When the 2018 World Service Conference approved the development of a Just for Tonight bookmark (M-81), I was excited that I would have another Al‑Anon tool to “continue to take personal inventory” as I practiced Step Ten. Three years later, after using the bookmark each night, I was even more excited when the Conference voted to develop a similar bookmark suggested by Alateen members. As a frequent reader of Alateen literature and a past Alateen Group Sponsor, I was already a big fan of the raw and unfiltered honesty of Alateen members. Because of their ability to “Keep It Simple” and get directly to the point in their literature, I looked forward to keeping both bookmarks ready on my nightstand. But first, the bookmark needed to be developed!
A call for sharings was announced to Alateen members, and soon, over 100 responses were received and reviewed by the Literature Committee. The highest-rated sharings were formatted into a manuscript, which went through two drafts before getting the unanimous approval of the Committee. It was also approved by an Alateen Task Force, the Director of Programs, the Policy Review Task Force, and the Executive Director. Once designed, translated, and printed, it made its debut to the fellowship last September.
There wasn’t room on the bookmark to include all of the wonderful sharings received, but here are some of the runners-up. Hope you enjoy them!
Just for tonight I will accept that I am kind, brave, and loved unconditionally—not only by my Higher Power, but also by many in the Alateen fellowship.
Just for tonight I will accept where I am and not try to control everything in my life. I will accept others as they are and treat them with respect and kindness. I will take everything a day (or a night) at a time.
Just for tonight I will acknowledge that I am not alone. I will ask for help and learn to start feeling comfortable in my own skin. I will review the progress I have made today, knowing that I don’t need to be perfect for myself or anyone else.
Just for tonight I will respect myself. I will not allow myself to get caught up in family chaos. I’ll take some time for myself and focus on my own recovery and not my family. I will let myself be who I am and let them be who they are.
Just for tonight I will remember that everything takes time. My relationships will not heal in a day, so I will apply “Easy Does It” and take “One Day at a Time.” I will turn over all my worries, frustrations, and hurt feelings to the God of my own understanding.
By Tom C., Associate Director—Literature Emeritus
The Forum, June 2024
“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.