Finding Unity Across Borders: Connecting with Members in Asia
From time to time, the Board of Trustees for Al-Anon Family Groups Headquarters, Inc. authorizes Trustees and Staff members of the World Service Office to arrange visits to Al-Anon Service Structures around the world. The purpose of these visits
Unfurling As Myself
There came a time in my recovery when I became aware of something missing, some imbalance. I was aware of my shortcomings and had become more willing to make amends and changes. The image of me emerging from
Revisiting Trust
Before Al-Anon I trusted everyone and no one. How could that be? I had no boundaries, so I blabbed and complained to anyone who would listen. Yet, I didn’t share with those who mattered in my life, because
Tapping into Serenity
One morning, I was sitting outside enjoying a cup of tea and looking at the trees across an open field. A slight mist drifted through the treetops, and a large maple dropped the occasional spinning seed that floated gracefully
Translation FAQ
Part of our mission at Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. (AFG, Inc.) is to serve our global fellowship by publishing our Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. We also frequently receive inquiries about
I Gave Myself Another Look
After decades of being a chameleon, changing and adapting myself to safely belong, I didn’t have a solid grasp of who I truly was. The small sense of self I developed growing up in an alcoholic home was
Serenity in Times of Stress
I find the Al-Anon slogans very handy to use as reminders on my journey to recovery. My two favorites are “Let Go and Let God” and “Let It Begin with Me.” These slogans capture the essence of the
Balance from My Center
A hula hoop is a fitting metaphor for what is and what isn’t within my control. My hula hoop is large, sturdy, and does not easily bend. I carry it with me all day, every day. It reminds
“Let It Begin with Me”: A Call to Action
The Al-Anon Declaration Let It Begin with Me When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and—Let It Begin with Me. To some, these words may sound like
CAL in Many Languages: The International Translation and Reprint Process
Thinking back to when I first came into the rooms of Al-Anon, I remember being filled with fear and uncertainty. By the end of that first meeting, I had a dozen pamphlets and a copy of How Al‑Anon Works
No Affiliation with Meeting Space Facilities
When starting new Al-Anon and Alateen groups, members may look for publicly accessible, inexpensive meeting spaces to rent. Places of public worship, clubs, hospitals, and schools are common locations. Common spaces for electronic meetings include Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp.
Drawing on a New Dynamic
Arriving at the Al‑Anon rooms, I felt out of my element hearing a different “language” than the one I had learned. Members spoke of spiritual principles that were guides to live by. Those statements made my skin crawl,