The Al-Anon program provides so many tools. There are slogans and steps, and new ways of approaching life’s troubles. Which ones do you use comfortably? Are there any you wish you had used, but didn’t remember to pick them up?

Marylou, Pat, and Kelly join me to talk about their favorite tools of the program, and how they have used those tools to enhance their recovery. Our conversation was guided by these questions:

  • Discussion points
  • What tool of the Al-Anon program is helpful to you today?
  • How is it helpful?
  • How do you use it?
  • What tools have you used? 
    • In what situation?
    • In response to what problem?
    • How did they help in that situation?
  • Do you have tools that you use with ease?
    • What are they?
    • How did you pack them in your toolkit?
  • What tools do you wish you could remember to use, but they aren’t yet familiar or comfortable for you? 
    • How might you remind yourself that they are available, so you might be able to use them next time you need them?

In our conversation, these tools were mentioned and discussed:

  • Daily readers – One Day at a Time in Al-Anon, Courage to Change, Hope for Today.
  • Slogans – “pocket change”, “live and let live”, “let go and let god”
  • Meditation
    • Can i stay “in the room” at least ½ the time?
    • Do I feel better when i finish?
    • Just checking in with myself — getting into the moment
    • Sitting with feelings
  • Meetings
  • Fellowship
  • Literature in general
  • Serenity Prayer – internal pause to connect with my Higher Power
  • “Just for Tonight” bookmark
  • Calling people
  • “This is what I want, this is what I need, this is what I feel, this is what I’ll do.”
  • Pause — is a tool for finding the right tool
  • Asking, “what is the percent likelihood of serenity if I do this thing?”
  • Meditation apps on phone
  • Help, thanks, wow” prayer concept
  • R.A.I.N  — recognize, accept, investigate, nurture (a tool from Tara Brock)
  • My sponsor!

Readings and Links

We read from Courage to Change, January 4.

Upcoming topics

I'd like to do another “holiday toolkit” episode, and for this, I need your help. What program tools help you to survive the holidays with (or without) your family? What mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical preparations do you make? What do you bring with you? Do you go to extra meetings? What readings help you to do more than just survive, but enjoy the holidays?

It's almost Thanksgiving. What are you grateful for today? This year?

Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecovery.show with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

2 comments on “Our Program Tools – 308

  1. JM says:

    Thank You Erick

  2. Cynthia says:

    I just started Alanon after living with a sister who’s an alcoholic and my ex-husband dying from drugs. I’ve taken my sister and her entire family in because of her addiction and her husband’s addiction out them and their 3 children in homeless situations. They have lived with me 3 times all together 4 different times and I’ve taken her children 3 times for 8 months at a time because of her neglect. My ex-husband had a drug addiction and I allowed him to live in my home 6 different times in 15 years. My whole life for the past 18 years has revolved around dealing with addicts because I thought I could fix them somehow. I’m now am learning I’m powerless to help them and I’ve only wasted a to of years doing the wrong thing. Alanon is helping me to regain some of my self-worth and accept who I am and helping me learn not only how to deal with my sister but also change my attitude about how I listen and communicate with everyone. Thank you for the podcasts. Today hear the woman talk about how she was determined not to go to meetings before the addicted person did really resonated with me. I, unfortunately, didn’t know there was a support group for family members I just thought there was AA. I’m finally finding peace with my life and learning I can’t fix everything but I can take care of myself. I look forward to the meetings but at work, I listen to your podcast while I work. It’s so helpful. Thank you and everyone who shares here. It help more than words can say.

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