Prayer
I prayed for 20 years and received no answer, until I prayed with my legs. — Frederick Douglass
Category: Quick Insights
Words, words, words
The more words you use, the less value each word has. — JTWB
Advice
Not Conference-Approved, but I like it.
Are You Listening?
To listen attentively to someone’s perspective without arguing or trying to change their mind shows a willingness to connect. — Amy Erez
Got Bread?
The reading in Courage to Change for January 2 reminds us that “Turning to an alcoholic for affection and support is like going to a hardware store for bread.” It explains that “While our loved ones may not meet our … Continue reading “Got Bread?” →
Spiritual not religious
“Al‑Anon is not allied with any sect or denomination. It is a spiritual program, based on no particular form of religion.” — from the pamphlet Alcoholism, the Family Disease © Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia, 2005. Good quote, source … Continue reading “Spiritual not religious” →
Who gets the cheese?
This is a new one I heard recently, and it explains why Progress Not Perfection and PAUSE are important. The early bird gets the worm …
The 4th C
I’ve heard various versions of a fourth “C” for Al-Anon’s three Cs. This is my favorite so far: I didn’t Cause it, I can’t Cure it, and I can’t Control it, but I have Choices.
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
Change
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. Maya Angelou
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” →
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.
All Day Long
“I used to set aside a time to pray. No more! I told my Higher Power ‘Let’s talk all day long. Let’s never hang up.’” — Janie K, CA Published in The Forum, March 2023
Our Lives Become a Light
“Carrying the message does not mean we become evangelists; it means our lives become a light. We will learn how to shine. If we apply this program to all areas of our lives, it will work in all areas of … Continue reading “Our Lives Become a Light” →
Lightbulb moment
For those moments when you need a good laugh: Non Al-Anon answer: “It’s fine. I’ll just sit here in the dark….I don’t need light….”
Not Your Fault
“It is not your fault you experienced trauma, but it is your responsibility to heal from it.”
Boundaries
Boundaries describe actions you will take and do not require the cooperation of anyone else.
I don’t have living alcoholics in my life now
But they are still living in my head. … heard at a meeting