What are good consequences? Where does the fear of letting go come from? What are literature discussions like at the World Service Conference? Wendy shares, in part 1 of 4 of Episode 10, about using the slogans from Chapter 9 of " How Al-Anon Works " (B-22 for hardcover, eA-22 for the audiobook version , B-32 for softcover) as stepping stones to serenity and how serenity can eventually become a guiding force in our lives for making decisions. We also look closer at the slogan āLet it Begin With ...
Apr 18, 2017ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 10
Pat explains in Episode 9's last part, (#4), that of all the things she has tried, how Al-Anon is the only thing that truly helped. We discuss ways to enhance the " Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017 " magazine while using it for outreach purposes and she wraps up with a āLast Wordsā section about amends and Step Nine. Lastly, at this podcast show's website, www.calchatpodcast.com , I've attached a PDF of the 2017 magazine as *bonus content* so you can download it and see all the pages mentioned on t...
Mar 13, 2017ā¢14 minā¢Ep. 9
In part 3 of 4 (of Episode 9), Pat highlights sections from her favorite outreach piece of literature, the new " Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017 " magazine. Discover two things that were done on this edition that were a āfirstā in this magazineās history. We remember back to how we felt coming into our very first Al-Anon meeting and how desperation can be a gift! Lastly, at this podcast show's website, www.calchatpodcast.com , I've attached a PDF of the 2017 magazine as *bonus content* so you can ...
Mar 13, 2017ā¢14 minā¢Ep. 9
The conversation continues in Episode 9ās second part with Pat and her favorite page 199 (July 17th) from the daily reader " Courage To Change " (B-16). We explore more components that contribute to making it in recovery, which slogans have helped us out along the way, and how reading the literature can show that weāve changed. Also find out a few fun facts about " Courage To Change. " QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM PAT: "I forget how my life became unmanageable and I think itās easy to fall back into tha...
Mar 13, 2017ā¢14 minā¢Ep. 9
How can I get time back in my life? Are appointments needed to attend an Al-Anon meeting? How can I spot changes in myself? In part 1 of 4 of Episode 9, Pat shares how one particular sentence from page 199 (July 17th) from the daily reader " Courage To Change " (B-16) impacted her life. She breaks down some of the major components that are involved in her recovery, how this reading ties into the second part of Step One, and which roles she identifies with from the pamphlet " Alcoholism, A-Merry-...
Mar 13, 2017ā¢15 minā¢Ep. 9
In part 3 of 3 (of Episode 8), Alateen members share what they would like to say to Al-Anon members, and they directly address the teenager that is living with alcoholism that hasnāt been to an Alateen meeting yet. They explain how Alateen is like a family environment and that they donāt bite! The show wraps up with a unique āLast Wordsā section from a couple of Alateen group sponsors, where they cover the importance of hearing from Alateen members, how the Seventh Tradition is practiced from an...
Feb 01, 2017ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 8
The conversation continues in Episode 8ās second part with three more Alateen members talking about their favorite parts from " Courage To Be Me " (B-23), page 8 from the booklet " Alateen Talks Back On: Detachment " (P-73), and pages 268-269 (September 24th and 25th) from the daily reader " Living Today in Alateen " (B-26). They highlight a letter written to a parent, how they struggle with expectations of love, and how a member can eventually resemble the image on page 269 from " Living Today ...
Feb 01, 2017ā¢11 minā¢Ep. 8
How can I keep things simple? If my growth is like a tree, then what are my roots? What Alateen book can I bring to an Al-Anon meeting? In part 1 of 3 of this very special Episode 8, four Alateen members share what they like best about Alateen literature ā specifically the Alateen Talk newsletter (no item #), " Courage To Be Me " (B-23), page 26 (January 26th) from the daily reader " Alateen-a day at a time " (B-10), and pages 25-26 from the " Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017 " (P-24/27)...
Feb 01, 2017ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 8
In part 5 of 5 (of Episode 7), the conversation continues with Mark about Alateen outreach to Alcoholics Anonymous and how service has helped his program. He shares what moved him emotionally at his first Area Assembly meeting and how it was similar to a Newcomer meeting! You can click this link to find this book, " The Best of Public Outreach " (P-90), online and to see Al-Anonās TV public service announcements, visit: www.al-anon.org/media-kit/public-service-announcements . Lastly, the index I...
Jan 18, 2017ā¢14 minā¢Ep. 7
Markās favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the service tool " The Best of Public Outreach " (P-90) in Episode 7ās part 4 of 5. He shares how public outreach is what first got him into service in Al-Anon and calls out a āGetting Startedā section on page 7, as well as pages 12-19 for several lists of outreach ideas. He also explains how the workbook helped with a big outreach project he was involved with that was done in honor of Al-Anonās founder, Lois Wilson, and how pro...
