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Courage to Change:

One of the most helpful tools I’ve found in Al-Anon is Conference Approved Literature (CAL). It took me a long time to be willing to open up to other people, but from my first meeting, this wonderful literature has helped me learn to replace a long-established, negative way of thinking with a new, healthier, more positive approach to life and to love. At first, I used it only when I was in pain. Now I start every day off on a positive note by reading some piece of CAL with breakfast.

It has been especially helpful to me to “Think” about what I read and condense it into a sentence or two. I write this sentence on a 3×5 card and carry it with me throughout the day. Whenever I remember, I take out my card and read it. You wouldn’t believe how many times it has brought a difficult situation into perspective, or offered me a different approach to a project or conversation I’m about to begin.

Today’s Reminder:

I have a wealth of information available to me which can help me grow ever freer from the effects of alcoholism on my thinking. Today I will make CAL a part of my routine by listening to a tape or by reading a pamphlet or chapter of a book.

“Daily reading of Al-Anon books and pamphlets opens our minds to the certainty of a better, more rewarding way of life.”
– This Is Al-Anon

From the book “Courage to Change”. Copyright Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1992