Self-Care Is Not Selfish
In my personal life, the slogan “Let It Begin with Me” reminds me that taking care of myself is not selfish; it’s the opposite. Before I found Al‑Anon, I didn’t think about taking care of myself, because I
Top Five Reasons for Your Group to Subscribe to “The Forum”
5. The Forum communicates important news and information from the World Service Office directly to Al‑Anon groups. 4. Representing The Forum to the group and encouraging members to submit sharings is one of the suggested responsibilities of a
So Much Support for Service
When I was first asked to consider becoming a Group Representative, I had no idea what was involved. It was the love of other members that gently guided me to further understanding, directed me towards the abundance of
I Found Hope
I remember at my first Al‑Anon meeting wanting to sit in the back and be invisible. It was a big group, over 50 people, in a church hall. The speakers were up front. I remember laughter. I could not
Proof Positive that Al‑Anon Works
Al‑Anon saved my life. It returned me to sanity, stabilized my life, and gave me serenity. Al‑Anon helped me to forgive myself. It helped me redefine my relationship with my Higher Power, whom I call God, and brought me
Responding to the Disease of Alcoholism
Accepting that alcoholism is a disease has been tough for me to grasp. I believe it’s true, but sometimes it’s hard to wrap my mind around it. The hardest part to accept is the behavior alcoholism drives. I
Welcoming Observers to Al-Anon Meetings
When groups register with the World Service Office (WSO), they are asked to indicate whether they welcome observers at their meeting. These observers may or may not be affected by someone else’s drinking; however, they may be in
Just a Teen’s Reach Away
I have been drawn to Alateen service ever since recognizing that my own struggles throughout my teen years were actually the effects of living with the disease of alcoholism. My struggle to claim my independence in the face
Living Out the Al-Anon Declaration
In my early days in Al‑Anon, I gained a deeper awareness of the impact of alcoholism on my life and relationships. Through Al‑Anon meetings, literature, and the shared experiences of fellow members, I recognized the effects of alcoholism
Recovery Is Possible
It wasn’t easy learning to take care of myself when I first started attending Al‑Anon meetings. Many tears were shed in the beginning. I was mentally and physically weak, and at times I didn’t think a better life
The First Step Was the Hardest
For me, Step One was the hardest of the Twelve Steps. Step One says, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” I thought I was in control, and I didn’t want to admit
The Step before the Steps
I have been in and out of Al‑Anon for at least the last 20 years. My pattern was this: A crisis would arise with one of the alcoholics in my life, and I would show up at a