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
A Mother’s Journey: From Control to Acceptance
Today while I was working in the backyard, one of our chickens flew over the fence of the pen and joined me. I thought nothing of it and continued my work. However, before learning that this chicken could
Electronic Group Registration: Geographic Area or Global Electronic Area?
Part of the registration process for Al‑Anon electronic groups is determining whether a group wants to register with the geographic Area or with the Global Electronic Area (GEA). The questions below can be used to guide the group
Our Differences Weave One Tapestry
As a child, I thought of my differences from others as something that made me special. No one else I knew lived in a single-parent home or moved and changed schools every year. As I grew, I tried
New Beginnings, New Hope, New Choices
How many beginnings do I have in my life? As the world changes, as I change, opportunities for new beginnings appear. Accepting that change is a fact and a reality has certainly helped me in my recovery. It took
Al-Anon “Is” the Place for Me
Some people can remember the exact date they first came to an Al‑Anon meeting. I do not. I remember, though, the exact situation that caused me to follow through on actually walking into my first meeting. It was the