Personal Stories

Courage to See the Good Some days, all I notice in my partner are the things that drive me crazy, even though he is sober. My nerves are on edge. It feels like the same tension repeating over and over. How do I interrupt this negative cycle? It’s simple: I “Let It Begin with Me,” even though it feels awkward. I make a conscious effort to see and acknowledge something good in my husband. I look him in the eyes,…

An Open Heart and Mind When I first came to Al‑Anon many, many years ago, I did not understand what the program was about. I felt a small sense of peace, but I ran away, which was typical of me, and I did not return for several years. When I returned about two years ago, my heart felt ready to receive the program, and I was desperate. I have learned so much about myself, it’s unbelievable. Much of it I…

From Pain to Purpose When I first came to Al‑Anon, I had no idea how profoundly my life would change. Five years into the program, I lost my husband to alcoholism. Along with the pain of bereavement came a deep fear that I might no longer belong in the Al‑Anon rooms, which had become my safe haven. However, I was wrong! The love of my Sponsor and fellow members remained steadfast. They let me cry and grieve, then gently welcomed…

I Gave Myself Another Look

Our Differences Weave One Tapestry As a child, I thought of my differences from others as something that made me special. No one else I knew lived in a single-parent home or moved and changed schools every year. As I grew, I tried to learn from others how to fit in. I saw that having a partner was a popular thing. I thought alcoholism entered my life when my partner did. But when I finally found Al‑Anon, I learned that…

Comfort in a Rough Place “You are in a rough place right now,” my Sponsor said as we walked together before our meeting. I had asked him to meet me 30 minutes early to help me find some firm ground. My brother had died four days earlier, and my partner was spiraling into a drunken bottom of her own. Violence and chaos dominated my home life. Neither I nor my son felt safe in our home. I just wanted space…

By the Grace of God and with the help of Al-anon programme, i am living a happy, comfortable and peaceful life. I came to Al-anon 15 years back and at that time, there were only a few Al-anon groups in my District. That is Malappuram District in Kerala. But I started attending Al-anon meetings, wherever i could, started reading Al-anon literature, and focused only on my recovery . Earlier, i was always focusing on my alcoholic and being worried about…

Adhering to Policies without Policing The introduction to the “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies,” the second section of the 2022–2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) v3, states, “The ‘Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies’ reflects policy statements that grew out of questions and experiences from the Al‑Anon fellowship worldwide. They are interpretations of our basic guides, the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Service.” Policies offer consistency when members or groups seek clarification on matters relating to the Al‑Anon fellowship. Before a policy is adopted or…

What, Exactly, Are Al‑Anon’s Spiritual Principles? Early in my recovery, I’d hear members mention “the principles” in meetings. I would see references to “spiritual principles” in our Conference Approved Literature (CAL). I noticed that the Twelfth Step guides us to “practice these principles.” While members in my groups shared freely, I couldn’t seem to understand that there might be an underlying theme to each Legacy that could be considered a “principle.” What were these principles and where could I find…

I’ve thought about my relationship with my Higher Power and my relationship with my son. Here’s what I think my Higher Power would say to me: Shelley, You want to hear from Me about letting your son go. You are not abandoning him, as much as it may feel like it. You are simply transferring his wellbeing from your care to Mine. It was never My intention for you to direct, guide, and control his life. That is My role.…