My journey with Al-Anon starts like many others who have shared their journey. I wanted to help the alcoholic in my life, but nothing I tried seemed to help! Surely, I could find the answers I needed at Al-Anon. At the first meeting, I did not hear much talk about how to help the alcoholic, instead I heard people talking about helping themselves. At the time, I did not think I needed help. I am not the alcoholic!
After 3 or 4 meetings, I realized that I needed as much help as my alcoholic. I was stressed, angry at everyone and everything, and I didn’t have a life. It didn’t happen immediately, but my life started to change as I attended meetings, read Al-Anon literature, and learned that I don’t have the control that I thought I did. With time, I became more happy than mad or sad. I learned to be open-minded, willing to consider things I would not have considered before. I spend more time taking care of myself. My spiritual, physical, and mental well-being are my top priority.
Although we haven’t met face to face for more than a year, I’ve attended more meetings than before! Seeing and hearing people from all over the country and the world has helped my journey. Speaker meetings, Day in Al-Anon, workshops, and others have all impacted my learning and progress. I look forward to seeing everyone face to face.
My life has changed and will continue to change. I’m grateful for Al-Anon.
Eric J. (September 2021)
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