The Courage to Grow
When I entered the Al‑Anon rooms for the first time, I was in deep despair. My adult daughter’s drinking was out of control. She was living with us, so her drinking affected my husband and I daily. I
In the Right Place
I remember what it was like to come to my first meeting. Actually, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) encouraged me to attend. I certainly knew I needed the help. During the meeting, I was introduced to the
An Al-Anon Adult Child Finds Her Way
I didn’t know when I walked into my first Al‑Anon meeting what was wrong with me. I felt hopeless—not from my inability to solve an alcoholic’s problem, but from failing to solve my own problems. I was in a
Planning Al-Anon’s Future—One Conversation at a Time
The Big Question session of the International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) agenda is an opportunity to explore and speculate on the future. As a newcomer in service, these were the discussions I had the hardest time with.
My Journey to Serenity
When I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting, I was in a state of desperation, looking for a way to “fix” my son, the alcoholic. I didn’t know anyone at that meeting. Nevertheless, some members greeted me warmly, made
Moment of Clarity
I was not affected by alcoholism, even though I grew up in it. At least, that is what I thought at the time. When my mom went into rehab during my senior year of high school, I thought
I Felt Compassion
I remember seeing sun beams through the trees and feeling a gentle breeze that was lapping small waves across the water. It was so peaceful. But as I sat on that porch looking at the scene before me,
Concept Nine and the Principle of Flexibility
Concept Nine states: “Good personal leadership at all service levels is a necessity. In the field of world service the Board of Trustees assumes the primary leadership.” My first thought is, “What does this have to do with
Reaching Out to Help Children of Alcoholics
It was a cold, dark, February night when I came to my first Al‑Anon meeting. I was young in years (only a couple years too late for Alateen), but I felt ancient, worn-out, and totally lost in spirit.
Putting the Focus on Myself
Growing up, my focus was always on my raging, alcoholic father, and what I could do to stay out of harm’s way. He made it clear to me that I was unlovable and worthless. At such a young
I Have an Amazing Life
I had recently separated from my husband. He had a drinking problem that I was trying to ignore. A couple of my close friends knew some of what was happening at my house. A few months before my
My Sigh of Relief
In the 20 years of living with active alcoholism, my view of people and situations in my life had become severely distorted. I was plagued by guilt because I knew life was a gift to be celebrated, but