Strength
My dark days made me strong. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it. — quote featured on the app Today’s Hope
Blog
On Time
The only meeting you are late to is your first one. — Heard in a meeting
A Special Word
The Al-Anon books In All Our Affairs, From Survival to Recovery, and How Al-Anon Works all have a page on “A Special Word to Anyone Confronted with Violence.” One of the statements is: It is not necessary to decide how … Continue reading “A Special Word” →
Letter from the Alcoholic
The letter from the alcoholic is a classic and useful piece of Al-Anon literature, from the pamphlet “Three Views of Alcoholism” (P-15). An excerpt is Don’t let me provoke your anger. If you attack me verbally or physically, you will … Continue reading “Letter from the Alcoholic” →
FEAR
There’s always another acronym: A new one recently heard is FEAR = Frantic Effort to Assume Responsibility. Read more acronyms here
Exclusive
To join Alcoholics Anonymous, you just need a desire to stop drinking. To join Al-Anon, you have to know someone.
The Blanket
The daily reader Courage to Change has a great reading on detachment with love. The author of the page for January 22 (page 22) shares that her alcoholic spouse would often fall out of bed, and she would always get … Continue reading “The Blanket” →
Change
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. Maya Angelou
LOVE
LOVE = Let Others Voluntarily Evolve
Amends
An apology without restitution/amends is like a burglar saying “I’m sorry I broke into your home. But I’m keeping your stuff.”
Aphorisms
An aphorism is a short saying that observes a general truth. This is a growing collection of aphorisms I have heard in the rooms and other places. See also the conference-approved Al-Anon slogans at Al-Anon Slogans – Al-Anon Family Groups. The … Continue reading “Aphorisms” →
Acronyms
A growing list … ABC = Anger, Blaming, Complaining (Don’ts)DETACH = Don’t Even Think About Changing Him/HerFAITH = First Accept It Then HopeFEAR = False Evidence Appearing RealFEAR = Forgetting Everything’s All RightFEAR = Frantic Effort to Assume ResponsibilityFEAR = … Continue reading “Acronyms” →
The Lord’s Prayer at Meetings
Here are three perspectives on this topic. The consensus seems to be that it is a matter of group conscience and of “take what you like and leave the rest.” Notes from the Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA) – … Continue reading “The Lord’s Prayer at Meetings” →
The G Word
Some alternatives: GOD = Good Orderly DirectionGroup Of DetachersGroup Of DogsGift Of DesperationGrow Or DieGifts Offered DailyGrace Over DramaGive Others DignityGive Ourselves Dignity God is the name we give to the unknown.
Beyond the Next Step
Bitterness is not the end,it’s the beginning—of understanding,of healing,of hope.Forgotten joy, overshadowedby endless nights and broken promises.Silent dinners, empty apologies—the unseen toll of love’s labor lost.Mourning what could have been,in the shadows of what is.Patience stretched thin,love’s weight—unbearable, yet borne.Learning … Continue reading “Beyond the Next Step” →
Holiday Survival Tips
It’s okay to excuse yourself…
PAUSE
Acronym heard in a meeting: PAUSE More acronyms for PAUSE: Pause And Use Spiritual Energy Perhaps Another Useful Solution Exists People Are Usually Stupid, Expect it
Things I cannot change
The Past The Truth You — heard from Father Tom W.
Stronger
What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger? Nope. Done with that.
Gentle Reminder
I have character defects and I am not afraid to use them.