How do you practice the Al‑Anon Declaration?
April’s topic is, “How do you practice the Al‑Anon Declaration?”
As always, you can also write about Al‑Anon’s three Legacies. This month features Step Four, Tradition Four, and Concept Four.
Sharings on the Member Blog may be used in future Al‑Anon publications.
New topics are being added each month!
This is a great discussion question. It is interesting to hear different points of view around which statement in the Al-Anon Declaration stands out to each of us. “When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and–Let It Begin with Me.” I see myself wanting & trying often to be one of those hands that reaches back to the person reaching for help and can do this in various ways. I try to chair & share at meetings on a regular basis, greet newcomers, be active in my group and District,… Read more »
“Let It Begin with Me” means showing up for myself and sharing my experience, strength, and hope with others at meetings. I share about the program when asked, but I don’t go overboard and share it to anyone who will listen like I did when I was new to the program. That’s the “reaches out for help” part and the anonymity that we know is so important.
For me, practicing the Al-Anon Declaration means continuing to show up for those affected by someone else’s drinking. Occasionally, there are nights when I don’t feel like going to a meeting. But then I remember this line — “when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help.” And I think about how, seven years ago, I was the one reaching out, desperate for relief. Someone showed up for me. Now it’s my turn to be there for someone else. We say this Declaration at the end of every meeting, after we’ve listened to each other share our experience, strength, and hope. We… Read more »
When I first came into the program the Al-Anon Declaration meant I was supposed to carry the message to everyone I encountered. And I was more than happy to do so. I would talk to anyone, anytime, even when it was not asked for. I had a lot to learn! It was only recently, in listening to a newcomer’s share, that I came to understand that it is not only acceptable and encouraged to reach out to others, it is also necessary for me to “Let It Begin with Me” in an entirely selfish way – and that’s not a… Read more »
The Al-Anon Declaration was put into action pretty early after I came to the program. I was delighted to talk about Al-Anon and Alateen to whoever had 10 minutes to give me. I believe that whatever I said in those days and in whatever way I said was not in vain. Although, I feel today that I was not prepared as I had not integrated the program in my life some people might still have come to the program as the result of my sharing. Today, I feel that the people who knew me might have wondered what Al-Anon was… Read more »
I practice the Al-Anon Declaration by being able to be there for others in need and help by offering some words of encouragement whenever things are tough. It helps when someone has a relatable story to mine and I’m able to validate their feelings because I’ve been there before, but also offer hope because there is always a solution even if it looks different for others there is still a way out of the chaos of the disease.
I practice this Declaration by remembering that I want to watch what I say and do. “Let It Begin with Me” means to me that no matter what anyone else is doing or saying I will focus on my own behavior. I will listen to others; think of their share. Does it have meaning to help me live my life? Do I have a need to respond? Do I stick to “I” statements? I do my best to not pass judgements. I have not lived in anyone else’s life. I have been in Al-Anon for three decades and still need… Read more »
Our District ends our monthly meeting with the Al-Anon Declaration. Whenever anyone, anywhere…I thought about it and decided or was easily guided to be one of the volunteers to cover our District’s Information Phone Line. At first, we passed a phone between each other, but that was awkward and time consuming. In an accident, the cell phone dropped to the floor, almost coming apart into two pieces. We put it back together with elastic bands. Meanwhile our District Representative had heard from another District about a virtual Voice service, which allowed us to have multiple people answer the Phone line… Read more »
I practice the Al-Anon Declaration by looking at myself (my actions, reactions, and behavior) before looking at the same in others. I use the tools I’ve acquired to set an example for others. I treat others with respect before I expect respect from them. I address my issues and don’t interfere with or hinder those working on themselves by offering unwanted suggestions or opinions. I am always present if someone needs help, but only if they want it from me. I mind my business instead of trying to control others’. I let it begin with me.
For me, “Let It Begin with Me” includes action steps. Welcoming newcomers and doing service. Also, recognizing that change begins with me and understanding the change in others, particularly those I care about, comes at a different rate, if at all. Patience, understanding, boundaries, and taking care of myself are things I can control.
“Let It Begin with Me” is one of my favorite slogans. I use it as a reminder to be the best version of myself that I can be. I even bought a bracelet that simply says: Begin. Each time I wear that bracelet, I am reminded that I can make a difference in someone’s life, including my own. My beloved stepmother taught our family that love is an action word and to me, “Let It Begin with Me” and love go hand in hand. By reaching out to others, we are showing them the warmth and love mentioned in the… Read more »
My kids and I decided to Let it begin with us by starting an Alateen meeting. We show up almost every week. The meeting takes place at a church where simultaneous Al-Anon and A.A. meetings are happening. It is hard to start an Alateen meeting, and attendance is low, but we have occasional new folks, and we are raising awareness of Alateen by being present and visible to regular A.A. and Al-Anon members. We may never know what seeds we are planting as a result, but we know that our Higher Power may be at work in ways we don’t… Read more »
The Al-Anon Declaration is about carrying the program to others, basically 12th Step work. When I travel on cruise ships they have open AA meetings and I participate as a “Friend of Lois”. When I discussed with my Sponsor, I was asked “do you take Newcomer Packets to hand out?” No, I didn’t but now I sure do! This is one way of practicing the Declaration. Another is I became an Al-Anon Member in Alateen Service (AMIAS) and found it to be what I really enjoy, sponsoring Alateen meetings. Our District had ZERO Alateen meetings after Covid. Our District Rep… Read more »
I grew up in a family impacted by alcoholism. One of the results was that I learned that my thoughts and feelings would not be respected so it was better to keep them to myself. There was not open conflict between members of my family but we were not close. As I grew older, I drifted away from my parents and siblings. We weren’t necessarily in conflict; we just didn’t relate much. When my own son grew up and moved away to go to college I started to see that the old pattern of disconnection could happen. My relationship with… Read more »