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 External link opens in new tab or windowHERE.


The following articles are reprinted from the April 2026 issue, with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.


Courage to see the Good


Some days, all I notice in my partner are the things that drive me crazy, even though he is sober. My nerves are on edge. It feels like the same tension repeating over and over. How do I interrupt this negative cycle?


It’s simple: I “Let It Begin with Me,” even though it feels awkward. I make a conscious effort to see and acknowledge something good in my husband. I look him in the eyes, and I express my appreciation, praising his character, complimenting him, and thanking him for his kindness toward me.


It’s easy to spot flaws, but in Al‑Anon I learn the skill of noticing the positives. It takes courage to push my ego out of the way. It takes courage to say it out loud, with kindness, to him. These challenges are not meant to break me. They are meant to help me grow and become the person I am meant to be—strong, loving, and gracious.


This change in my attitude can aid my marriage—and all my affairs—by making every relationship stronger, because I am becoming stronger. I am growing into a better person.

So, I find something positive and say it out loud. I practice kindness as I would with a fellow member or a newcomer—the way I would like my husband to be with me. “God, grant me the courage…”


By Chava

The Forum, April 2026

Turning Unmanageability into Creativity


I’ve been in Al‑Anon for five years. During this time, I attempted an intervention for my husband, which did not go well. After that, we separated, and now I am in the process of divorcing after 16 years of marriage.


Recently, it was brought to my attention that he is seeing someone and has introduced this new partner and her daughter to our children.


Instead of yelling at him and telling him how he is hurting our children—during an already hard season of losing the family dynamic they have always known and being bounced back and forth between two households, now adding in meeting a new girlfriend and her daughter—I simply asked my children how they felt.


By keeping the focus on myself and my kids, I haven’t escalated the situation. This approach has helped me avoid adding drama to a situation that is beyond my control. Instead, I try to create beauty and focus on what I can influence. Sewing has been a creative outlet I have used during this hard season of separation and divorce (when I got busy, I got better!).


For example, on one particularly hard night, when I was working on the problem rather than the program, I went home after work and spent five hours at my sewing machine. This resulted in a beautiful quilt for my daughter’s school auction. I call this “rage sewing.” Now, whenever I struggle with obsessive thinking, I know it’s time to start a new sewing project to redirect my energy.


Through these experiences, I have learned there is beauty in the struggle and hope and healing in the journey. I am grateful to Al‑Anon for helping me recognize the part I have played in the ongoing drama and showing me how I can do things differently now.


By Jaimee M.

The Forum, April 2026

An Open Heart and Mind


When I first came to Al‑Anon many, many years ago, I did not understand what the program was about. I felt a small sense of peace, but I ran away, which was typical of me, and I did not return for several years. When I returned about two years ago, my heart felt ready to receive the program, and I was desperate.


I have learned so much about myself, it’s unbelievable. Much of it I did not appreciate while I was learning it, but now I can see how each experience has shaped me.


    • I have learned to listen and wait before speaking, and now I understand why I’ve heard that everyone in an alcoholic/addict situation deserves and needs extra loving care. I never realized this until Al-Anon.
    • I get to focus my attention on what I can do, rather than what others should do. I can put my energy into my own recovery. This has been a wonderful advantage for me.
    • Allowing my Higher Power into my life and being willing to open my mind and my heart to what He has in store for me has proven to be extremely gratifying and such a positive force in my life.
    • Many of the tools, including the Serenity Prayer, have gotten me through some tough times. Slogans like “Easy Does It” remind me to take some time before I respond to tense situations. When I use slogans like this one, I usually respond in a manner that I am much happier with. I do not hurt people with my rash, rude comments as often as I used to.


I’ve learned in Al‑Anon that by working the External link opens in new tab or windowSteps with my Sponsor and staying honest with myself, I can lead a happy, healthy life regardless of what others choose to do with theirs. This does not mean I do not feel pain and sadness about my loved one’s choices. I now understand that those choices are theirs, not mine, and I love them anyway. I can demonstrate my love by staying out of the way and allowing their Higher Power to take care of them.


By Lisa P.

The Forum, April 2026