings, I have previously served on the board, participated in committees, managed and monitored our contact emails ([email protected], [email protected]), and helped develop support materials (Strategic Plan, Zoom Bomber training, Convenor Commitment Letter). Recently, I completed training for Peer Support Recovery Specialist, which has been very helpful as a convenor.
I am excited by the prospect of contributing as a member of the Board of Directors. From my previous career, I bring strong communication, business operations, and program management skills. As an active member of LifeRing, I bring lived experience with the LifeRing philosophy of Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Empowerment and the passion and commitment to share it with anyone and everyone who wants to live soberly. I understand how LifeRing works and why it works and want to help bring our program to as many people as possible.
I respectfully ask for your vote to be a member of the BOD.
Anna Bedolla
Austin, Texas
[email protected]