We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Don't confuse your path with your destination. Just because it's stormy now, doesn't mean you aren't headed for sunshine later. Don't lose faith.
Trent Shelton - Football Player
Time for intention
Today is too valuable to waste. Today is a time for intention, focus, and meaningful progress.
Get clear about what you can do with the time that currently stretches in front of you. Get clear about the connection between the actions you’ll be taking and what you care about most.
Then, unleash your energy, your creative impulse, your skill, experience, and knowledge. Feel the power of your intention as it blossoms into achievement.
A world of possibility awaits your action. Right now, let that wait be over.
Make it your business today to fulfill your potential, and then go beyond it. Discover how much you can achieve, and how each achievement sets you up for even more.
Now is a great time to live with intention. Show yourself again and again how deeply satisfying it feels to do so.
— Ralph Marston
You Gottawanna Recovery
I’m Grateful for the Consistency and Unity Found in Al-Anon
Growing up in the family disease of alcoholism taught me not to make any plans, not to trust, not to take risks, and not to rock the boat. Having very little I could truly count on, I never knew what to expect. I felt I had no say in decision-making and how things ultimately turned out.
By the time I found Al‑Anon, I was convinced this was my “lot in life.” In Al‑Anon meetings, I heard a clear and consistent message of love and hope, which helped me on the road to recovery and continues to help today. I am thankful for that consistency that is apparent in every meeting I attend, whether at home or when travelling. It ensures that all meetings:
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Welcome anyone affected by someone else’s drinking
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Use only Conference Approved Literature
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Keep the focus on Al‑Anon-related topics and use Al‑Anon terms
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Guard my anonymity and maintain the practice of “Whom you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here”
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Strive to live with and by the policy decisions approved by our World Service Conference, Al‑Anon’s largest representative group conscience, and
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Adhere to the spiritual principles found in the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
This consistency fosters unity and allows us to achieve our primary purpose—to offer help and hope to anyone affected by someone else’s drinking.
In recent months, unable to meet in person, my home group temporarily moved to an electronic platform. The technology may have been unfamiliar and awkward to some, but the meeting was not. We shared the way to access the electronic information about the meeting format, and, while we had to adapt to a different way to participate, our Al‑Anon focus remained the same! Additionally, we made certain that our temporary meeting information was available for anyone seeking help from Al‑Anon.
I am so grateful for the consistency and unity of the Al‑Anon program. Our responsibility as Al‑Anon members is to make sure that when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, that same message of hope and help we found in Al‑Anon is always available.
By Sue P., Associate Director—Group Services
The Forum, November 2020
Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.
I’m Grateful for the Consistency and Unity Found in Al-Anon - Al-Anon Family Groups
Be the calmest person in the room. Know more than they think. Think more than you say, and notice everything. People fear the quiet one.
Unknown
The major key to your better future is you.
Jim Rohn - Entrepreneur-Author-Motivational Speaker
Are you obsessed with the past and what others are doing unable to move forward with your life and still blaming others for your problems? There is still hope that you can find peace and love. You Gottawanna find a solution to fix you and not try to change others. The 12 steps of AA, Al-Anon and NA are the answer.
Resentment does nothing to change the person we resent—nor does it resolve conflict.
stalk·er
/ˈstôkər/
Definition: a person who harasses or persecutes someone with unwanted and obsessive attention.
What kind of person stalks someone?
Stalkers are often obsessive in multiple areas of their life including their romantic inclinations. They usually have repetitive thought patterns that play like a broken record, so they gradually become so preoccupied with their target, they're unable to sleep, forget to eat, and let their jobs go to the wayside. The fantasies can be love oriented or angry and vengeful.
Rejected: Many stalkers have a history of failed relationships or have trouble communicating with others.
Intelligent: Most stalkers are intelligent and they carefully plan their stalking behavior. Most just lack social skills.
What causes people to stalk?
Some people become stalkers because they feel like they've been mistreated in some way. These stalkers often have some form of mental illness, experience feelings of paranoia or persecution, and can be self-righteous and self-pitying. Stalking the victim can be a way to get revenge for their perceived mistreatment
How Al-Anon Changed My Life
Al-Anon is a special group that has made a big difference in my life. It has helped me understand and cope with the challenges that come from having a loved one struggling with alcoholism. In this article, I will share how Al-Anon has positively impacted me and made me feel stronger and happier.
Finding Support: When I first joined Al-Anon, I discovered a supportive community of people who understood what I was going through. They listened to my worries, fears, and frustrations without judging me. Being surrounded by others who had similar experiences made me feel less alone. I realized that there were others who understood my struggles and were willing to help.
Learning about Alcoholism: In Al-Anon, I learned about alcoholism and how it affects both the person drinking and their loved ones. I gained knowledge about the disease and how it can impact relationships, emotions, and daily life. Understanding that alcoholism is an illness and not something I caused or could fix was a crucial realization for me. It helped me let go of feelings of guilt and focus on taking care of myself.
Sharing Experiences: During Al-Anon meetings, I had the opportunity to share my own experiences. Expressing my thoughts and feelings in a safe and accepting environment was therapeutic. Others in the group offered support, advice, and encouragement. It felt good to be heard and validated, and I learned valuable insights from hearing the stories of others as well.
Developing Coping Strategies: Al-Anon provided me with tools and strategies to cope with the challenges I faced. I learned healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Techniques like deep breathing, writing in a journal, and engaging in hobbies or activities I enjoyed helped me find balance and peace. I also discovered the importance of self-care and taking time for myself, which improved my overall well-being.
Building Resilience: Through Al-Anon, I developed resilience, which means bouncing back from difficult situations. I learned to set boundaries, communicate my needs, and prioritize my own well-being. Al-Anon taught me that I couldn't control or change others, but I could control how I reacted and took care of myself. This newfound strength empowered me to face challenges with a more positive mindset.
Conclusion: Al-Anon has been a life-changing experience for me. It provided the support, knowledge, and tools I needed to navigate the challenges of having a loved one struggling with alcoholism. Through Al-Anon, I found a community that understood and accepted me, and I learned to take care of myself and develop resilience. Thanks to Al-Anon, I now feel stronger, happier, and more capable of facing whatever comes my way. You gottawanna stay positive, stay strong, and embrace the journey of life!