Jan 18, 2017ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 7
In part 3 of 5 (of Episode 7) find out what two words I discovered are inter-related after creating an index for " Reaching For Personal Freedom " (P-92). (The index can be downloaded as *bonus content* at this podcast show's website, www.calchatpodcast.com . ) Mark also talks about how he used to be before he came into the Al-Anon program and explores what I call a ābig ticket item!ā QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...I think for me, personal freedom means mitigating fear in my life... minimizing i...
Jan 18, 2017ā¢10 minā¢Ep. 7
Freedom is specifically discussed with Mark in part 2 of 5 (of Episode 7) from the workbook " Reaching For Personal Freedom " (P-92). He compares this book to other Al-Anon workbooks, explains how it differs, and I reveal a surprise ā¦ Iāve created an index for this book! (It can be downloaded as *bonus content* at this podcast show's website, www.calchatpodcast.com . ) Also, find out what patterns I learned about the Legacies from creating an index! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...this workbook h...
Jan 18, 2017ā¢10 minā¢Ep. 7
What do I want to be free of? What exactly are character defects? Can Alateen outreach be done to AA members? In part 1 of 5 of Episode 7, Mark shares how he used the workbook " Reaching For Personal Freedom " (P-92) in studying the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts horizontally. He also highlights how a section on page 12 led to a spiritual awakening for him. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...thereās a difference between saying youāre powerless and then accepting powerlessness." LITERATURE MENTIONED...
Jan 18, 2017ā¢11 minā¢Ep. 7
In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 6), the conversation continues with Nancy about her favorite Alateen literature and how being an AMIAS (Al-Anon Member Involved In Alateen Service) is her way of giving back. She explains the requirements to become an Alateen Group Sponsor and shares an innovative way an Alateen Group Representative used the words in the index of " Alateen-a day at a time " (B-10). At this podcast show's website, www.calchatpodcast.com , I've attached a PDF document as *bonus content* ...
Dec 14, 2016ā¢16 minā¢Ep. 6
Nancyās pick of literature to use for outreach purposes is " How Al-Anon Works " (B-22 for hardcover, eA-22 for the audiobook version , eB-22 for the electronic version, and B-32 for softcover) in Episode 6ās part 3 of 4. She highlights the slogan āThinkā (page 71), āLoisā Storyā (pages 152-155), and how interesting it is to get the Al-Anon founderās point of view on the Twelve Steps (pages 155-160). We also talk about participating in a Meeting on Wheels and doing outreach at facilities using j...
Dec 14, 2016ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 6
Find out, in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 6), what " As We Understood " (B-11) was the first Conference Approved book to do in Al-Anonās history. We talk about misconceptions about the book and the goal of learning something every day no matter how small. Nancy shares how important choices are, dealing with change, and she answers one of the toughest questions Iāve asked so far! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM NANCY: "...this is where I learned that I had choices, when I came into the [Al-Anon] program..." LITE...
Dec 14, 2016ā¢11 minā¢Ep. 6
Can I fire my Higher Power? What is a "Meeting on Wheels?" What is not allowed in recovery literature when bringing it into jails? In part 1 of 4 of Episode 6, Nancy talks about her favorite book " As We Understood " (B-11) and shares how its positive uplifting take on our program has kept her using it. In particular, we discuss two prayers on pages 213 and 214 and how this book is different than a daily reader. We explore the spiritual (non-religious) nature of the program, what a Higher Power ...
Dec 14, 2016ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 6
In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 5), the conversation continues with Theresa about other Conference Approved Literature that is available for parents and how CAL is not like other self-help/recovery literature. Lastly, find out why her favorite outreach piece, " Parents of Alcoholics " (R-18), may not be around much longer! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...I bought every self-help bookā¦ until I walked into the rooms of Al-Anon. I never made it through one of the books!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED...
Nov 11, 2016ā¢6 minā¢Ep. 5
Theresaās favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the reprint " Parents of Alcoholics " (R-18) in Episode 5ās part 3 of 4. Itās only 12 pages, but so powerful! She shares the moment she hit her ābottomā and what brought her into the Al-Anon program. We also talk about being able to differentiate between helping versus enabling and what is one thing a parent can definitely do for their alcoholic child. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...our children come through us, not to us....
Nov 11, 2016ā¢14 minā¢Ep. 5
Chapter 13 from the book " Discovering Choices " (B-30) is the focus in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 5) where Theresa breaks down how service work (and especially the Concepts 4, 5, and 10) helped her grow in all areas of her life. She explains the benefits of having a Service Sponsor, how weāre never alone, and addresses the fear behind willingness. The conversation moves into the importance of failure and we discover a new way to look at the cover of the book! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...serv...
