 Maryanne Zarycka,
SRL Executive Director |
I was 5 years old in 1964 when the Serenity Retreat League, Inc. was established, and heaven knows I could have used a Twelve Step retreat back then! My addictive and alcoholic personality had already started to take form, and it was only a matter of a few years before I discovered unhealthy behaviors and substances to help me cope in a world where I felt I did not belong.
Today, I belong. I embrace each and every moment as an opportunity to be of service, and to help heal the pain and suffering on our planet. Just imagine how pleased and excited I felt when the SRL Board of Directors appointed me as your new Executive Director. I sorted through several emotions, feelings, and thoughts as my mind raced pondering new possibilities for the League.
I spent several wonderful days with some of our amazing Board members, and had the pleasure to work very closely with our brilliant and knowledgeable President, Mona Sides-Smith. I learned much about our history, the operational challenges, the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. There is a lot of potential with the SRL to become a leader in superior Twelve Step recovery retreats, nationwide, if we choose to sharpen our tools, roll up our sleeves, and get busy. Does this idea excite you, and make your eyes sparkle? It does mine. I am willing, are you?
The first three principals of the Twelve Step program are honesty, hope, and faith; and in the first three steps we practice honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. I would like to suggest within the first three months of this new year we honestly and open-mindedly take a look at our SRL as a whole and ask, “What message are we sending out to the world of Twelve Step recovery and serenity retreats?” What message would we like to send out about our amazing organization? Are we up for the task to make it stronger, make it better, and make a difference?
We also must take an honest look at ourselves, individually, and our autonomous groups as ambassadors for the SRL. Are we doing all we can to spread the message and help others? Do we have the willingness to keep this organization alive and well? Do we have the faith to keep it going and growing? Are we doing our part to contribute to the organization for its ongoing and constant support? Do we have the hope we will be effective as we continue to carry the spiritual message of SRL to our established retreats, while expanding ourselves to the rest of the planet who so desperately needs the comfort, strength, and wisdom which our Serenity Retreats provide?
Please take some time to ponder this message, and listen to what your heart tells you. If you are interested in refining, renewing, revamping, and reviving our organization, I would love to hear your ideas. I am wide open for suggestions and feedback. You can contact me by email:
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or by cell phone: 805-801-4223.
I look forward to hearing from you!
In love and service,
Maryanne Zarycka, Executive Director
Serenity Retreat League, Inc. |
