The First Step Was the Hardest
For me, Step One was the hardest of the Twelve Steps. Step One says, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” I thought I was in control, and I didn’t want to admit
The Step before the Steps
I have been in and out of Al‑Anon for at least the last 20 years. My pattern was this: A crisis would arise with one of the alcoholics in my life, and I would show up at a
How to Hold a Writing Meeting or Workshop
The Forum and all Conference Approved Literature depend on writing by Al‑Anon members. Holding an occasional writing meeting or workshop is a great way to generate sharings that can be submitted for publication. Here are some suggestions: Writing
Serving as an At-Large Committee Member
When I was invited to share my experience as a member of the Forum Editorial Advisory Committee (FEAC), I was scared, but I jumped on the opportunity to further my recovery by reflecting upon and sharing my experience, strength,
It’s Election Time—Are You Standing for Delegate?
When I was the World Service Office (WSO) Meeting Planner, the World Service Conference (WSC) seemed so mysterious to me! As part of my position, I helped with WSC registration, meals, room set-ups, etc., but I had no idea
I Will “Keep Coming Back”
Relating, empathizing, and learning from the experiences of other Al‑Anon members helps me feel understood and reminds me I am not alone. There is a deep connection and a powerful community here that I haven’t felt anywhere else. As
I Am All These Things
In Al‑Anon, I have learned that while there have been tragedies in my life, my life is not a tragedy. There are many components that make up the whole of me. No one thing solely defines me. This is
After the Earth Collapsed
When I walked through the door of my first Al‑Anon meeting, I felt desperate and broken. I was hoping for some guidance or enlightenment and really needed some reassurance that I wasn’t going crazy. I was so entangled with
Frequently Asked Questions about Contributing to AFG, Inc.
Q. Is my contribution tax deductible? A. Yes, all individual contributions to Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. (AFG, Inc.) and Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters (Canada), Inc. (AFG Canada, Inc.) are tax deductible to the full extent of the
Amazing People with Big Hearts
When I went to Alateen the first time, I was anxious and afraid. What if I say the wrong thing? What if they don’t like me? What if they think I have it easy? What if I freeze
A Vital Aspect of Self-Support
When I first joined Al‑Anon, I thought the Seventh Tradition of self-support only related to individual groups and the donations collected when the basket was passed. I have since learned that the Seventh Tradition applies far beyond the
Discovering “A Little Time for Myself”!
Ever since One Day at a Time in Al‑Anon (B-6) was first introduced 55 years ago, Al‑Anon members have considered our daily readers among their favorite pieces of Conference Approved Literature. Whether first thing in the morning, last