To Old-Timers: A Letter from Lois

Dear Longtimers in Al‑Anon,

We older members of Al‑Anon play a very important role in our groups. By our attitudes and general bearing, we can prove to the new members that Al‑Anon really works. What we are affects the group for good or bad much more than what we say. Whether we like it or not, newcomers will judge Al‑Anon by what it has done for us.

Excerpt from Lois On “Letting Go” In Al-Anon Service. Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.

From Quicksand to Peace

Many years ago, I heard in a meeting, “You don’t have to go to every fight you’re invited to.” As a visual person, I always pictured a fancy invitation offered to me on a silver platter. Some days, I decline gracefully; other days, I scoop it up and react without thinking. Recently, when I was thinking about and praying for assistance from my Higher Power not to react or respond, a different visual came to mind. It was the image of quicksand. After my husband says something that triggers me, I see a patch of quicksand appear in front of me. Just as with the invitation, I have the choice to walk around the quicksand or jump in.

Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.