I Must Heal First
I am powerless over alcoholism. For many years I treated Step One as a lesson. I could not do anything about my loved one’s drinking. I was powerless over the alcoholic’s lying, stealing, anger, and absenteeism from our
Exercising Patience
I have been contemplating the beauty of sunsets and sunrises recently. They are not like the light switches in my home that, when flipped, immediately plunge a room into darkness or flood it with light. Rather, sunsets and sunrises are
Understanding the “Report a Problem” with a Meeting Process
Have you ever arrived at an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting only to find that the door was locked, that the location was incorrect, or that it had been canceled altogether? This can be incredibly frustrating and disappointing, especially
Carrying the Al-Anon Message Online
Whether we use social media to connect with friends and family or follow our favorite interests, it has become a large part of our lives. Social media is one way we can carry the Al‑Anon message, but it can
The Value of Sharing Our Experience
Before Al‑Anon, I thought the loving thing to do when anyone shared their problems with me was to offer them my best advice about how to fix whatever the problem was. Whether I had any expertise related to their
I Needed Help…and Support
When I first got into the program, I saw a sign hanging on the wall of a therapist’s office that read, “When the pain is greater than the fear, then you are ready”—ready to change. But because my fear
Happiness Is My Choice
I started Al‑Anon in my 30s. I’m now in my 70s. My perceptions of my alcoholic loved one have changed. I used to blame him for everything. If I was in a bad mood, it was because of him.
I Am No Longer Alone
Before I came to Al‑Anon, a counselor told me that my soul was dry. I had no idea what she meant. I was angry and frustrated, and I blamed others for my problems. My dad drank too much, but
Finding Unity Across Borders: Connecting with Members in Asia
From time to time, the Board of Trustees for Al-Anon Family Groups Headquarters, Inc. authorizes Trustees and Staff members of the World Service Office (WSO) to arrange visits to Al-Anon Service Structures around the world. The purpose of
Unfurling As Myself
There came a time in my recovery when I became aware of something missing, some imbalance. I was aware of my shortcomings and had become more willing to make amends and changes. The image of me emerging from
Revisiting Trust
Before Al-Anon I trusted everyone and no one. How could that be? I had no boundaries, so I blabbed and complained to anyone who would listen. Yet, I didn’t share with those who mattered in my life, because
Tapping into Serenity
One morning, I was sitting outside enjoying a cup of tea and looking at the trees across an open field. A slight mist drifted through the treetops, and a large maple dropped the occasional spinning seed that floated