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 them?
Step 12
3 H’s
Al-Anon has a lot of slogans and catch phrases to help us remember how to practice the program. For example, there are our “alphabet” reminders.
3 A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Action
3 C’s: didn’t Cause it, can’t Control or Cure it
3 G’s: Get off their back, Get out of the way, Get on with your life
Struggle with Self Will
In the later part of the 1980’s I came to Al-Anon depressed, hopeless, and having an internal war with myself about what to do regarding my husband’s alcohol and substance abuse and my failure to change him. I took this wonderful program to heart and learned I was fighting a losing battle. The only person I could change was me, and I did.