Next month, many people across the United States and Canada turn their focus to the world of recovery. It’s a unique opportunity to shine a bit of the spotlight on Al‑Anon recovery. As our loved ones are either living with active alcoholism or living in sobriety, we owe it to ourselves to celebrate our own serenity.
Before Al‑Anon, I didn’t truly understand this serenity thing. The Serenity Prayer was just something we said at meetings but remained a mystery to me. I want to say I had this big aha moment, but it just kind of snuck up on me. As a son of an alcoholic, I grew up to be somewhat obsessive-compulsive. I started to notice that some of the little things that would annoy me no longer did. Now, the toilet paper still needs to go on the correct way; but I found I was able to recognize, and not stress over, the things I didn’t have control over much more quickly. This led me to a place of inner peace that I don’t remember ever feeling before—a calm I had never experienced. Next month, I will celebrate my recovery and the serenity I have been so blessed to experience.
The way I plan to celebrate this is by practicing the Twelfth Step and carrying this message of hope out into the world so that others can experience the same feelings that I have. Reaching out to others in need of help is made easier with many of the available public outreach service tools. The Outreach Bookmark (M-76) was redesigned recently and is available for free. The 20 questions pamphlets, Are You Troubled by Someone’s Drinking? Al‑Anon Is for You! (S-17), Has Your Life Been Affected by Someone Else’s Drinking? Alateen Is for You! (S-20), and Did You Grow Up with a Problem Drinker? Al‑Anon Is for You! (S-25) are also great resources for those who may not yet believe Al‑Anon is right for them. They can be downloaded for free or purchased for three cents. Of course, there is always our public outreach magazine, Al‑Anon Faces Alcoholism, which is much more comprehensive, filled with sharings from members and professionals. All of these tools can be found on the Al‑Anon online store or by contacting your local Al‑Anon Literature Distribution Center.
Our message of hope is too precious to keep to ourselves. Celebrate your recovery by helping others find theirs.
By Scot P., Associate Director—Digital Strategy
The Forum, August 2020
Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.
I believe Al-Anon saves lives. The effects of alcoholism is so mentally exhausting that we become codependent without even knowing it. When the doors of Al-Anon open our mind it’s too late for some of us. If we don’t get help we loose sanity without knowing what really was the cause. I will be celebrating returning to Al-Anon by continuing my trying 90 meetings in 90 days.
Thank you! Great way to share the message of hope. Personally, I’m going to get some of the M-76 bookmarks and distribute them as the result of this article.
Al-Anon has helped me through several difficult experiences impacting me & my family of origin as well as my own family. It’s restored my optimism, serenity and happiness to enjoy my life regardless of what the future holds. I’ve gained wisdom and depth in understanding exactly who I am. Thus, liberating me to share more with the world. It’s been an amazing ride of which I am truly grateful!
Scot, Thank you!
Thank you for the free downloads to help spread the message of recovery!