Staying on My Side of the Court
I hadn't played tennis for many years but took it up again after my marriage to an alcoholic ended. Although I really enjoyed playing, I would often finish a game feeling angry and resentful toward my opponent. During
Caring for the Parent Who Didn’t Care for Me
I didn’t realize I was raised in alcoholism. Mine felt like a typical Gen X childhood—latchkey kid, caring for younger siblings, parents who worked hard and partied harder. Only later did I understand the instability and trauma that
Stepping Off the Merry-Go-Round
Before I came to Al-Anon, there were two merry-go-rounds whirling in my life, like an echo or double vision. One revolved around my older brother, who was also severely affected by alcoholism and who began mimicking our father’s sickness, behaving violently toward our mother and me. I,
I Found My Voice
Growing up, the alcoholism in my family was kept a secret. Both my parents were alcoholics, though that's not to say they weren't great parents. I have many memories of snuggling up with them after coming in from playing
What Is “Equalized Expense”?
The term “Equalized Expense” first appeared in a 1960 letter from Sue L., Chairperson of the Conference Committee. Sue’s letter described how Delegate expenses to the first World Service Conference (WSC) in 1961 would be funded. Because the
“Beyond the Group Level”—Clarifying Our World Service Application Language
Members know that in Al‑Anon we love our phrases and acronyms. One of the most familiar—the “Three Cs”—offers hope to newcomers as they learn, “We didn’t cause the disease of alcoholism, we cannot control it, and we can’t
If I Am Aware, I Am Responsible
Years ago, I decided to branch out and find an additional meeting to attend in the town where I lived. There were limited choices in this relatively small community, including a local meeting I attended occasionally. What I
I Put Myself First
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I never realized how deeply I was affected by growing up in an alcoholic family. However, attending Al‑Anon meetings slowly but surely taught me how to take care of myself. For a long time, I never put
From Worry to Wonder
I have been a worrier since childhood, and I had reason to be. My mother developed rheumatoid arthritis at 35 and spent years in a wheelchair. My father drank too much beer and had mood swings that ranged from
When Resentment Is a Signal
I have heard in the program that if I am full of resentment, it's time to look at myself. I became tired of feeling angry and victimized. I sat with my anger long enough to realize that it
Preserving Our Shared Journey: Archives and Digital Innovation in Al-Anon
Across the Al-Anon fellowship, archives play a vital role in preserving our shared history, wisdom, and growth. Whether meeting flyers, newsletters, or personal reflections, these materials tell the story of how members around the world have found healing
From Letters to Logins: WSO’s Role in Our Mobile App
As we celebrate 75 years of Al-Anon Family Groups, we honor the vision of Lois W. and Anne B. who founded the Clearing House in 1951 to share the collective wisdom of members with members. Through letters, newsletters,