I stepped into the rooms of Al-Anon broken and lost. Like many others, I was desperate to learn how to make my qualifier stop drinking. Little did I know, I was embarking on a journey of my own self-discovery. To my surprise, people were not sitting around venting and complaining about their alcoholic loved ones’ issues and behaviors. Instead, I was welcomed by loving people who only wanted to hear about ME. I instantly felt heard, understood, and accepted – something that I had not felt in a long time. It was the only place that I could go to get a breath of fresh air in my unmanageable life. So, I kept coming back.
Two and a half years in Al Anon has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. My life didn’t get easier, it just got better. Acceptance is key. I learned to put the focus on me. What is my part? What is within my control? And what isn’t? Chaos and insanity were no longer acceptable. By going to meetings, reading the literature, working the steps, and talking to my sponsors, I continue to learn every single day. My relationships are stronger, my days are much brighter, and I have grown to love myself.
There are so many gifts of the program. The longer I’m here, the more I collect, and hope to give back what I have been so fortunate enough to receive. There are lasting effects of alcoholism on my life, but as long as I let the understanding, love, and peace of the program grow in me one day at a time, I know that I can be the best version of myself.
With love and gratitude,
Taylor S. (May 2021)
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