When I first started in Al‑Anon, I knew I needed help. I knew I needed to change myself to survive my relationship with my newly sober spouse. Now that he was working a program, I had become the crazy one! So, I reluctantly brought myself to my first meeting, having exhausted all other options. I didn’t know if Al‑Anon would help, or how, but I knew I needed something. I finally wanted what those folks had—peace and serenity.
I really enjoyed the meetings. The people were nice, the stories were real, and I didn’t feel alone anymore. At the end of every meeting, they’d say, “Keep Coming Back.” But I didn’t really latch onto the slogans or acronyms. I did my fair share of reading, and I understood the premise of Al‑Anon intellectually, but it was not a part of me—yet.
But, as the slogan goes, I kept coming back. And guess what? It worked when I let it! About three months in, I found a Sponsor and started working the Steps. Slowly but surely, without me really realizing it, Al‑Anon became a part of me. I no longer have to try to remember a slogan or an acronym. I just know them. I no longer have to think, “What would Al‑Anon members say or do here?” It’s become instinctive.
Al‑Anon gave me the peace and serenity I sought. But, as I hear at every meeting, I have to “Keep Coming Back” and allow the program to work.
By Alicia C., Texas
The Forum, May 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.