Nov 11, 2016ā¢15 minā¢Ep. 5
What is failure really about? How can I be ok with not being in control? What can help with delegating? In part 1 of 4 of Episode 5, Theresa focuses on chapters 1 and 9 from one of her favorite books " Discovering Choices " (B-30) and shares how, after coming in the Al-Anon program, reading the literature can start the recovery process. We also talk about the benefits of belonging to a CAL study group, setting different types of boundaries, how we use our nose and knees in recovery, and detachin...
Nov 11, 2016ā¢8 minā¢Ep. 5
The conversation with Jan continues in part 2 of 2 (of Episode 4) with her favorite piece of outreach literature, the leaflet/questionnaire: " Did You Grow Up With A Problem Drinker? " (S-25). This can be an eye-opening piece for people that realize they experienced the effects of alcoholism in their family, rather than just in their current relationship. We discuss ways it can be used for outreach, workshops, and as a barometer for our recovery progress. Find out what is like peanut butter and ...
Oct 07, 2016ā¢11 minā¢Ep. 4
How is alcoholism a disease of extremes? What does the term "Adult Child" mean? Am I trapped in a compulsive need? In Episode 4 (part 1 of 2), Jan talks about her favorite section, pages 14-15, from the book " From Survival to Recovery: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Home " (B-21). She shares which qualities of an Adult Child of an alcoholic that she identifies with, what a literature study group is like, and how this book can touch members of Alcoholics Anonymous too! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM JAN: "......
Oct 07, 2016ā¢15 minā¢Ep. 4
Outreach literature is the focus of this part 4 of 4 of Episode 3 where Cindy describes how she has creatively used the daily reader " Courage To Change " (B-16, B-17 for large print, eB-16 for the electronic version, and eA-16 for the audiobook version). We eventually move into talking about Alateen literature and how those pieces can flow into Al-Anon and vice-versa because itās all one program. Everything is available to be read by anybody! Lastly, listen to find out what page is possibly rea...
Sep 03, 2016ā¢16 minā¢Ep. 3
Part 3 of 4 (of Episode 3) on the " Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017 " (P-24/27) moves into discussion with Cindy about how childhood experiences can influence how we see perfection, the Warranties (especially nonresistance from page 224), and punitive actions. She also relates how Concepts 6 and 7 (from pages 193-194) have applied to her relationship with her children. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM CINDY: "When we're making progress, that is enough. " LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: " A...
Sep 03, 2016ā¢12 minā¢Ep. 3
The conversation continues (in part 2 of 4 of Episode 3) with Cindy and her favorite book, the " Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017 " (P-24/27). We explore pages 68-69 about moving forward, what progress realistically looks like, and how disagreements can actually be a good thing! Pages 229 and 235 are also highlighted from the Concepts Amendments section and how it reminded me of a ring being passed down in a family. Cindy shares about how this fellowship is an opportunity to belong to so...
Sep 03, 2016ā¢11 minā¢Ep. 3
How can I give the gift of dignity to the alcoholic? What page is possibly read the least in each daily reader? How can my inner child voice be heard in a different way? Episode 3 features a talk with Cindy about how the " Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017 " (P-24/27) has improved her life. In this part 1 of 4, we discuss the spiritual principle of anonymity (from pages 91-94), how it is not a rule book, that itās always evolving (much like our own recovery), and what it has in common wit...
Sep 03, 2016ā¢10 minā¢Ep. 3
Part 2 of 2 (of Episode 2) continues the conversation with BJ and her favorite piece of outreach literature, the " Detachment " (S-19) leaflet. We discuss detaching with love, being able to separate the disease from the alcoholic, and how Al-Anon is not a self -help program, but a we program! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM BJ: "I actually have this [Detachment] piece tattooed on the back of my eyelids!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: " Detachment " OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALA...
Aug 06, 2016ā¢10 minā¢Ep. 2
Why is Al-Anon not considered a self-help recovery program? How is detaching different than separating? Am I making my spirit sick? In part 1 of 2 (of Episode 2), BJ talks about her favorite reading, June 14th (pg 166), from the daily reader " One Day At A Time In Al-Anon " (B-6). She shares her definition of serenity and mentions other possible side effects from taking the medicine of recovery. A special *bonus material* hunt is involved with this particular pageā¦ Can you find it? Happy hunting...
Aug 06, 2016ā¢10 minā¢Ep. 2
This podcast is part 2 of 2 of Episode 1. The interview with Michael continues as he highlights his favorite parts from the Al-Anon Newcomer Packet (K-10) as outreach literature. He also shares his experience coming to his first Al-Anon meeting! We discuss the tendency to close ourselves off to literature that we think doesnāt apply to us and in the āLast Wordsā section, find out what Michael has in his life now more than heās ever had! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MICHAEL: "...Iām going through a whole...
Jul 02, 2016ā¢10 minā¢Ep. 1
