CAL – Alateen Talks Back on: Slogans (Item # P-70)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. Slogans are reminders of choices. 2. I have 2 favorite lines from this booklet (that I almost forget was written by Alateen members because it was so wise!): From page 26: “I am happy today because: I have today to be happy in.” From page 23: “As I search with courage…

CAL – Alateen Talks Back on: Serenity (Item # P-69)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. Ahhh, put on some soothing music & light a candle because today I read about Serenity (and yes, that’s with a capital “S”)!  At the end of this booklet are ten questions for meeting topics on Serenity & the last one, “Is Serenity contagious?” really made me think.  I know I’ve…

CAL – Alateen Talks Back on: Acceptance (Item # P-68)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. If you want to see any poetry in Al-Anon, Alateen is the only place you’ll find it published.  Specifically, in a series of booklets called “Alateen Talks Back On…” that are compilations of prose, poetry, drawings, & sharings previously submitted to the Alateen Talk (no item #) newsletter. 2. Acceptance is many things,…

CAL – When I Got Busy, I Got Better (Item # P-78)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. What are the benefits of service?  Let me count the ways…  Or you can just let this booklet count ’em for you!  It’s 60 pages filled with stories from members regarding Step 12 (the carrying the message Step).  Beginning with addressing different types of fears, it eventually culminates with covering each of the 12 Traditions…

CAL – Living With Sobriety (Item # P-49)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. The subtitle of this booklet is “Another Beginning” not, as I had hoped, “My Happy Ending!”  At only 52 pages, it’s a quick read & covers topics such as: Accepting Changes, Courage, Resentments, Disappointments, Communication, & Happiness.  (I especially like that the topics of Love & Sex are under the Communication…

N. FL Spring Assembly 2014 – Day 2 of 3

Breaking news!  There’s a brand new booklet coming out soon: “Talk to Each Other – Resolving Conflicts Within Al-Anon” (item # S-73).  This is a service tool that will also be sold as a combo set as item # K-70 that will include 2012’s “Conflict Resolution – Wallet Card” (item # S-71) & 2013’s “Using…

CAL – Homeward Bound (Item # P-8)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This 48-page booklet was around only from 1993 to 2005 & was designed for newcomers that were introduced to Al-Anon through various treatment facilities.  Member sharings answer 10 frequently asked “What now?” questions about sobriety & making the transition to a 12-Step recovery program.  I’m glad Alateen sharings are also included…

CAL – Blueprint for Progress Original Version (Item # P-5)

This “Blueprint for Progress” (item # P-5) booklet (or more specifically a tool) for doing a 4th Step inventory came out in 1976.  Gradually, as time went on, it was felt that this original version didn’t go deep enough & I can see why – many of the questions can be answered with simple “yes”…

CAL – If Your Parents Drink Too Much… (Item # P-22)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This is the fourth item in the Alateen Newcomer Packet (item # K-18) & is a cartoon booklet.  Technically, it’s not categorized as an “Outreach” item, but I think it could be because it looks like the only thing in the entire packet (& our entire CAL catalog) that would appeal to…