The Joy of Service
When I first found the courage to say yes to service, it was with the thought that I would be giving. I was not prepared for all that came back to me in abundance. The growth in my
Different Introductions to the Steps
As someone who has been affected by the family disease of alcoholism, I tend to be sensitive to inconsistencies. When something feels “off,” or when I am getting mixed signals or conflicting messages, I get nervous, and a
Our Common Thread Provides Safety
I have found the rooms of Al‑Anon to be a safe place for me. I say this because all who attend share the common thread of being affected by the disease of alcoholism. Ultimately, I’ve come to realize
My Tool for Program Reflection
I belong to an electronic Al‑Anon group, categorized on the Al‑Anon meeting search page as a “bulletin board” group. I love it! It has become a powerful tool for working my program, because of the unique advantages a
From Crisis to Awakening
I had been in Al‑Anon for six years when a family crisis erupted that involved my grandchildren and required immediate action to ensure their safety in that moment. I was able to deescalate the situation; then I promptly
My Alateen Story
The moment I noticed something wasn’t right with my parents was when I needed help with my homework one day, and I asked my dad to help me. When I went over to him, he had a beer
Passing on the Help I’ve Found
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
Changes to Trustee and Executive Committee Nominating Process
It’s November at the World Service Office (WSO), and guess what? Right now, Al‑Anon members with resumes submitted, potentially from your Area, are preparing for the next step in the Trustee and At-Large Executive Committee (EC) member nominating
The Things that Change and the Things that Stay the Same
When computers, and all that came with them—email, chat, web conferencing systems—first started entering the mainstream back in the 1990s, the World Service Office began registering electronic meetings as a method of public outreach. This was a way
Unified Worldwide
What does it truly mean when we say, “I am a grateful member of the worldwide fellowship of Al‑Anon and Alateen”? Do we pause to consider that the family disease of alcoholism affects families worldwide, and do we recognize
Passing on the Comfort I Found
I came to Al‑Anon out of desperation. I was desperate to learn how to get my alcoholic loved one to stop drinking. I was consumed with anxiety and obsessed about his every move. I felt guilty about neglecting
The Power of Letting Go
Whenever I’m trying to control things I can’t control and trying to dictate instead of accept, my life starts to feel unmanageable. This feeling is particularly strong when I’m dealing with another person who isn’t acting the way