As We Understood - Al-Anon First Printing from 1985

As We Understood

A Collection of Spiritual Insights by

Al-Anon and Alateen Members

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1985

First Printing from May 1985

There is a bookplate sticker on the inside of the front cover which states: FIRST EDITION - Presented At Al-Anon's First International Convention - July 4, 1985 - Montreal, Quebec

Preface

What gives hope to Al-Anon members? Many have experienced situations that others would find unbearable, yet they develop strength and hope for the future. "I looked around me at group meetings and saw a few people as hurt and bitter and angry as I was," said one member, "but most were facing life as it came. They were able to accept what I thought were outrageous situations. And I wanted to learn how they did it."

"When I was told that alcoholism was a disease and I was powerless over it, I felt a surge of relief. I was relieved to know there was hope for me", said another. "Gradually, I began to understand that I was witnessing a spiritual growth that I read about in the literature. And one day, I realized that I was looking at the world with new eyes. Instead of seeking only misery and despair, I could see sunshine and happiness. I was making reasoned, conscious choices. Instead of reacting to every feel. ing, I stopped and examined my contribution to a particular situation. I tried to put myself in another person's position. I said the Serenity Prayer more often and learned to accept the fact that I did not have control over many situations in my life. But I was responsible for changing what I could."

This is how some members describe spiritual growth. Each Al-Anon and Alateen member has a different definition based on different experience. For many, spiritual growth has changed life dramatically. Another member shared, "Al-Anon has given me everything-the desire to live again, love for my fellow man, courage to face any difficult situation, the serenity it takes to accept certain realities and hope for the future."

This collection of sharings on spiritual growth gives us a unique opportunity to learn from the insights of others who have traveled similar paths. Each person's story demonstrates the growth he or she has found in the program. By reading about the spiritual experiences of others, we are given a distant image of what is concrete and life-transforming to those who make the Twelve Steps a part of their everyday lives.

It is only through applying what we learn that we can continue to grow spiritually and change our own lives.

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This book is in very good condition with minimal wear.

Please view all of the photos for the conditions.