The Forum
The Forum is an international monthly publication of Al-Anon Family Groups, that offers help and hope for the families and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon and Alateen members share their challenges, insights, and progress along their path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The magazine also includes topics for discussion at meetings as well as news and information from Al-Anon's World Service Conference and World Service Office. To order your subscription click 
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The following articles are reprinted from the July 2026 issue, with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.
When Resentment Is a Signal
I have heard in the program that if I am full of resentment, it’s time to look at myself. I became tired of feeling angry and victimized. I sat with my anger long enough to realize that it was grief. Grief feels like many life situations are happening at once, and I can’t catch my breath. In those moments, Al‑Anon helps me hang on. It makes me aware that I need to pause and spend time renewing my spiritual practices. In Al‑Anon, I have a Sponsor and others to help me find light in darkness.
Here are a few things I do when I am sitting in victimhood, martyrdom, or resentment: First, I make a daily gratitude list. Sometimes I stop everything and say out loud something I am grateful for, or I jot a few things down. Gratitude is an antidote to resentment, victimhood, and depression. Next, I turn to a Power greater than myself (Good Orderly Direction) by reading, meditating, journaling, and immersing myself in recovery. Sometimes, I pull out every program book I own or old journals from my decade in Al‑Anon and review them. Other times, I sit quietly until an insight comes across my soul. In these moments, I forgive myself and allow myself to heal and recover.
By Christina C.
The Forum, July 2026
From Worry to Wonder
I have been a worrier since childhood, and I had reason to be. My mother developed rheumatoid arthritis at 35 and spent years in a wheelchair. My father drank too much beer and had mood swings that ranged from depression to rage. When I was 12, I somehow decided that if I ever stopped worrying, something terrible would happen. I didn’t know any better. I became the family’s resident worrier.
With my mom’s condition, a move to a bigger home, and the responsibility of seven kids, my father became abusive towards us, the older children. The fear and terror from those episodes stayed with me for years.
In my 20s, I thought I married my “knight in shining armor,” but I later discovered that he was someone who drank whiskey instead of beer. After leaving with my son and a few belongings, I came across Al‑Anon. At my first meeting, I realized I needed help. I found a wonderful Sponsor, started working the Steps, and began to rely on a Power greater than myself that I didn’t know how to describe.
It took lots of 24 hours to move from worry to faith, from fear to joy and laughter. Instead of dwelling on the past or dreading the future, I learned to live in today. My Higher Power showed me that wonders are always present when I practice gratitude, show kindness, and remain open to life’s gifts. Every time I embrace gratitude and kindness, I discover new blessings and lasting joy.
By Trish S.
The Forum, July 2026
I Put Myself First
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I never realized how deeply I was affected by growing up in an alcoholic family. However, attending Al‑Anon meetings slowly but surely taught me how to take care of myself. For a long time, I never put myself first, but in Al‑Anon, I learned that I have choices. I discovered that I can say no, let go of the rope rather than play tug-of-war, and not attend every argument I am invited to. After many years of taking care of everyone and everything, I am finally living my own life. I am so grateful to Al‑Anon.
My biggest discovery was learning to pause before reacting. I used to respond impulsively, but now I am gradually learning how to respond thoughtfully.
By Karen D.
The Forum, July 2026
If I Am Aware, I Am Responsible
Years ago, I decided to branch out and find an additional meeting to attend in the town where I lived. There were limited choices in this relatively small community, including a local meeting I attended occasionally. What I experienced was a meeting that had one member who served as both the sole keyholder and the contact with the facility where the meeting was held. Each week, “Jim” unlocked the building, set up the room, and chaired the meeting. Others showed up and faithfully waited for him to start the meeting and announce the topic. This meeting was even referred to as “Jim’s meeting” by local members.
I knew I had choices. It would have been easy to simply stop attending this meeting, but I thought of the reminder on page 85 of Hope for Today (B-27): “In Al-Anon I’ve heard that if I am aware, I am responsible.” I was never comfortable speaking up before I found Al-Anon, but the program has helped me find my voice. I had to get out of my comfort zone and take a risk if I wanted things to change.
After regularly attending this meeting for several weeks, I decided to “Let It Begin with Me” and asked whether the group would consider having a business meeting to discuss some things about how the meeting was run. The group agreed, and I shared about how, at other meetings that I attended, the group would pass around a calendar so that members could sign up to chair. Jim’s response: “That would be wonderful.” He hadn’t set out to control the meeting; it had simply fallen into a rut.
Moving forward, a calendar was circulated each week, and members began to rotate the job of chairing the meeting, signing up in advance, and selecting a topic. Over the next few months, the meeting took on new life, proving that “participation is the key to harmony.” Over time, the group tripled in size. I am grateful that in Al-Anon, through the Traditions and the principle of participation in Concept Four, I am encouraged to voice my concerns at business meetings. By practicing these principles, I discovered that when I find the courage to speak up, I can contribute meaningfully and sometimes even make a significant impact.
Members interested in finding out how groups conduct business meetings can find information in the section “Group Business and Health” on pages 46-49 of the 2026-2029 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P‑24/27).
By Margie S., Group Services Specialist
The Forum, July 2026