As I pondered my resolution for the New Year, I realized that the best resolution I could make to myself would be to continue my recovery in Al‑Anon.
When I had been in Al-Anon about one and a half years, my alcoholic loved one had completed a seven-month recovery program and, to my knowledge, was not drinking. I had accepted without reservation that I had not caused the drinking, nor could I control or cure it. I was far more serene than when I’d first come into the meeting rooms. At that time, I wondered whether I still belonged in Al‑Anon. I needed to resolve this question, and, as always, Al‑Anon gave me the tools to make the best decision.
As I worked through my thoughts on the issue, I considered how Al‑Anon encourages me to focus on myself—my own faulty attitudes, thinking, and behavior. The Twelfth Step tells me that this is a program for all of my life, not just my interactions and relationships with the alcoholics in my life. Al‑Anon is a recovery program for every life situation. I had experienced serenity under pressure, and I wanted more of that. I had had a couple of Al‑Anon miracles, and I wanted more of those. I could see the progress I had made toward not just surviving but thriving, no matter the circumstances. Even more would be great.
That was years ago. Through the experience, strength, and hope of other members, I have found answers to nagging questions; relief from fear, anger, and loneliness; an ever-increasing serenity; and an understanding of myself that I never dreamed possible. I realized that to quit Al‑Anon because my life had become better would be incredibly selfish. It would be hoarding all I had gained for myself. Other members had helped me; I needed to do all I could to “carry this message to others.”
I am so glad I chose to continue attending meetings, reading Al‑Anon literature, doing service, and sharing my experience, strength, and hope as generously and honestly as others had with me. It is through all members sharing that the program helps friends and families of alcoholics all over the world.
I know my commitment to Al‑Anon is a resolution I will keep as long as I live. The more I use the tools, the more I grow. It has made an incredibly positive difference in my world.
By Betsy T.
The Forum, December 2024
Feel free to reprint this article on your service arm website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.